Try this in order:
- Restart the PC and try the install again.
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and select Run.
- Check free disk space:
- Windows needs at least 16 GB free for a 32-bit OS or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS to upgrade.
- Disconnect nonessential external hardware:
- Unplug USB drives, printers, scanners, speakers, external hard drives, and similar devices.
- If using a laptop dock, undock it.
- Install all current Windows updates before retrying the upgrade.
- Temporarily uninstall non-Microsoft antivirus software:
- Go to Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features.
- Select the antivirus app and choose Uninstall.
- This can interfere with Windows 11 installation.
- Uninstall nonessential older software from Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features.
- If setup stops because of background apps, perform a clean boot and try again.
- If Windows Update still does not offer or complete the install, check whether the device is actually ready for Windows 11:
- In some cases, a PC meets requirements but the upgrade is not ready yet, or there is a compatibility hold.
- Use the PC Health Check app to verify hardware compatibility.
If an error code appears, the next step depends on that code. Common examples from Microsoft:
- 0x800F0923: incompatible driver or software.
- 0x800F0922: VPN/update server connection issue or not enough space in the System Reserved partition.
- 0x8007001F: disconnect external devices, try Safe Mode, and make sure drivers are up to date.
- 0x8007042B 0x4000D: another background process is interfering; use a clean boot.
- 0xC1900101: driver problem; remove third-party antivirus, disconnect peripherals, and update drivers.
If Windows Update says the PC meets requirements but the upgrade is not being installed yet, that can mean the rollout is still being staged or there is a known compatibility issue. In that case, waiting or using the Windows 11 installation media/ISO is an alternative path.
- Ways to install Windows 11 | Microsoft Support
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/get-help-with-windows-upgrade-and-installation-errors)
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/troubleshoot-problems-updating-windows#most-common-windows-update-problems)
- Windows 11 system requirements met, but it doesn’t download for installation - Microsoft Q&A I ran a systems check and am told that my pc can run Windows 11 but it never downloads to install. I only get this message "Your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. Specific timing for when it will be offered can vary as we get it ready for you."