Windows could not complete the installation to install windows

Это первая часть очередной истории о том, как можно наступить на грабли, там, где обычно этого не ожидаешь. Началось всё с того, что для очередного развёртывания нескольких однотипных виртуальных машин Hyper-V с гостевой ОС Windows Server 2012 R2 был подготовлен эталонный образ виртуального диска с установленной ОС. В эталонный образ были включены все актуальные обновления, после чего для уменьшения размера диска был применён метод очистки хранилища компонент Windows в каталоге WinSxS, а логический том системного диска по своему объему был усечён таким образом, что на нём оставалось около 5GB свободного пространства. Перед отключением ВМ в эталонной гостевой ОС по законам жанра была выполнена утилита sysprep. В дальнейшем с этого образа было успешно развёрнуто несколько ВМ, имеющих конфигурацию ВМ, сопоставимую с эталонной ВМ. Спустя некоторое время после всей этой истории с пониманием того, что ранее несколько развёртываний с образа прошли успешно, была предпринята попытка развернуть ещё пару ВМ с этого же образа.

К нашему удивлению при первом же запуске новой ВМ гостевая ОС отказалась загружаться с сообщением об ошибке «Windows Setup could not configure Windows to run onthis computer’s hardware» на этапе первичной инициализации.

Аналогичная ситуация повторилась и на второй новой ВМ, которую мы попытались развернуть с этого же образа. Попытка повторного перезапуска на обеих ВМ привела к другому сообщению об ошибке «Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer restart the installation«

Далее после нажатия кнопки «OK» система отправлялась в перезагрузку и при следующей загрузке ситуация со второй ошибкой повторялась.

В попытках понять суть происходящего, в момент возникновения последней ошибки (не нажимая кнопки «OK» в окне сообщения об ошибке) жмём волшебную комбинацию клавиш Shift+F10 и попадаем в окно командной строки, выполняемое в контексте прав Администратора. Выполняем листинг содержимого файлов на системном диске C: …

dir C: /a

…и обнаруживаем, что свободного места на диске практически нет. При этом размер файла подкачки pagefile.sys, размещаемого по умолчанию в корне этого диска имеет внушительный размер.

И здесь мы вспоминаем про то, что предыдущие успешные развёртывания с данного образа виртуального диска выполнялись на виртуальные машины, имеющие небольшой объём ОЗУ, а последние две ВМ, где мы столкнулись с проблемой, при создании были сконфигурированы на использование большого объема ОЗУ. И предположительно, причиной невозможности корректной первичной инициализации системы стал раздутый файл подкачки.

В такой ситуации можно попробовать умерить аппетиты гостевой ОС на расширение файла подкачки, установив на время ограниченный максимальный размер файла. Для этого из уже открытой командной строки можем вызвать апплет управления свойствами системы sysdm.cpl. В открывшейся форме переходим на закладку управления расширенными настройками Advanced и в блоке Performance нажимаем кнопку Settings. В дополнительно открывшейся форме переходим на вкладку Advanced и в разделе Virtual memory используем кнопку Change чтобы изменить параметры файла подкачки. 

Отключим используемое по умолчанию автоматическое определение размера файла подкачки, укажем первичный и максимально допустимый размеры файла через опцию Custom size (например, от 512MB, но не больше 2GB) и нажмём Set, затем OK.

Теперь можно попробовать перезагрузить виртуальную машину, и при следующей загрузке гостевой ОС свободного места на системном диске должно быть достаточно для нормальной первичной инициализации системы. В нашем случае одна из ВМ загрузилась успешно, а вторая ВМ, не смотря на доступность места на диске продолжила выдавать ошибку «Windows could not complete the installation…«. Вероятно, в процессе первого запуска ОС с наличием проблемы с нехваткой свободного места на диске с механизмом OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience) что-то пошло не так.

На фоне сообщения об ошибке жмём уже знакомую комбинацию клавиш Shift+F10 и, попав в командную строку, перемещаемся в каталог C:WindowsSystem32oobe , где выполняем ручной запуск утилиты msoobe.exe

cd /d C:WindowsSystem32oobe
msoobe.exe

В случае успешного вызова этой утилиты перед нами должно появиться стандартное окно первичной настройки параметров системы, которое появляется при первом запуске ранее sysprep-нутой системы.

