How to fix the error code 0xE0000100?

Windows 10 installation is a pretty straightforward process, even for a computer novice. However, the process is not always smooth. The ‘Windows installation encountered an unexpected error’ prompt is not uncommon. It usually appears during the installation process.

The error pops up when the user clicks on the Install now button, just after the Windows setup has started. It reads in full:

“Windows installation encountered an unexpected error. Verify that the installation sources are accessible, and restart the installation.

Error code: 0xE0000100”

If you encounter the above error message, then you can’t proceed with the installation process, and you have to start afresh. In our guide below, we describe tips on how to fix ‘Windows installation encountered an unexpected error. Error Code: 0xe0000100’. Hopefully, the installation process should complete without a hitch.

What Is the Windows Update Error Code 0xE0000100?

The Error code 0xE0000100 is likely caused by corrupted hard disk partitions, making it difficult for Windows to configure the file format. Consequently, it interferes with the installation process. It usually appears when trying to install Windows 10 on your PC or when Windows is installing updates.

The corruption might be caused by a power loss when the system is updating or if the hard drive is damaged. In some cases, you might have to re-install Windows 10 afresh. Another possible reason for the Error Code 0xE0000100 is a corrupted ISO file that could be as a result of incomplete download.

Other possible reasons that could trigger the error include:

• Your PC’s specifications do not meet the minimum system requirements for installing Windows
• Faulty or insufficient RAM
• Faulty USB port (if you are using a USB flash drive)
• A faulty installation media
• Corrupted installation files

How to Fix the Error 0xE0000100 on Windows 10

Fix 1: Check the System Requirements

If you want to install Windows 10, your PC must meet the minimum recommended system requirements. These include memory, storage, and graphics card. If your computer is not compatible with the Windows installation files, then the process is bound to fail. Consequently, you are likely to run into the Windows 10 Update Error Code 0xE0000100.

The minimum system requirements that your PC needs to meet to successfully install Windows 10 are:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
• RAM: 1GB for a 32-bit operating system or 2GB for a 64-bit operating system
• Storage: at least 16GB for a 32-bit operating system or 20GB for a 64-bit operating system
• Display: 800 x 600
• Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver

If your computer meets these system requirements, but you still encounter the Windows Installation Error Code 0xE0000100, the issue lies elsewhere.

Fix 2: Try Using a Different USB Port

Your installation media could be the reason you are getting the error. It could be that the USB port you are using is not working properly or the USB drive itself is faulty. To resolve this, disconnect the USB drive and restart Windows. Now, connect the USB flash drive to a different port and try to install Windows 10 again.

If this doesn’t work, try an alternative USB stick. However, you will have to create a bootable USB drive again.

If you still run into the same problem, opt for a bootable DVD instead (if your PC has a DVD drive).

Fix 3: The RAM Could Be Faulty

Check the RAM for physical damage and swap it with a good one. You can also swap RAM slots and then reboot the system. If the error still persists, you might want to run a memory diagnostic test, using the Windows built-in Memory Diagnostic Tool or a reliable third-party memory test software.

Fix 4: Run the DiskPart Tool

When you get the ‘Windows 10 installation encountered an unexpected error’ prompt, the files contained in the external hard drive (USB flash drive, SD card, or removable hard drive) could be the problem due to data corruption.

The DiskPart command tool allows you to manage drives, volumes, and partitions when the Disk Management tool fails to fix hard drive problems.

Important note: DiskPart will erase everything on the drive you select, and the changes cannot be undone. Therefore, be sure to back up your data before you proceed with the instructions below.

If you have multiple drives, it is advisable to disconnect them and leave only the problematic drive. This way, the risks of selecting the wrong drive are minimal. Otherwise, you must first list the disk you want to manage in order to give it focus. After you tell DiskPart which disk to focus on, any command you type will act on that object.

