Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix Windows installation errors using Safe Mode:
Note: Before attempting any troubleshooting steps, ensure your system is booting in Normal mode (not Safe Mode) and that you have at least 1GB of RAM installed.
Step 1: Enter Safe Mode
To enter Safe Mode, follow these steps:
- Restart your computer
- Immediately press the key to turn off your computer while it’s still on.
- This will force Windows to boot in Safe Mode. You can use one of the following keys:
+ F8 (F2 or F12) – If your keyboard is not labeled with an F-key, you may need to adjust your keyboard settings
+ Del – Pressing this key disables any recently added hardware devices that might be causing issues
- Once Safe Mode starts, a screen will appear displaying a blue screen of death. This is normal.
Step 2: Disable or Remove Faulty Hardware
If your computer is experiencing an installation error due to faulty hardware, try the following:
- Go to Device Manager ( press Win + X and select Device Manager).
- Expand each category under « Device Manager » until you reach the device that caused the issue.
- Right-click on the problematic device and select « Disable device ».
- Wait a few seconds for the device to be disabled. If it’s still causing issues, repeat this process.
- Reboot your computer.
Step 3: Run the System File Checker
Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting « Command Prompt (Admin) » or open a new Command Prompt.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
This may take several minutes to complete.
Step 4: Run the DISM Tool
The Deployment Image Servicing and Update Management (DISM) tool can help fix installation errors:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
This may take several minutes to complete.
Step 5: Check for Driver Updates
Ensure your drivers are up-to-date, as outdated drivers can cause installation errors:
- Go to Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
- Expand each category under « Device Manager ».
- Right-click on the problematic driver and select « Update driver » or « Disable device ».
- Let Windows update the driver.
Step 6: Reinstall Windows
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to reinstall Windows:
- Boot into Safe Mode (follow Step 1).
- Click on the Start button and type « Recovery » in the search bar.
- Select « Recovery » from the results.
- Follow the prompts to create a new system image or install Windows from an installation media.
Additional Tips:
- Make sure your computer is running on a stable network connection, as Wi-Fi might cause issues during troubleshooting.
- If you’re experiencing frequent installation errors, consider seeking further assistance or contacting Microsoft support for more detailed guidance.