После того, как определим языковые параметры, и на следующих двух экранах примем лицензионное соглашение и укажем учётные данные администратора, мастер первичной инициализации закроется и мы снова вернёмся на первоначальный чёрный экран с открытой командной строкой, в которой вызовем команду штатной перезагрузки гостевой системы:

shutdown /r /t 0

В нашем случае после перезагрузки гостевая система успешно загрузилась.

Если ранее установили небольшой фиксированный файл подкачки, то не забываем его вернуть обратно в автоматический режим, либо указываем другой устраивающий нас размер.

Делаем вывод, что если нам заранее известно то, что внутри шаблонного виртуального диска на системном томе гостевой ОС немного свободного места, то перед первым запуском ВМ лучше установить минимальный объём ОЗУ, исходя из которого система не будет пытаться создать файл подкачки большого размера. А уже после окончания процесса первичной инициализации можно будет увеличить размер ОЗУ ВМ до нужного объёма. Ну или же при создании эталонного диска можно устанавливать небольшой фиксированный размер файла подкачки, который, возможно, потребуется после первичной инициализации новой гостевой ОС, выставлять обратно в автоматический режим либо увеличивать под свои нужды.

С другой стороны, если Вам критична стабильность и предсказуемость работы развёрнутой из шаблона гостевой ОС и Вы испытали проблемы в ходе первичной инициализации OOBE, то лучше пытаться выполнять развёртывание повторно до тех пор, пока оно не отработает штатно. То есть лучше безжалостно удалять виртуальный диск, где первичная инициализация ОС прошла с ошибками и цеплять шаблонный диск к новой ВМ повторно для получения нужного результата. В противном случае с такой «кое-как взлетевшей» системой может случиться ещё несколько историй в духе «О сколько нам открытий чудных …». Одной из таких дивных историй я поделюсь в следующей заметке.

Fix Windows Could Not Complete The Installation. To Install Windows On This Computer, Restart The Installation: If you are facing this error then it means you are using Audit Mode to install Windows which is the main cause of this error. When Windows boots for the very first time then either it can boot to Windows Welcome Mode or Audit Mode.

What is Audit Mode?

Audit Mode is a network-enabled environment where a user can add customizations to Windows images. Whenever Windows starts it shows you a Welcome screen immediately after installation, however one can skip this Welcome screen and boot directly to audit mode instead. In short Audit Mode allows you to boot directly to Desktop after Windows installation.

Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on
this computer, restart the installation.

Also, the main issue in this error is that you’re stuck in a Reboot loop and that’s why it’s more annoying. Now you know about Audit Mode and Welcome Mode it’s time how to fix this error, so without wasting any time let’s see how to Install Windows when in Audit Mode.

Method 1: Run Automatic Repair

1. Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD and restart your PC.

2. When prompted to Press any key to boot from CD or DVD, press any key to continue.

3. Select your language preferences, and click Next. Click Repair your computer in the bottom-left.

4. On choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.

5. On Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced option.

6. On the Advanced options screen, click Automatic Repair or Startup Repair.

7. Wait till the Windows Automatic/Startup Repairs complete.

8. Restart and you have successfully Fix Windows Could Not Complete The Installation Error.

Method 2: Enable Administrator Account

1. On the error screen press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

2. Type the following command and hit Enter: MMC

3. Next click File > Add/Remove Snap-in.

4. Select Computer Management and then double-click on it.

5. In the new window that opens select Local computer and then click Finish followed by OK.

6. Then double-click Computer Management (Local) > System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users > Administrator.

7. Make sure to Uncheck the “Account is disabled” option and click OK.

8. Next, right-click on the Administrator then select Set Password and set a strong password to get started.

9. Finally, close everything and restart your PC. After the restart, you may be able to Fix Windows Could Not Complete The Installation.

Method 3: Start Account Creation Wizard

1. Again open the Command Prompt on the error screen by pressing Shift + F10.

2. Type the following command and hit Enter: cd C:windowssystem32oobe

3. Again type “msoobe” (without quotes) and hit Enter.

4. The above will start the user account creation wizard, so create a generic account and it’s password.

Note: Keep your product key ready as sometimes it is required. If it asks for OEM/No then simply hit finish.

