How to install Windows 11; error 0xc0e90002 during installation attempt #0xc0e90002

Question

How to install Windows 11; error 0xc0e90002 during installation attempt #0xc0e90002

Paul Bat 5

Hello.I am trying to install Windows 11 on a Lenovo X13 Gen 1. I created the installation media using the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, but the installation attempt fails with error 0xc0e90002. I created a second USB drive using Rufus (to rule out a faulty drive) with an ISO image downloaded from the Microsoft website, but I still get error 0xc0e90002.I tried toggling Secure Boot in the BIOS (enabled vs. disabled), but neither option helps. I cleared the key list, reset the BIOS to default settings, and updated the BIOS to the latest version. Nothing works; I cannot restore the system. I swapped the drive—the drive itself works fine in another computer—but the error persists. I managed to boot a live version of Ubuntu, but I need Windows. F8 don't work. I’ve run out of ideas. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Best regards.

Screen

#0xc0e90002

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3 answers

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Answer 1

Abhishek U 170

Hello @Paul Bat

The error 0xc0e90002 during Windows 11 installation usually points to a hardware compatibility or firmware/driver mismatch rather than a bad USB stick.
Here are some things that you could try.

In BIOS, confirm TPM 2.0 is enabled (sometimes listed as “Security Chip” or “Intel PTT”).
Secure Boot can stay enabled, but if toggling didn’t help, leave it at default.
Ensure the USB installer is booting in UEFI mode, not Legacy/CSM.
In BIOS, disable Legacy Support/CSM entirely.

Also Windows 11 requires GPT partition for UEFI boot.

If your drive is MBR, reformat it to GPT.

Try this let us know if this works.

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Answer 2

Paul Bat 5

I’ve posted pics of the BIOS settings below. The flash drive is set up correctly, and the partition is formatted. An error appears, or—after selecting the flash drive containing the Windows image—it just returns to the BIOS. Booting from the flash drive doesn't start. I’ve also tried different USB ports.

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Answer 3

Thomas4-N 22,380 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Paul Bat,

Thanks for the screenshots. Your BIOS already shows UEFI Only, CSM disabled, and TPM 2.0 enabled. Since Windows Setup never opens, changing the internal drive to GPT is not the next step.

Could you check whether the same Recovery screen appears with the installation USB removed? Also, does either Windows installation USB reach the first Setup screen on another PC? That will help establish whether the screen is coming from the existing Windows installation or the USB boot attempt.

Thomas4-N 22,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-26T10:36:28.9566667+00:00

Hello Paul Bat,

Just check in to see how things are going. Let me know if you need anything.
Paul Bat 5 Reputation points

2026-09-28T18:31:55.42+00:00

Hello @Thomas4-N
I’ve installed Windows on other Lenovo models—including the X280, X390, and other X13 units—and they all work fine.

I swapped the drive from a working X13 into the non-working X13, but the system won't boot and displays the error shown in the screenshot. It is the drive from the non-working X13 that is being used for the installation. When I press "Enter" or "F8," I just end up back at the same screen, regardless of whether a USB drive is plugged in.
Thomas4-N 22,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-30T07:06:23.57+00:00

Hello Paul Bat,

Thanks for the update. The 0xc0e90002 Recovery screen appears even without the USB, so it does not show that Windows Setup started. I also noted that the drive from a working X13 does not boot in this X13.

Your screenshot shows Network Boot: USB HDD, but not the separate Startup > Boot list. Could you check whether the Windows installer USB appears in that list and whether Restart > OS Optimized Defaults is enabled?

If the USB is missing from the boot list, that gives us a specific boot-selection issue to investigate. If it appears there and those settings are already correct, I would stop changing the drive or repeating the BIOS resets and run the X13’s Lenovo diagnostics next.
Thomas4-N 22,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-01T14:15:55.1366667+00:00

Hello Paul Bat,

Just check in to see how things are going. Let me know if you need anything.