To run the DiskPart tool, follow the guide below:

1. Run the Command Prompt with elevated rights. To do so, go to Start, type in “CMD” (no quotes). Choose Run as Administrator on the right pane.
2. Once Command Prompt opens, type in “diskpart” (no quotes) and press Enter.
3. Next, type in the command “list disk” (no quotes) and press Enter. This command will display a list of disks that are in your computer. For example, if you have three disks, they will be listed as:

• Disk 0
• Disk 1
• Disk 2

4. To select Disk 1, type in “select disk 1” (no quotes) and press Enter. Be careful to select the correct drive number that you want to wipe. Otherwise, you could end up erasing the wrong drive and potentially lose crucial data. You should see a prompt telling you that ‘disk 1 is now the selected disk.’
5. To erase the disk, type the command “clean” (no quotes) and press Enter.

Now exit Command Prompt and restart your PC. Try to carry out the installation process again to see if you still run into the ‘Windows installation encountered an unexpected error’ message.

Fix 5: Run the CHKDSK Utility

If the DiskPart tool fails to get rid of the Windows 10 Update Error Code 0xE0000100, try running the chkdsk utility. This tool checks the integrity of your computer’s disk and fixes any logical file system errors. The tool also looks for and fixes bad sectors on a disk volume caused when data is badly written or if the drive is damaged.

To run chkdsk, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer, right-click the drive that you want to check for bad sectors, and select Properties.
2. Switch to the Tools tab, and click the Check button.
3. In most cases, Windows will tell you that no errors were found. You can still scan your drive to check for any issues.
4. If Windows doesn’t find any errors, simply click the Close button.

To force automatic repair, use the chkdsk command.

1. Go to your Start menu, type in “CMD” (no quotes). Click Run as Administrator in the right pane.
2. Once the elevated Command Prompt window opens, type the command “chkdsk c: /f” (no quotes) and press Enter. If the drive has files that are in use (and it probably does), you will be asked to schedule a scan to run the next time you restart your system.
3. Type “Y” (no quotes) and press Enter.

Once the entire process is complete, check if the solution worked.

Fix 6: Check the Registry for Corrupt Files

The Windows registry is the core of the operating system. If the keys or entries are corrupted, your PC can run into serious issues, such as the Windows 10 Update Error Code 0xE0000100. To check whether the registry files are corrupt, you need a reliable registry cleaner. Auslogics BoostSpeed’s Registry Cleaner is specifically designed to handle your registry by carefully inspecting it to identify and eliminate errors that might cause system instability.

Normally, when you install or uninstall programs on your PC, connect new devices, or update your Windows OS, some registry keys may be left behind. When they accumulate over time, you may run into some errors originating from your registry. This could be due to empty and corrupt keys or invalid entries.

Trying to manually resolve registry issues might be risky since deleting the wrong key can make your computer unusable. Registry Cleaner makes the process safe. It automatically repairs corrupt registry files, hence stabilizing your system.

If the ‘Windows installation encountered an unexpected error’ message was caused by a glitch in the registry, then you can trust Registry Cleaner to fix the issue.

Fix 7: Run the SFC Scan

If you encountered the error when installing Windows updates, it could be due to the corruption of system files. In this case, the System File Checker tool might come in handy. To run the tool, follow this guide:

1. Open Command Prompt with elevated rights. To do so, press the Win + S keyboard shortcut, type in “CMD” (no quotes)
2. Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then select Run as Administrator.
3. Type in “sfc /scannow” (no quotes) and press Enter.

The SFC tool will initiate the scan and run for a while. If it finds any corrupt files, it will replace them with good copies on reboot.

Fix 8: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows Update errors are not uncommon to Windows users. Luckily, Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter that simplifies the process of identifying the source of the error. To run the troubleshooter, follow the steps below:

1. Go to your Start menu and click Settings (the gear icon).
2. Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Look for the Windows Update option and select it to reveal the troubleshoot button.
4. Click on the Run the Troubleshooter button. Windows will attempt to identify problems with Windows updates and automatically fix them for you or suggest possible fixes.

The troubleshooter deletes Windows Update temporary files and the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder, repairs and resets Windows Update components, among other functions.

Sometimes, running the troubleshooter is all you need to fix the Windows Update Error Code 0xE0000100.

If you are still running into the error while installing or updating Windows, you might have to remake the installation media. Also, make sure that the ISO image that you are using is not corrupted. We hope these solutions work for you.

Did you resolve the Error Code 0xE0000100 on Windows 10? If you have additional solutions not mentioned in this post, please post them in the comments section below.