5. Once done hit Finish and close everything. Restart your PC you may have successfully fix Windows Could Not Complete The Installation. To Install Windows On This Computer, Restart The Installation.

Method 4: Change Password Requirements

This error tends to pop-up when in Audit Mode and the computer has just been joined to a domain. The error is caused by password requirements added to the local security policy. This typically includes a minimum password length and password complexity.

1. Open the Command prompt on the error screen.

2. Type the following the command and hit Enter: secpol.msc

3. Navigate to Account Policies > Password Policy.

4. Now change “Minimum password length” to 0 and disable “Password must meet complexity requirements.“

5. Apply the changes and then exit the Security Policy console.

6. Click OK on the error message to reboot your PC.

Method 5: Registry Fix

1. On the same error screen press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

2. Type the following command and hit Enter: regedit

3. Now in the Registry Editor navigate to the following key: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatus

4.Adjust the following values if they don’t match the following:

Note: To change the value of the below keys double click on them and then enter the new value.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusAuditBoot                                              Value: 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusChildCompletionsetup.exe               Value: 3
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusChildCompletionaudit.exe                Value: 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusSysprepStatusCleanupState             Value: 2
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusSysprepStatusGeneralizationState  Value: 7
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusUnattendPassesauditSystem            Value: 0

5. After a Reboot the Audit Mode is disabled and Windows starts regularly – in the Out of Box Experience mode.

Method 6: Disable Audit Mode

Running Sysprep command each time resets Windows licensing the state to default. So if your Windows is activated and you run this command, you’ll need to reactivate Windows after executing this command.

1. Open Command Prompt on the error screen.

2. Type the following command in the cmd and hit Enter: sysprep /oobe /generalize

3. This will disable the Audit Mode.

4. Close everything and reboot your PC normally.

5. If you’re still facing this issue then again open cmd.

6. Type the following command and hit Enter: regedit

7. Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSetupState

8. Highlight State Registry key, then right-click on ImageState in the right window pane and click on Delete.

9. Once you deleted the string, close everything and restart your PC.

Recommended for you:

• Fix The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error
• Enable Dark Theme for every Application in Windows 10
• How to create empty files from the command prompt (cmd)
• Fix you don’t have permission to save in this location

That’s it you have successfully Fix Windows Could Not Complete The Installation Error but if you still have any queries regarding this guide then please feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.

If you’re encountering the error message Windows could not complete the installation on your Windows 11/10 computer, then this post is intended to help you. In this post, we will identify the possible causes, as well as provide the most appropriate solutions you can try to help you remediate this issue.

When you encounter this issue. you’ll receive the following full error message;

Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation.

You can encounter this issue when a fresh Windows installation is interrupted before a user account is created. This error may also occur when upgrading from Windows 7/8.1/10 to Windows 10/10 or upgrading Windows 11/10 to a newer version/build. In some cases, you may encounter this issue when you try to reset Windows 11/10 as reported by some users.

However, this error essentially means you are using Audit Mode to install Windows which is the main cause of this error. When Windows boots for the very first time then either it can boot to OOBE or Audit Mode.

If you’re faced with this issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

1. Run Automatic Startup Repair
2. Enable Administrator Account
3. Start Account Creation Wizard
4. Change Password Requirements
5. Modify some registry key values
6. Disable Audit Mode

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Run Automatic Startup Repair

As you’re receiving the error message Windows could not complete the installation after/during updating/upgrading Windows 10, you can try running Automatic Startup Repair and see if the issue will be resolved.

2] Enable Administrator Account

Do the following:

• On the error screen press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
• Type mmc and hit Enter.
• In the window that opens, click File > Add/Remove Snap-in.
• Select Computer Management and then double-click on it.
• In the new window that opens select Local computer.
• Click Finish.
• Click OK.
• Then double-click Computer Management (Local) > System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users > Administrator.
• Make sure to uncheck the Account is disabled option.
• Click OK.
• Next, right-click on the Administrator then select Set Password and set a strong password to get started.

You can now exit MMC console and restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved or not. If the latter is the case, continue with the next solution.

3] Start Account Creation Wizard

Do the following:

• Again open the Command Prompt on the error screen by pressing Shift + F10 key combination.
• Type the directory path below and hit Enter.

cd C:windowssystem32oobe

• Next, type msoobe  and hit Enter.

