Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix 0x101 Error – Windows 8 upgrade to windows 8.1 RTM fails with error code 0x101 - 0x2000C

Windows installation issue with error code 0x101 and 0x2000C.

Quick Answer: Try reinstalling Windows 8.1 RTM or seeking assistance from Microsoft support.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 🎯 Final Words

Windows 8.1 RTM upgrade failure with error code 0x101 - 0x2000C is an issue that affects users who have downloaded and attempted to install the operating system using a valid MSDN subscription. This error occurs when the installation process fails to complete, resulting in a blue screen of death (BSOD) at approximately 50% completion. The frustration lies in the fact that the user has invested time and effort into downloading the ISO file and configuring their system for the upgrade.

Despite having a valid MSDN subscription and attempting to install Windows 8.1 RTM, users are facing this error. In order to resolve this issue, we will go through the steps of identifying potential root causes and providing alternative solutions.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that the Windows 8.1 RTM installer is not compatible with systems running Hyper-V or have specific hardware configurations. This may be due to the fact that Windows 8.1 RTM requires a more restrictive hardware configuration than its predecessor, which can lead to compatibility issues with certain systems.
  • Another possible reason for this error is that the system's memory configuration may be too low for the Windows 8.1 RTM installer. The recommended minimum system requirements for Windows 8.1 RTM include at least 4 GB of RAM, whereas your system has 64 GB of RAM.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Disable Hyper-V and install using offline mode

  1. Step 1: Before attempting the installation, disable Hyper-V on your system. To do this, open the Control Panel, go to System and Security, then click on System, and select the Advanced system settings link on the right side of the window. Click on the Performance tab, then click on Change advanced power settings. In the Power Options window, scroll down and uncheck the box next to 'Hyper-V Power Management'.
  2. Step 2: Next, create a bootable USB drive using the Windows 8.1 RTM ISO file. You can do this by downloading a tool like Rufus or WinUSB, then following their instructions to create a bootable USB drive. Insert the USB drive into your system and restart it. From the BIOS settings, set the USB drive as the first boot device.
  3. Step 3: Once you've booted from the USB drive, select the language and other preferences for Windows 8.1 RTM. Then, click on 'Install now' to begin the installation process. Select the 'Keep my apps and settings' option, then follow the instructions to complete the installation.

Use a different hardware configuration or upgrade to Windows 10

  1. Step 1: If you are unable to disable Hyper-V on your system, consider upgrading to a system with more compatible hardware configurations. Alternatively, if you have a valid MSDN subscription and a compatible system configuration, you can upgrade to Windows 10 instead of Windows 8.1 RTM.
  2. Step 2: To upgrade to Windows 10, open the Control Panel, go to System and Security, then click on System, and select the Advanced system settings link on the right side of the window. Click on the Performance tab, then click on Change advanced power settings. In the Power Options window, scroll down and uncheck the box next to 'Turn on fast startup (recommended)'. Then, go back to the Control Panel and click on Software Update. Click on Check for updates and follow the instructions to download and install Windows 10.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue with your Windows 8.1 RTM upgrade failure. Remember to always ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware requirements before attempting an operating system installation.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Related Fixes

How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow

Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl

How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone

Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e

How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue

Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid