How to avoid problems installing Windows 11 22H2

Windows 11 22H2 is the first significant update of the platform that will start rolling out to compatible devices on September 20, 2022. Since this is a new version, the upgrade process will require complete reinstallation. As a result, you want to do some preparation to avoid problems and errors before the installation.

Although you should always upgrade to a newer version of Windows 11 to maintain support, improve security, and access the new features, the installation can cause many unwanted problems. Also, unexpected errors and bugs are expected during the early days of the rollout, as the development process is always challenging.

This guide will teach you several tips to avoid problems and errors while installing the Windows 11 2022 Update.

• Install Windows 11 22H2 through Windows Update
• Backup current system and files
• Avoid storage problems during Windows 11 22H2 upgrade
• Repair Windows Update to download Windows 11 22H2
• Remove blocks to download Windows 11 22H2
• Uninstall non-essential apps to prevent problems
• Prevent settings problems after installing Windows 11 22H2
• Disconnect non-essential peripherals to avoid problems
• Fix Windows 11 22H2 upgrade errors
• Upgrade to Windows 11 22H2 manually

Install Windows 11 22H2 through Windows Update

Windows 11 22H2 provides multiple upgrade methods, but the recommended approach is using the Windows Update settings. Typically, you shouldn’t rush the upgrade during the early days of a release because it may not still be fully compatible with all hardware and software configurations. This is not a secret, and it is one of the reasons Microsoft releases feature updates gradually, placing temporary holds on specific devices to prevent problems.

If you want to upgrade with Windows Update as soon as the Windows 11 2022 Update is ready, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, click the Check for updates button, and click the “Download and install” button.

If the device is not downloading the new version, the update may not be ready for you. You can use alternative ways to upgrade, including the “Installation Assistant,” ISO file, or USB bootable media. However, you will likely run into issues if the update is not already available through Windows Update.

The rule of thumb is to wait several months before upgrading to avoid errors and other problems. If you cannot wait, check out the tips below to minimize issues trying to install the new Windows experience.

Backup current system and files

If you plan to upgrade to Windows 11 22H2 from the original version, it’s recommended to perform a full backup of the device since it can help recover files or the entire system in case of problems. You should always take the time to create a full backup before any installation to have a way to revert to a previous version if something goes wrong.

At least you should create a file backup to protect your pictures, videos, and other files.

Avoid storage problems during Windows 11 22H2 upgrade

Reserved Storage is a system feature that sets aside part of the available storage in advance to process update installations. However, you may still come across storage problems trying to complete the Windows 11 22H2 upgrade, even when the feature is enabled, such as error 0x80070070 – 0x50011, 0x80070070 – 0x50012, or 0x80070070 – 0x60000.

Storage issues are common on devices with limited hard drive capacity. You can avoid problems by ensuring that the computer has at least 64GB of space to process the download and installation.

If the laptop or desktop computer does not have enough space, use the Settings app to delete temporary and other unnecessary files. It’s also possible to connect an empty USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage space that the system can use as temporary storage to perform the upgrade.

Repair Windows Update to download Windows 11 22H2

When a new version of Windows 11 becomes available, it could take several weeks before it becomes available for your device. However, sometimes, the problem could be a problem with Windows Update.

If the computer isn’t receiving the feature update because of an issue with Windows Update, you can reset the system components to resolve stuck updates trying to download. If you cannot fix the problem, the “Installation Assistant” tool could be an alternative approach to installing version 22H2 after it becomes available.

Remove blocks to download Windows 11 22H2

A metered connection can come between your device and the feature update. If you have a wired or wireless connection configured as metered, you will need to disable the feature to remove the block from Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), selecting the network and disabling the “Set as metered connection” toggle switch.

Uninstall non-essential apps to prevent problems

Sometimes, third-party security software could be the reason for problems during an upgrade. If you have a third-party antivirus or other security software, it’s recommended to disable or temporarily uninstall them before upgrading to Windows 11 22H2. Also, programs designed for older versions of Windows can cause problems. If you suspect a program may cause compatibility issues, uninstalling it is the best option. You can reinstall it after the installation.

You can uninstall programs from Settings > Apps > Apps & features, click the Uninstall button for the app to remove, and follow the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Prevent settings problems after installing Windows 11 22H2

An upgrade can sometimes mess up previous settings, such as default apps, privacy settings, etc. If you have specific configurations, you should note the settings before installing the Windows 11 2022 Update. If something changes during the process, you can reconfigure them later on.

Disconnect non-essential peripherals to avoid problems

Storage devices (such as USB flash drives and external hard drives), cameras, and printers can cause errors and other issues during an installation. As a result, it’s best to disconnect the peripherals to avoid problems upgrading to version 22H2. You only need a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and internet connection.

Bluetooth can also cause issues. If you have a device using this wireless technology, disable it before upgrading from Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn off the Bluetooth toggle switch.

Fix Windows 11 22H2 upgrade errors

If the computer still has problems, you are probably not the only person with the same issue. You should research the error online to determine if other people have the same problem and the workaround they are using.

Microsoft makes available information, status, and possible solutions for problems in the Windows 11 health dashboard.

Aside from unexpected errors and bugs with Windows 11 22H2, the system causes many known problems that are not considered bugs that can occur during the upgrade process. For example, an error code that begins with 0xC1900101 (for example, 0xC1900101 – 0x20004, 0xC1900101 – 0x2000c, 0xC1900101 – 0x20017, 0xC1900101 – 0x30018, 0xC1900101 – 0x3000D, 0xC1900101 – 0x4000D, 0xC1900101 – 0x40017) is typically a driver error.

The error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C means an app is incompatible with the upgrade. 0x80070070 – 0x50011 (0x50012 or 0x60000) is another common error, and it typically means insufficient space to complete the update.

Upgrade to Windows 11 22H2 manually

When the problem is something with the computer and not the feature update, the best way to minimize issues is to perform a clean installation of Windows 11, reconfigure the settings, reinstall the apps, and restore the files from backup.

You can also try an in-place upgrade by mounting the official ISO file and running the setup. Using the method will preserve your apps, settings, and files.

If you are not ready for Windows 11 22H2, you don’t have to do anything to block it since it’s only available as an optional update. However, if you upgrade but the update causes problems, you can remove it and roll back to the previous version.