The above will start the user account creation wizard, so create a generic account and it’s password. Your Product Key might be required here.

• Once done hit Finish, exit everything and restart your PC.

On boot, check if the Windows could not complete the installation issue is resolved. Else, proceed with the next solution.

4] Change Password Requirements

If you’re in Audit Mode and the computer has just been joined to a domain, you’ll receive the Windows could not complete the installation error. The error is caused by password requirements added to the local security policy. This typically includes a minimum password length and password complexity.

To change password requirements, do the following:

• On the error screen press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
• Type secpol.msc and hit Enter.
• Navigate to Account Policies > Password Policy.
• Now change Minimum password length to 0 and disable Password must meet complexity requirements option.
• Apply the changes and then exit the Security Policy console.
• Click OK on the error message to reboot your PC.

If the issue persists, try the next solution.

5] Modify some registry key values

Do the following:

• On the error screen press Shift + F10 key combo to open Command Prompt.
• Type regedit and hit Enter.

In the registry editor windows that opens, navigate or jump to the registry key path below and on the right pane double-click on the following registry keys one after the other and modify the Value data field accordingly:

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatus

Audit: 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusChildCompletion

setup.exe: 3

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusChildCompletion

audit.exe: 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusSysprepStatus

CleanupState: 2

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusSysprepStatus

GeneralizationState: 7

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMSetupStatusUnattendPasses

auditSystem: 0

Once done, reboot your PC and the Audit Mode will be disabled and Windows 10 will start normally and boot into the Out of Box Experience mode.

6] Disable Audit Mode

Do the following:

• On the error screen press Shift + F10 key combo to open Command Prompt.
• Type the command below and hit Enter.

sysprep /oobe /generalize

This will disable the Audit Mode.

• Now exit CMD prompt and reboot your PC normally.

The Windows could not complete the installation issue should be resolved. However, If you’re still facing this issue then again open CMD prompt and do the following:

• Type regedit and hit Enter.
• Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSetupState

• At the location, in the right pane, right-click the ImageState entry and select Delete.
• Exit CMD prompt and restart your PC.

Hope this helps!

Have you ever gotten stuck with the Windows installation error Windows could not complete the installation when updating your operating system? This post will give you 5 ways to solve the error when Windows 10 installation has failed. Just try them one by one to get rid of the issue to use PC properly, especially try MiniTool software. 

Phenomenon

Nowadays, more and more computer users say that they have been troubled by the following Windows 10 installation error “Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation.” This error shows up when they want to boot their computer after updating the operating system. 

However, they don’t know how to fix the issue when Windows could not complete the installation after updating to Windows 10, so they ask for help on the Internet.

If you have the same problem, you have come into the right place now because this article will give you five solutions to fix the issue when Windows creates this database of configuration settings during installation.

In particular, the fifth method is the most effective and reliable one.

Now, we will introduce the methods one by one to fix the Windows installation failure after update.

Quick Video Guide:

Case 1: Windows Could Not Complete the Installation

Fix#1. Using Automatic Repair

If you have received an error message that says Windows 10 could not complete the installation after updating your operating system, you can try using Automatic Repair to solve Windows 10 installation error. 

Step 1: Start your PC. Just as Windows attempts to load, press the Power button to turn it off immediately. Do this operation two or three times.

Step 2: On the third time, you can see a message that says “Preparing Automatic Repair”, then you can click “Advanced options” to repair your PC.

Step 3: You need to click “Troubleshoot”> “Reset this PC”> “Keep my files”.

Step 4: You need to choose one account and input your password to continue.

Step 5: Next, you need to click «Cancel» button. Then click «Continue» button to exit and continue to Windows 10 Home.

After that, you can try to restart your computer and check whether the issue Windows cannot complete the installation has been fixed.

Fix#2. Enable Administrator Account

The second method of solving error “Windows could not complete the installation Windows 10 Shift 10 not working” is to enable administrator account. You can try using it to fix Windows 10 installation problem.

Step 1: On the error screen, you can press “Shift” key and “F10” key together to launch Command Prompt.

Step 2: Then, type the MMC command and hit “Enter” to continue.

