We couldn't install Windows 11

Brent D 0 Reputation points
2025-08-12T01:32:26.8733333+00:00

Currently running Windows 10 Pro. (64 Bit)

My workstation hardware meets all Windows 11 requirements.

Downloaded the Windows 11 update (ISO) from: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11 , however EVERY time I run setup.exe it fails with the following error message:

windows_10_to_11_update_error

Things I have tried (over the last 12 days of attempts to update):

  • Uninstalled Norton and other virus / malware software (only Windows defender left running)
  • Followed all recommended action(s) regarding the error codes shown in the screen snapshot to no avail.
  • Checked and repaired system disk (no errors reported)
  • Ran DISM utility as per knowledge base recommendations (no problems).
  • Tried using the Windows Installer Assistant - same result - the upgrade fails and reverts back to Windows 10.
  • Took my machine in to a Microsoft A+ accredited computer shop - the technician was unable to get the update to complete successfully (glad it was not just me).

The C:$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setuperr.log is included below:

setuperr.log

If someone has any insights as to what or why the upgrade is failing, I would appreciate any advice on how to upgrade successfully.

Thanks in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update
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4 answers

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  1. Emmanuel Santana 23,025 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-12T02:19:10.5366667+00:00

    Hello. Based on your logs, here’s why the upgrade is failing:

    Critical Windows migration DLLs aren’t loading.

    You’ve got tons of entries like:

    LoadLibraryExW(C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\NewOS\Windows\system32\CscMig.dll) failed, hr=0x8007007f  
    LoadLibraryExW(C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\NewOS\Windows\system32\WSManMigrationPlugin.dll) failed, hr=0x8007007f
    

    IIS leftovers are also getting in the way.

    This one keeps popping up:

    IIS APPPOOL\DefaultAppPool → NetUserGetLocalGroups failed 0x000008AD
    

    Some user profiles and registry keys are messed up.

    Stuff like:

    ApplyUserRegWithFilter::InstallLayoutOrTipUserReg failed for (...), user: S-1-5-21-...
    

    The networking stack and other services aren't migrating cleanly either.

    You’ve got errors like:

    WinsockMig: Upgrade of NSPs is now disabled when in offline mode  
    Bridge key presence query failed
    

    These errors suggest deep systemic corruption, not just a single bad driver or missing file. In this state, even DISM and SFC can't repair the damage.

    Easiest fix? Wipe the drive and do a clean installation of Windows 11 using a USB stick. Don’t bother with the upgrade, it’s just not going to work reliably.

    I get that you might be trying to keep stuff intact, and there are a few things you could try to work around it. But honestly, even if you managed to force the upgrade through, you’d probably run into all kinds of problems down the line. I wouldn’t trust this install on Windows 11 in the long run.

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  2. Ramesh Srinivasan 164.5K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-12T02:46:41.12+00:00

    Please share your Farbar scan logs for analysis.

    • Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 64-bit FRST64.exe
    • If the OS language is not English, rename FRST64.exe to FRST64English.exe.
    • Run the program. Don't check or uncheck any options. Click "Scan".
    • Add the two logs, FRST.txt and Addition.txt, to a zip archive.
    • Share the zip file on OneDrive or GoFile.io, and post the link here.

    Note: If Microsoft Edge or Chrome mislabels the Farbar Scanner executable as PUA/malware, choose to keep it by tapping … in the bottom bar, choosing Keep, and then choosing Keep anyway in the dialog that appears. See this screenshot. It's a safe tool used in most antimalware forums.


  3. Docs 16,711 Reputation points
    2025-08-12T09:26:37.3833333+00:00

    Microsoft: 40017

    Windows 10 upgrade failed after the second reboot.

    This is caused by a faulty driver.

    For example: antivirus filter drivers or encryption drivers.

    .

    .

    Please share these results for troubleshooting:

    .

    .

    1)V2 log collector:

    https://www.tenforums.com/bsod-crashes-debugging/2198-bsod-posting-instructions.html

    .

    .

    2)tuneup_plus

    https://www.tenforums.com/attachments/bsod-crashes-debugging/360137d1645183388-batch-files-use-bsod-debugging-tuneup_plus_log.bat

    https://www.tenforums.com/bsod-crashes-debugging/162488-batch-files-use-bsod-debugging-2.html#post2177966

    .

    .

    3)upgrade_failure_info

    https://www.tenforums.com/attachments/bsod-crashes-debugging/353454d1638278360-batch-files-use-bsod-debugging-upgrade_failure_info.bat

    https://www.tenforums.com/bsod-crashes-debugging/162488-batch-files-use-bsod-debugging-2.html#post2067853

    https://www.tenforums.com/bsod-crashes-debugging/162488-batch-files-use-bsod-debugging.html#Part3

    .

    .

    4)Open administrative command prompt and copy and paste:

    fltmc

    schtasks.exe /Run /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser"

    reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators" /s

    dism /online /get-drivers /format:table >c:\drivers.txt

    Post share links.

    .

    .

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  4. Ramesh Srinivasan 164.5K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-12T15:40:33.0533333+00:00

    Please run the fixlist below.

    • Download fixlist.txt
    • Save Fixlist.txt to the same folder as FRST64.exe.
    • Close all programs.
    • Launch the Farbar Scanner tool and click "Fix".
    • Restart Windows when prompted.
    • Upload the output log file (FixLog.txt) to your OneDrive.

    NOTE: The fixlist.txt script was written specifically for this user and for use on that particular machine. It is not recommended to run it on another machine, and don't run the same fixlist.txt more than once.

    The fixlist removes some old drivers, runs a drivers assessment, and refreshes the compatibility assessment.


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