Some Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 users are having a hard time upgrading to Windows 10 as they are being prompted for a product key. By default, the Windows 10 operating system does not require a product key and users should not be prompted for one, given you upgraded your computer from an activated Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license or from the Windows 10 Preview build. However, there are some users encountering this problem and there are several reasons for this.
There are a few reasons why some users are being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10:
Before you can fix this problem, you need to know why you’re being prompted for a product key. Some things you should know about Windows 10 product key activation are the following:
Now, if ever you’re prompted for a product key when you’re upgrading to Windows 10, you can apply the following methods:
If you’ve been prompted for a product key upon upgrading to Windows 10, you should click on the “Do this later” option. Wait for a few days then Windows 10 will get activated automatically.
One of the reasons Windows users are being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10 is that they have downloaded a wrong edition of Windows 10 and do not correspond with your current system.
NOTE: Users of Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8.0 Enterprise, and Windows 8.1 Enterprise are not eligible for the free upgrade offer.
If your Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 is not genuine or activated, you will get prompted for a product key. You need to make sure first your current system is activated.
Another thing you can try doing is to run the system file checker utility to scan if there are any broken operating system files. In doing so, you’ll be able to detect problems that might be preventing the product activation of your Windows 10 upgrade.
If in case you’ve exhausted all your resources and you are still being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10, you can try contacting the Microsoft Activation Center for further details. Check here for the appropriate telephone numbers to contact.
If you still experience the error after doing the methods above, you might want to try a powerful and trusted automated tool to fix the job.
Error code 0xC1900101, 0x20017 in Windows 10 occurs when Windows users attempt to upgrade to Windows 10 but fail to complete the installation process. This Windows error code may occur due to issues with a third-party antivirus program or problems related to a driver or hardware. When this occurs users will receive an error message and their machine will automatically revert to the original operating system on the device. Common symptoms of the error code include the following:
To fix this particular error code affecting Windows 10 devices, you will need to employ at least one manual repair method mentioned within this article. Manual repair methods offer effective solutions as they seek to address the root causes related to Windows error codes. When the manual repair methods are implemented correctly, users are usually able to quickly overcome issues that cause Windows error codes and can thereafter access all the benefits Windows has to offer to its users.
Note, however, that in a few cases where technical skills are required, the need for a Windows repair technician may present itself. In such a case, resort to Windows forums and other resources to access help from a certified Windows professional. Also, consider using an automated tool where necessary.
Some third-party security programs or antivirus software may interfere with the installation process when Windows users attempt to upgrade to Windows 10. To verify if this is the issue causing error code 0xC1900101-0x20017 on your device, temporarily uninstall or disable these applications. You may easily do so by checking the settings of these programs or visiting Settings within the Windows Start Menu.
Once you have disabled these programs on your device, reboot your machine and attempt to update to Windows 10. If the issue was caused by a third-party app, error code 0xC1900101-0x20017 will no longer occur and your machine will successfully upgrade to the version of Windows 10 you attempt to download.
However, in the case where error code 0xC1900101-0x20017 in Windows 10 reoccurs during the installation process, you will need to resort to another manual repair method listed below.
Like method one, this manual repair method can be effective in combating issues related to 0xC1900101-0x20017. This is of course, dependent on whether or not the error code is due to an incompatible security program.
Temporarily disable your firewall by adjusting its settings. Once this step is complete, reboot your machine and attempt to install the latest version of Windows 10. If you are able to complete the process, this means the problem was due to an issue with your firewall. You can then enable the firewall you previously disabled or download another program as its replacement.
If the error code reoccurs, however, consider implementing the next manual repair method on this list.
Command Prompt can be very effective in helping regular as well as technically skilled users repair issues with their PC. In the case of error code 0xC1900101-0x20017 in Windows 10, access Command Prompt using the following instructions.
Be sure to enter the command as it is written above, with a space between “sfc” and “/scannow”. Wait until the scan is complete. If there are any errors related to system files, i.e. if any system files are damaged, corrupted, or missing, your machine will begin to fix it. Once the process is complete, reboot your PC then reattempt the Windows 10 upgrade process via Windows Update. If you are successful, it means that you have rectified error code 0xC1900101-0x20017. Otherwise, you may need to contact a Windows repair technician.
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.