How to fix
“Can’t create files” error
on Windows

So I untempted to update Windows using Windows Installation Assistant but I got the "Can't create files. Please check if you have permissions to write to the installation folder" error. Maybe somebody could help me to update properly?

Encountering the error message, "Can't create files. Please check if you have permission to write to the installation folder," during the Windows Installation Assistant process can be a significant obstacle for users attempting to upgrade their operating system. This specific error has been reported by users in various contexts, including during upgrades to Windows 11. The error suggests that the Installation Assistant is unable to create necessary files in the designated installation directory due to permission issues.

In a discussion on the Microsoft Community forums, a user reported this exact error when trying to update to Windows 11. Despite having administrative privileges, the user encountered the same error message "Can't create files," indicating that the problem might not solely be related to user permissions.

A response in the thread suggested that the error could be due to locked-down internet zone settings, such as active scripting restrictions. The recommendation was to create a new local administrator account to bypass these settings and proceed with the installation.

This insight highlights that, beyond file permission issues, security settings related to internet zones and scripting may also play a role in triggering this error. Therefore, the solution may involve changing some of these settings or even creating a new administrator account to work your way around the restrictions.

Since this is a complicating issue, it may take one or several steps to fix. If you receive a "Can't create files" error when running the Windows Installation Assistant, then you might just get an effective fix from one of the options that follow.

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Fix 1. Run the Installation Assistant as administrator

The Windows Installation Assistant may require elevated privileges to create necessary files in the installation directory. Running the tool as an administrator ensures it has full access to system folders, preventing permission-related issues.

• Visit the official Windows 11 Installation Assistant page.
• Under Windows 11 Installation Assistant, click Download Now.
• Right-click on the downloaded file and select Run as administrator.
• Confirm any user account control (UAC) prompts that appear.
• Restart the installation process and check if the error persists.

Fix 2. Create a new local administrator account

User settings and permissions might be restricting the Installation Assistant from creating files. A new local administrator account ensures that the process runs in a fresh environment without interference from existing configurations.

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to Accounts then Family/Family & other users.
• Under Other users, click Add account/Add someone else to this PC.
• Follow the prompts to create a new user account. If you don't have Microsoft account details, you can choose I don't have this person's sign-in information followed by Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Assign a username and password for the new account and complete the setup.
• Then go back to the Accounts section. Under Family/Family & other users, select the newly created account and click Change account type.
• Under Account type, pick Administrator and click OK.

Fix 3. Adjust internet zone settings

Some users have reported that security settings related to internet zones may prevent the Installation Assistant from running properly. Modifying these settings can help remove unnecessary restrictions.

• Type Internet options in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Navigate to the Security tab.
• Select Internet zone and click Custom level.
• Scroll down to Scripting and ensure Active Scripting is enabled.
• Click Ok and apply changes.
• Restart the computer and try running the Installation Assistant again.

Fix 4. Disable third-party antivirus software

Security programs can mistakenly block the Windows Installation Assistant from writing files to system folders. Temporarily disabling antivirus software can help determine if this is causing the issue.

• Open the antivirus program installed on your system.
• Locate the real-time protection or shield settings.
• Disable the protection.
• Run the Installation Assistant again and check if the error persists.
• If successful, add the tool to the antivirus exclusion list before enabling protection again.

Fix 5. Delete temporary installation files

Corrupt or incomplete installation files from a previous update attempt might interfere with the current installation. Deleting these files ensures the Installation Assistant starts with a clean slate.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type %temp% and press Enter.
• Delete all files inside the temp folder (and clear Recycle bin after).

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on the Command Prompt result and select Run as administrator.
• At this point, you should be asked by UAC (User Account Control) if you want to allow changes - click Yes.
• In the new window, use the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  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
• When these commands are executed, the last thing to do is to re-enable relevant services:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Reboot your system.

Fix 6. Use the Windows ISO file

If the Installation Assistant continues to fail, using the official Windows ISO file provides an alternative way to upgrade the system without encountering the same restrictions.

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media (Windows 11 version).
• Double-click the installer, select Yes when UAC shows up, and agree to the terms.
• Select the ISO file and click Next, then follow the instructions to finish the process.
• Right-click on ISO and click Mount.
• Open the location of the ISO, right-click on it, and select Mount.
• Launch the installer.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
• Windows will start downloading the needed files.
• Agree to the terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, ensure you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click the Change what to keep option).
• Finally, click Install to begin the upgrade process.