Windows 10 common problems and how to fix them.
With 110 million people having now taken the plunge to Windows 10, Microsoft is betting it's new and improved operating system will be the experience we've been waiting for since Windows 7 released in July of 2009. With it's hybrid UI, slick new features like Cortana, and revamped windows apps like Edge, Windows 10 is a great system for those looking to move to the latest and greatest. For all this praise upgrading to Windows 10 is still something of a hassle for millions who are looking to upgrade.
System Requirements
First, check out Microsoft's system requirements for Windows 10 which can be found here. Although the requirements are for the most part expected some will find a shock with the amount of space Windows 10 will eat up on your drive. At a whopping 16-20GB depending on your version, you'll need to add a 2-4GB buffer, especially if you're using the Microsoft Download Tool. Otherwise simply having 1-2GB or RAM, and a valid copy of Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 and a solid internet connection will generally fill out the rest of the requirements.
To be sure that the version you're running, along with hardware and software are compatible be sure to check out Microsoft's Windows 10 compatibility tool which can be found in the Win 10 upgrade flag on your notification tray. Simply right click the icon to bring up the "Check your upgrade status", and on the following pop-up click the hamburger menu (looks like a stack of three lines) and then click "Check my PC". This will give you the low down on what problems might block you from having a successful upgrade.
Windows 10 "Something Happened" Error
As descriptions go, this one can drive any IT professional mad. A fairly common error, this infamous "something happened" can be fixed with a tool distributed by Microsoft called the Windows Upgrade Troubleshooter. If you feel like getting your hands dirty or the Windows Troubleshooter didn't work there's a great thread on answers.microsoft that has assisted me in clearing this issue as well.
"Couldn't Complete Changes" Error
Another headache some have experienced is the dreaded "We couldn't complete the updates. Undoing changes. Don't turn off your computer." Or "Failure configuring Windows Updates. Reverting changes."
As with most generic error messages, this can complicate troubleshooting exactly what went wrong. With that being said try navigating to Control Panel, All Control Panel Items\Windows Updates\View Update History. Then simply click the Failed Updates item to view the specific details of what happened. Armed with this knowledge you'll be free to follow a fix from there depending on what exactly failed.
"The update isn't applicable to your computer"
As we saw in the system requirements you must be running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 in order to make the jump. If you're someone who has turned of auto updates you may need to take some time to fully update your current OS before Microsoft will let you make the switch.
As well, your version will need to be genuine. If not, you may end up seeing this as well. If you're not sure what version of windows you're currently running simply open the RUN task and enter Winver. This will fill you in on what you're currently using. If you begin the process and you're not running a compatible setup then you'll likely see the following error codes which indicate the same: 0xC1900200 – 0x20008 and 0xC1900202 – 0x20008.
The error code 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C means that an app installed is blocking the upgrade from progressing. The quickest and easiest way around this problem is simply uninstall the offending application. After the upgrade you can attempt to reinstall, but you may see that it does not preform as intended within Windows 10. With more support and development, Windows 10 is becoming more compatible with more applications every day, so don't be disparaged if this happens to you.
Upgrade Failed due to Reboot or User Sign Out
error code 0x80200056, means that the upgrade process failed due to the computer accidentally rebooting or the user account that update was preforming from was signed out. An easy enough fix, simply try to upgrade again, but make sure the computer is plugged in securely to stay on throughout the process.
Updates Forever Error
The most prolific error I've seen with Windows 10 upgrades doesn't have an error at all. It simply updates, and updates, and updates, and updates... Luckily, Microsoft has released a Windows 10 Media Creation Tool that works very well. Simply download the tool, run it with admin privileges and follow the on screen prompts.
I've used the tool multiple times and haven't had it fail me once. Using this is a great backup option. Before using this tool you'll want to ensure that Windows 10 isn't upgrading already, so start from a power cycle state or ensure that the update components are stopped or restarted. To do so simply run a command prompt and type net stop bits, net stop wuauserv, net stop appidsvc, and net stop cryptsvc. Then restart them by doing the same with the exception of substituing start where you previously typed start. (For example net start bits, etc)
Upgrade until you can't upgrade anymore
That covers this short tips and tricks article. I hope the information presented helps you if you encounter some of these problems. With any new operating system Windows 10 has had it's share of bugs, glitches, and oddball moments but for all reports seems to be a very robust and flexible system.
You should expect to continue to have issues while Microsoft puts the polish on, but with a little bit of techno elbow grease and know how you'll be able to upgrade yourself, your friends and family, and maybe even the office luddite.
Made the switch? Had any problems? Feel free to let me know below!