I still run Win 10

Do not manually uninstall Windows 10; first test the crashes in a clean-boot environment, then use Reset this PC → Cloud download only if the crashes persist and hardware checks do not identify a fault.

Since the troubleshooting already performed has not stopped the crashes, separate the problem into three parts: third-party software, hardware/driver instability, and the failed Windows 11 upgrade.

1. Test for a software conflict

A clean boot temporarily disables non-Microsoft services and startup programs, which is particularly useful for isolating software that interferes with a game. ^1^

1. Press Start, type msconfig, and open System Configuration.
2. Select Services.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services first—this is important.
4. Select Disable all, then Apply.
5. Open Startup → Open Task Manager.
6. Record the enabled startup items, then disable each one.
7. Restart the PC and test Steam/the affected game long enough to reproduce the crash.

Interpret the result:

• No crash: Re-enable half the disabled services and startup items at a time, restarting and retesting after each change. Continue dividing the group until the conflicting program is identified.
• Crash continues: The available evidence does not establish a third-party software conflict. Return to msconfig, choose Normal startup, and continue below.

2. Repair Windows, then check hardware and drivers

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands in order:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
sfc /scannow
chkdsk C: /f

Allow DISM and SFC to finish completely. chkdsk will normally ask to schedule the scan; enter Y, restart, and do not interrupt it. Microsoft specifies running DISM before SFC because DISM provides the components SFC uses for repairs. ^2^

Then:

• Open Device Manager and look for devices with a yellow warning symbol.
• Obtain graphics, chipset, and storage-controller drivers from the PC or component manufacturer rather than relying only on Steam.
• If Windows itself freezes, restarts, or crashes outside Steam—or still fails after a clean boot—a physical inspection of the storage, memory, temperatures, power supply, and other hardware is appropriate. Reinstalling Windows will not repair defective hardware.

3. Identify why Windows 11 fails

Run PC Health Check, select Check now, and record the exact eligibility result. It reports whether the computer meets Windows 11 requirements and what requirement is preventing eligibility. An upgrade may also be delayed by a compatibility safeguard involving an app or driver. ^3^

Also open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View update history and note the complete upgrade error code. Examples include:

• 0xC1900101...: commonly associated with a driver problem.
• 0xC1900200 or 0xC1900202: the PC might not meet minimum requirements.
• 0xC1900208: an incompatible application may be blocking setup.
• 0x80073712: a required update file may be damaged or missing. ^4^

Do not bypass Windows 11 hardware requirements until the eligibility result and exact installation error are known.

4. Reinstall Windows 10 if diagnostics do not resolve it

Back up important files and application data first. If device encryption or BitLocker is enabled, save the recovery key before proceeding.

Go to:

Start → Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC → Get started

Choose:

• Keep my files: reinstalls Windows but preserves personal files; installed applications and settings are removed.
• Remove everything: removes personal files, applications, and settings. Use this only after confirming the backup.
• Cloud download: preferable when local Windows installation files might be damaged because it downloads a fresh copy.
• Local reinstall: uses files already on the PC. ^5^

Do not force a shutdown if the screen remains black during the reset; Microsoft notes that this can last more than 15 minutes and that interrupting it can cause the reset to fail.

If a cloud reset fails, the next option is installation media or manufacturer recovery media. A clean installation removes everything, while manufacturer media may include the hardware-specific drivers and factory applications required by that PC. ^6^

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so a Windows 11-compatible system should ultimately be upgraded after the instability and upgrade blocker are identified. ^3^

References

1. How to perform a clean boot in Windows
2. Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files | Microsoft Support
3. How to use the PC Health Check app | Microsoft Support
4. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/get-help-with-windows-upgrade-and-installation-errors)
5. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/backup-recovery/reset-your-pc#reset-options)
6. Recovery options in Windows | Microsoft Support