How to fix
0xC19000101 – 0x30018 error
on Windows

I can't upgrade Windows for a while now. All I'm getting is an error code 0xC19000101 - 0x30018 when trying. Is there anything I could do to fix this? Help would be much appreciated.

Windows is an operating system that is constantly improved by Microsoft, as new features, bug fixes, software vulnerability patches, and other advances are introduced. These versions of Windows 10 are commonly marked under a particular code, such as 20H2 or 1909. Previously, these codes were also accompanied by another title, such as "Anniversary update" or " Fall Creators update."[ref en-3]

Each time when Windows jumps from one of these major versions to another, it typically takes much longer than just installing regular Tuesday patches. In most cases, the transition is smooth - all users have to do is restart their computers and see the new implementations right away.

However, it is a well-known fact that not everything goes smoothly for everybody when it comes to Windows updates.[ref en-2] Users sometimes get caught in an endless reboot loop or end up damaging vital Windows functions. This time, we are talking about the failure of installing the updates, namely, how many reported receiving 0xC19000101 - 0x30018 installation error when upgrading Windows to the newer version.

Users who encountered the error code xC19000101 - 0x30018 said that the installation fails with it after hours of trying to install the update. Luckily, not everyone has to wait that long to know that the installation is not going anywhere. Most people said that they also got the "Undoing changes" notification before receiving the following message:

We couldn't install Windows 10
We've set your PC back to the way it was right before you started installing Windows 10.

0xC19000101 - 0x30018
The installation failed in the FIRST_BOOT phase with an error during SYSREP_SPECIALIZE operation.

We have an indication that the installation failed during the FIRST_BOOT phase, although this does not explain much to the user. In fact, this error might be related to bad disk sectors, insufficient space on the disk, system file corruption, bad Windows installation, or even failing RAM.[ref en-1]

 Since there are many different reasons for this issue, you will have to perform several troubleshooting procedures in order to come to the root cause, which would allow you to fix xC19000101 - 0x30018 error. Alternatively, if you are not that PC savvy and are bothered by this or any other Windows problem, we highly recommend you try the automatic repair option with [d1].

Other error codes from the same family that show up under similar circumstances include:

• 0xC1900101 - 0x4000D
• 0xC1900101 - 0x20017
• 0xC1900101 - 0x4001E, etc.

And now, let's jump into the solutions for xC19000101 - 0x30018 error.

Fix 1. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

• Right-lick on Start and pick Settings
• Go to Update & security section

  

• On the left, select Troubleshoot
• You should see all the troubleshooters listed on the left (if not, click Additional troubleshooters)
• Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

  

Fix 2. Ensure you have enough space

You might receive upgrade errors if your hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) does not have enough space on it. Here are the requirements for modern Windows systems:

• For Windows 32-bit version, you will need at least 20 GB of free space.
• For Windows 64-bit version, you will need at least 32 GB of free space.

It is worth noting that the size of Windows update varies. Nonetheless, your space is running out, use automatic junk cleaners such as [d1] or employ the built-in Disk Cleanup function:

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter
• Select your main drive (C: by default)
• Select appropriate fields (Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.,) and press OK

  

• Note that you could also pick Clean up system files to reclaim additional space (although keep in mind that, for example, by deleting Windows update files, you won't be able to revert the OS to its previous version).

Fix 3. Fix corrupted Windows system files

Command Prompt is a panel that allows users to run otherwise unavailable commands. Here's what you should do in order to fix damaged system files with System File Checker:

• Type in cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
• In the new window, paste in the following command:

  sfc /scannow

  

• Now hit Enter and wait till the scan finishes - Windows will explain whether it managed to find system file integrity violations and whether it managed to fix them
• Reboot your PC.

If SFC was unable to fix the cornuted files, you can employ the DISM tool:

• Open Command Prompt as Admin once again
• Type in the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 4. Check your disk for errors

• Press Win + E to open File Explorer
• Go to This PC (left side)
• Right-click on your main drive (C: by default) and select Properties

  

• Go to Tools tab
• Under Error checking, click Check

  

• Now select Scan drive and wait till the operation is finished.

Fix 5. Check your RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

It might be that your RAM is failing, so you should check whether it is the case by using Windows memory Diagnostic Tool:

• Type in Memory Diagnostic Tool in Windows search and press Enter
• Once the new window shows up, click Restart now and check for problems (recommended)

  

• Note that this will reboot your PC immediately so ensure your work is saved so you won't lose it.

Fix 6. Reset Windows Update components

• Open Command Prompt (administrator) as explained in the 3rd solution
• Type in the following commands, pressing Enter after each of them:

  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
  ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
  

  

• Reboot your computer and try upgrading once again.

Fix 7. Use Media Creation Tool

If all the above solutions did not provide you with an error code xC19000101 - 0x30018 fix, we recommend installing the newest Windows version manually. Here's how:

• Download Windows 10 installation media from the official Microsoft website.
• Double-click the installer to launch it.
• Agree to Terms and pick Next.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and select Next

  

• Windows will begin the download process of the appropriate update
• Proceed with on-screen instructions to finalize the process
• Once done, double-click the Ready to install option.