Step 3: In the main interface, you need to click “File” and choose “Add/Remove Snap-in” to continue.

Step 4: In the following popup window, choose “Computer Management” and double-click it.

Step 5: In the next window, you need to check the “Local computer: (the computer this console is running on)” and click “Finish” to continue.

Step 6: Then click “OK” to continue to the next step.

Step 7: After returning to the main interface, you need to click “Computer Management (Local)”> “System Tools”> “Local Users and Groups”> “Users”> “Administrator” to continue.

Step 8: Then you can open the following interface by double-click “Administrator”. After that, you need to make sure that the option “Account is disabled” is unchecked. Then click “OK” to continue.

Step 9: Next, right-click “Administrator” and choose “Set Password”. You need to set a strong password to get started.

Step 10: All steps have been finished. Now, you can restart your computer and check whether the error Windows could not complete the installation Shift 10 not working is solved.

“This method has helped me to solve Windows 10 installation failed issue. And this article is very useful.”Click to Tweet

Fix#3. Change Password Requirement

If above solutions are not effectively to solving the error “Windows could not complete the installation”, you can try changing password to solve Windows 10 installation error.

Step 1: You still need to open the Command Prompt by pressing “Shift’ and “F10” keys together on the error screen. 

Step 2: Then you can input the secpol.msc command and hit «Enter» to continue.

Step 3: After that, you will see a popup window. Thus, you need to unfold “Account Policy” and choose “Password Policy”.

Step 4: You can see “Minimum password length” on the right side. You need to right-click on it, choose «Properties», and change the “Security Setting” to 0 characters. Then apply it and click “OK” to continue.

Step 5: Make sure that the “Password must meet complexity requirements” is disabled by right-clicking it, choosing “Properties” and apply it. Then click “OK” to continue.

Step 6: Then reboot your computer to check whether the Windows 10 installation failure is solved.

Fix#4. Run Account Creation Wizard

Now, we will introduce the fourth method to solve “Windows could not complete the installation Windows 10”. Of course, if the above methods are not working, you can try to use this one.

Step 1: You need to press “Shift” key and “F10” key together on the error screen to launch the Command Prompt.

Step 2: Then type the following command and hit “Enter” to continue.

CD C:windowssystem32oobe

Step 3: Then input msoobe command and hit “Enter” to continue.

Step 4: Then you will see a popup window. You need to make a generic account and password. On this popup window, then click ‘Finish” button to finish the process.

Step 5: Now, you can reboot your computer and check whether the error “Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation.” is solved.

Fix#5. Restore to Different Computer

If none of above methods work, you can use the fifth solution which is to restore to different computer. As a matter of fact, this solution is effective and thousands of users have successfully solved the problem by using it.

Now, we will introduce how to restore to different computer step by step with pictures. 

To restore to different computer, you need the help of a piece of third-party software. Fortunately, MiniTool Software Limited can provide you with such a kind of software, which is MiniTool ShadowMaker.

The Windows 10 backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker has been the first choice of thousands of computer users, because it is a type of professional backup software that provides various backup services with its multiple functions, such as files backup, system backup, disk backup and so on.

Besides backup feature, it even can help you to clone hard drive and clone OS from HDD to SSD.

Before introducing how to restore to different computer, you can download MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial which can be used for 30 days without any fees from the following button or purchase an advanced one.

Free Download

After you have successfully installed the free backup software, you can try restoring to different computer based on following instructions.

The precondition of restoring to different computer is that you have created a system image on a normal computer in advance by using MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Therefore, in order to solve Windows 10 installation problem, you need to install and run MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial on a normal computer and create a system image on it since your computer can’t boot due to the error “Windows could not complete the installation Windows 10”.

Thus, the following article is useful for you to create a system image.

How to Back up Windows to Safeguard Your Computer? Try MiniTool!

In addition, a bootable media is necessary since your computer can’t boot normally. As a matter of fact, you can use MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial to create it.

Therefore, you need to know how to create the bootable media and how to boot your computer from it. You can take the following two articles as a reference.

• How to Build Boot CD/DVD Discs and Boot Flash drive with Bootable Media Builder?
• How to Boot From MiniTool Bootable CD/DVD Discs or Flash Drive?

