If you encounter error 0xc1900208 during a Windows 10 upgrade, resolve it by: 1. Uninstalling incompatible apps. 2. Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. 3. Repairing system files using DISM and SFC. 4. Resetting Windows Update components. 5. Performing a clean boot to isolate software conflicts.

If you encounter error 0xc1900208 during a Windows 10 upgrade, it typically indicates a compatibility issue with installed apps or system settings. Here's how to resolve it:

The operating environment of this tutorial: Dell XPS 13, Windows 10 Home

1. Uninstall Incompatible Applications

Some third-party applications, especially security software or outdated utilities, can block the upgrade process by modifying system files or registry entries that Windows Update relies on.

• Press Windows I to open Settings, then go to Apps > Apps & features.
• Look for recently installed programs, antivirus tools, or virtualization software (e.g., older versions of McAfee, Norton, or VirtualBox).
• Select each potentially incompatible app and click Uninstall, following the prompts to remove them completely.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

This built-in tool automatically detects and fixes common issues that prevent updates from installing correctly, including corrupted update components or misconfigured services.

• Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Select Windows Update from the list and click "Run the troubleshooter".
• Follow the on-screen instructions and allow the tool to apply recommended fixes if any are found.

3. Clean Up System Files Using DISM and SFC

Corrupted system files or a damaged component store can trigger error 0xc1900208. The Deployment Imaging Service and Management (DISM) tool repairs the Windows image, while System File Checker (SFC) restores protected system files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for cmd, right-clicking it, and choosing "Run as administrator".
• Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete (may take 10–20 minutes).
• After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow to verify and repair system files.
• Restart your computer and attempt the upgrade again.

4. Reset Windows Update Components

Stale or misconfigured update components such as the Software Distribution folder or BITS service can interfere with the upgrade process. Resetting these elements forces Windows to rebuild them cleanly.

• Stop the Windows Update and BITS services by entering the following commands in an elevated Command Prompt:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop bits
• Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder by typing:
  rd /s /q %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution
• Re-register update-related DLLs using:
  regsvr32 wuapi.dll
  regsvr32 wups.dll
• Restart the services:
  net start wuauserv
  net start bits

5. Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate Conflicts

Background processes and startup items from third-party software may silently interfere with the upgrade. A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and programs, helping identify such conflicts.

• Press Windows R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services", then click "Disable all".
• Go to the Startup tab and click "Open Task Manager". Disable all startup items listed there.
• Restart the computer and try running the Windows 10 upgrade again.

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