How to fix
SAFE_OS phase error during REPLICATE_OC operation
on Windows

Hi, I have been trying to update Windows for more than six months now, to no avail. Whenever I try, I always receive an error code 0x8007001F - 0x20006 "The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during REPLICATE_OC operation." It would be great if you could provide some solutions to this. Thanks.

Microsoft operates Windows as a service, which means that users can expect to get constant updates. Usually, these updates are shipped every second Tuesday of every month; they improve stability and performance, fix bugs, improve UI[ref en-1] elements, add new features, and patch security vulnerabilities.

However, every six months or so (this might vary in some cases), Microsoft releases a new version, which includes much bigger changes. Since the release of Windows 10 back in 2015, there have been 12 upgrades provided.[ref en-2] At the time of the writing, the newest update version is 21H1.

Not all users are able to proceed with implementing the newest Windows version, however. Some users reported that they could not upgrade the operating system for months or even years, thanks to the errors that occur during this process.

"The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during REPLICATE_OC operation" is just one of many errors that might prevent users from installing the newest updates or newest Windows version. The error message is also typically accompanied by an error code 0x8007001F - 0x2000.

In most cases, the reason for this error to show up during the Windows update is incorrect settings to certain OS components. Disabled services might also be a major contributor. In some cases, updating your drivers[ref en-3] might help you solve the issue.

Users have encountered similar errors that include one of the following messages:

• The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during INSTALL_UPDATES operation
• The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during APPLY_IMAGE operation
• The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during SET_PRODUCT_KEY operation
• The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation, etc.

These are also often accompanied by different error codes, including 0xc1900101, 0x8007025D, or 0x8007001F. Regardless of which version you have encountered, we recommend you check the solutions for the problem below. Before you proceed, we strongly recommend you scan your device with the [d1] repair tool, as it could automatically fix most common Windows errors, BSODs, registry issues, and much more.

Fix 1. Run Windows update troubleshooter

Whenever you have problems with Windows updates, you should always start by using the built-in troubleshooter.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search
• Select Additional troubleshooters
• Find Windows Update from the list
• Click it and select Run the troubleshooter

  

• Wait till the scan is finished and apply all the suggested fixes.

Fix 2. Update your drivers

Drivers are crucial for any Windows operating system to operate well. Make sure that all your drivers are up to date. To do that in a most efficient way, you can pick an automatic driver updater [rev id="Driverfix"]; alternatively, you would have to visit each of your hardware component manufacturer websites and find the latest driver versions. Alternatively, you can also try using Device Manager, although this method does not always guarantee that the newest drivers can be located by the tool:

• Right-click on Start and pick Device Manager
• Expand the section you want to update, e.g., Display adapters
• Right-click on the device, and select Update driver
• Pick Search automatically for drivers

  

• Once done, restart your system.

Fix 3. Make relevant services start automatically

• Type Services in Windows search and hit Enter
• Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and double-click it
• Under Startup type, select Automatic and press Start
• Finish with Apply and OK

  

• Now do the same with Windows Update Service and Cryptographic Service.

Fix 4. Reset Windows update components

If the above solution did not help you, try to restart Windows update components via Command Prompt:

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes
• Copy and paste each of the following commands, pressing Enter every time:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc

  

• Press Win + E to open File explorer
• Navigate to the following locations and delete all the contents (make sure hidden files are visible):
  C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2
  C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution
• Go back to Command Prompt and use the following commands:
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc
• Once done, reboot your system.

Fix 5. Check your RAM

You can check system memory with Windows Memory Diagnostic:

• Type Windows Memory Diagnostic in Windows search and hit Enter
• Once the new window opens, select Restart now and check for problems (recommended)

  

• Your PC will restart and results reported.

Another way people managed to fix SAFE_OS phase during REPLICATE_OC operation error is by simply removing and inserting the RAM sticks into their slots. Note that this is only possible if you have a desktop computer.

Fix 6. Try Media Creation Tool

• Download the installer from the official Microsoft website
• Launch it, agree to terms and click Next
• From the available options, select Upgrade this PC now and click Next

  

• Wait till all the files are downloaded
• Your computer will reboot several times.

Fix 7. Reset your PC

You can reset Windows with ease - you won't lose any personal files (however, it is advisable to make a backup of your important data). Before you proceed, disconnect all the external devices apart from mouse and keyboard.

• Right-click on Start and click Settings
• Go to Updates & Security section
• Select Recovery on the left
• Under Reset this PC, click the Get started button
• Pick Keep my files and Cloud download

  

• Proceed with on-screen instructions.