Then we will show you how to solve the error of Windows 10 installation has failed through restoring to different computer step by step.

Step 1: Connect the hard drive to your computer and enter MiniTool Recovery Environment. Go to the Restore interface and click “Add Backup” to add system image to the backup list. Then choose it and click “Restore” to continue.

Step 2: In the popup window, you need to choose the backup version and click “Next” to continue.

Step 3: Next, you need to choose volumes to restore from the selected backup files. Please ensure that the mbr and Track 0 should be ticked for a successful boot. Then click “Next” to continue.

Step 4: You need to choose a target disk and click “Next” to continue.

Step 5: The free backup software will begin the restoration process, so you need to wait patiently.

Step 6: After the restoration process is finished, you may find your computer still can’t boot normally. The reason is that the operating system is incompatible with your computer. Thus you need to boot your computer from the bootable media and go to “Tools” to choose “Universal Restore” to fix this problem.  

Step 7: Then this free backup software can automatically list the operating system on the left pane and you need to click “RESTORE” button to continue.

Step 8: After a while, the restore process should be completed. Then you can exit MiniTool Recovery Environment and set your computer to boot from hard drive. Then you can check whether your computer can boot successfully.

“I tried to use MiniTool ShadowMaker to create a system image and restore it to my computer to fix Window could not complete the installation issue. And the result is successful.”Click to Tweet

Case 2: Windows 10 Installation Has Failed

When installing the operating system, you may come across the error Windows 10 installation has failed. This error may occur in the middle of the installation.

So, in the following section, we will show you how to fix the error that Windows 10 installation has failed.

Fix 1. Check Whether Your Computer Meets the Minimum Requirements

In order to install Windows 10 on your computer, you need to check whether your computer meets the minimum requirement. So, you need to check the following parameters.

• RAM:1GB for 32 bit and 2GB for 64 bit
• Hard disk space:16 GB for 32 bit and 20 GB for 64 bit
• CPU:1GHz or faster
• Screen resolution:800 x 600
• Graphics:Microsoft DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
• Internet access

If your computer cannot meet the above requirements, you may come across the error that Windows 10 installation has failed.

Fix 2. Clear Certain Attributes of the Installation Folder

Now, here is the tutorial.

1. Boot your computer from Windows 10 installation media as usual and navigate to the last screen.
2. Minimize the installer and open File Explorer by opening a folder and navigate to C drive.
3. Then select the $WINDOWS.~BT folder.
4. Right-click on the problematic folder and click the Properties option from the context menu. Stay in General tab and locate the Attribute section at the bottom. Uncheck the option Read-Only and System and click Apply to save the changes.

When it is finished, check whether the error that Windows 10 installation has failed is fixed.

Fix 3. Rebuild BCD

In order to fix the error that Windows 10 installation has failed, you may try rebuilding BCD. To rebuild BCD, you can read the post: Step-by-Step Guide to Repair and Fix MBR Windows 7/8/8.1/10 to learn some more detailed solutions.

Fix 4. Run the Installation in Clean Boot

If you come across the error Windows 10 installation has failed, you can choose to install Windows 10 in Clean Boot.

Now, here is the tutorial.

1. Open Run dialog.
2. Type msconfig in the box and click OK to continue.
3. In the popup window, go to the General Then check Selective startup and uncheck the option Load startup items.
4. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
5. Go to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager and disable all unnecessary items.

After that, check whether the error that Windows 10 installation has failed is solved.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, we have introduced five ways to solve Window 10 installation issue “Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation.” There is no doubt that each method has its advantage. We think the fifth way to solve Windows installation issue is more effective and more reliable.

Now, it is your turn to have a try. Of course, if you have any better solution to Windows 10 installation failed issue, you can share it on the comment zone. Or if you have any problem with MiniTool ShadowMaker, you can contact us via the email [email protected].

Neil Mahaseth

Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation.

If you happen to receive the persistent «Windows could not complete the installation» error and system reboot loop over and over, you’re probably trying to install Windows 7/Windows 10 x64 operating system, or perhaps the fresh Windows installation is interrupted before a user account is created. Nevertheless, take it easy, you’re definitely not alone. On this page, we provided you with three simple solutions, all of which are tested with good results by real users.

Fix 1. Automatic Repair

If click OK does not help resume the system installation, let the Windows Automatic Repair work on this problem intelligently.

Step 1. Power on and off your computer three times. 
Step 2. On the third time, your computer will prompt «Preparing Automatic Repair» and boot into the «Advanced Recovery» environment.
Step 3. Click «Advanced Options». 
Step 4. Click «Troubleshoot». 

Step 5. Click «Reset this PC». 
Step 6. Click «Keep my files» and then click «Cancel» because you don’t need to reset your computer.
Step 7. Choose your account, enter your password and finally click Continue. 
Step 8. Click Reset.

Over 60% of the victims resolved the «Windows could not complete the installation» issue perfectly by running the Automatic Repair and successfully finished the installation. Some were got stuck at another problem of Windows Automatic Repair loop, but this linking post finally helps them overcome the trouble in the middle of troubleshooting.

Fix 2. Shift + F10 Repair

As we’ve explained in the second paragraph, one of the causes of the incomplete Windows installation is from an interrupted Windows installation before a user account is created. So, you need to run the account creation wizard to make it all right.

Step 1. On the error screen, press Shift + F10 to display the command prompt.
Step 2. Type the command «cd %windir%/system32/oobe/» (without quotes) and press Enter.
Step 3. Type «msoobe» next and press Enter.
Step 4. Set up an account and decent password there on the user account creation wizard that appears.
Step 5. Restart your computer.

Files would be very likely to lose after changing the user account, if there are files on the drive you want to recover, download EaseUS free data recovery software and try an instant recovery.

Fix 3. System Transfer 

Things would be much easier if you have a system backup at hand. Try to restore the previous version of Windows which doesn’t necessarily ask you for a troublesome fresh install. However, unfortunately, most people don’t have one. In this regard, you got two ways to head on.

1. Go to a working computer, download official Windows 10 ISO files, create a bootable creation media and perform a clean install from the scratch.

2. Go to a working computer, create a system image and transfer the system image to your own computer which cannot currently complete the installation.

Now, we pick up an easier solution for you. Download EaseUS Todo Backup and transfer system to dissimilar hardware.

Step 1. Create an emergency disk on a healthy computer

To save your time and energy, we’d like to suggest you create an emergency disk to a USB or external hard drive rather on a healthy computer with EaseUS Todo Backup.

1. Connect an empty USB flash drive or external hard drive with over than 100GB space to your PC.
2. Run EaseUS Todo Backup and click «Tools > Create Emergency Disk».

3. Choose USB as the disk location to create the emergency disk which will help you boot computer when it fails to boot or restore the system to dissimilar new PC.
4. Click «Create».

Step 2. Create a Windows system image backup for restoring to dissimilar hardware

1. Run EaseUS Todo Backup on the healthy computer and click «OS» on the main page to back it up.
2. Choose the Windows OS and specify the USB flash drive which contains the emergency disk as the destination disk to save system image.
If you are worried about data loss issue by saving the system image to the emergency disk drive, you may also save system backup to another empty external hard drive with over 100GB free space.

This will help you create a full backup of the whole Windows system and all installed programs, applications on your C drive to the selected device.

3. Click «Backup Now» to start creating a system backup image to the target device.

Step 3. Boot the dissimilar hardware/computer from EaseUS Todo Backup emergency disk

1. Connect the USB flash drive or external hard drive with emergency disk and system backup image to the new computer.
2. Restart PC and press F2/F8 to boot into BIOS.
3. Change boot drive and set the computer to boot from the EaseUS Todo Backup emergency disk.
Then you’ll enter EaseUS Todo Backup main interface.

Step 4. Transfer and recover the system to dissimilar hardware or new computer

1. On EaseUS Todo Backup main window, click «Tools» > «System Transfer». 

2. Select the system image on your drive and click «OK» to continue.

3. Then click «Proceed» to start transferring system and even some installed programs on system C: drive to the new hardware computer now.

Step 5. Restart PC with transferred system
1. Change boot sequence in BIOS to set the computer to boot up from the drive with the transferred system.
2. Save all changes and restart your computer.
3. Update all drive drivers and programs to ensure all things will work just fine on the new computer.

By system transfer, you will no longer receive the «Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation.» error message after restarting your computer. You need to use your own product key to activate Windows if asked.