Fix: This PC Can’t Be Upgraded to This Version of Windows

The Windows 24H2 update error “This PC can’t be upgraded to this version of Windows” indicates compatibility issues encountered during the update process. This error message essentially means that there is an issue within your system that is preventing the upgrade from proceeding.

There are two main reasons for this error:

Firstly, the error may occur if you are attempting to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware by bypassing the system requirements. If you managed to install 23H2 through a bypass but are now facing issues with the 24H2 update, it is likely because the system requirements are not being met.

Secondly, the error can also originate from various system issues, such as insufficient free disk space or misconfigurations resulting from unintentional setting changes. Additionally, downloading third-party files might disrupt Windows update components or permissions, thus triggering this error message.

Now that we know what exactly causes this issue, let’s see how to resolve it.

Solution 1. Free Up Disk Space

As indicated, insufficient disk space can lead to this error. To resolve this issue, follow these methods to free up disk space:

1.1. Delete Unnecessary Programs:

Click the Windows start button, search for Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Remove any tools, games, or apps you don’t need.

1.2. Use Storage Sense

After uninstalling programs, use the “Storage Sense” feature. Here you can see the overall files sorted by format type (like video/audio, documents, images, cache, etc.). Delete non-essential files to free up disk space.

1. Click the Windows Start button, type Storage Settings, and open it.
   
2. In Storage Settings, turn on Storage Sense — it’ll help manage your storage and clear cache automatically.
   
3. Now, go through each category to find and delete any unnecessary files to free up space.
   

1.3. Disable Hibernation

Hibernation is a power-saving mode in Microsoft Windows that allows you to save your computer’s state to a hard disk or other non-volatile storage. In simple terms, it’s an alternative to shutdown; hibernation saves the contents of RAM to a hard disk so you can resume your work later. If you don’t need this feature, disabling it can free up around 6-10GB of space, depending on your PC usage. You can find it in Storage Settings > (Show More categories) > System & Reserved.

To disable hibernation in Windows using the Command Prompt (CMD), follow these steps:

1. Open Start and search for “cmd” and Run as Administrator.
   
2. Type the following command and press Enter.

   Powercfg.exe /hibernate off

3. Then type "exit" and hit Enter to close CMD.

Note: This should free up space, but bear in mind that disabling hibernation can prevent the computer from saving your work and shutting down completely, which may lead to data loss if not saved elsewhere. If your Windows is upgraded, you must re-enable hibernation.

Use the following command in CMD to re-enable hibernation after upgrading to version 24H2:

Powercfg.exe /hibernate on

Solution 2. Disable Fast Startup

Another function of Windows is called Fast Startup. Fast Startup is a Windows feature designed to decrease the time it takes for your PC to boot up after a shutdown. It works by saving some system data (like drivers and the kernel session) to the disk, so your computer can quickly load these when it restarts.

However, this feature can sometimes cause conflicts during major Windows updates because it retains data that interferes with the update process. Disabling fast startup ensures your system fully resets when shutting down, clearing any potential conflicts and allowing the update to proceed smoothly.

1. Open the Control Panel, change the view to small icons, and click on ‘Power options’.
   
2. On the left panel, find ‘Choose what the power button does.’
   
3. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
   
4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (Recommended).
   
5. Save changes and restart your PC.

Solution 3. Use the Windows Update Repair Tool

In Windows 11 version 23H2, Microsoft introduced a feature called “Fix problems using Windows Update”, designed to help users repair their system by reinstalling the current version of Windows through the Windows Update repository. This tool reinstalls the current Windows version, effectively repairing system components and resolving issues that may prevent the upgrade process.

1. Go to Windows Settings by pressing the Win + I keys together.
2. Head to the Windows Update section, then Recovery.
   
3. In the Recovery section, you will find an option called “Fix problems using Windows Update”. Press the Reinstall Now button in front of it. Note: Do not worry, this doesn’t affect your files, apps, or settings in any way. It just repairs the system files.
   

Alternatively, if “Fix problems using Windows update” is not available for you, you can apply a .bat file to fix the problem.

1. First, click the Windows Start button, type ‘Notepad’ in the search bar, and open it.
   
2. Copy and paste the following script into Notepad:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop cryptSvc
   net stop bits
   net stop msiserver
   Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
   net start wuauserv
   net start cryptSvc
   net start bits
   net start msiserver
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh winsock reset proxy
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /registerdns
   sfc /scannow
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   chkdsk /f /r

3. Click File > Save As.
   
4. In the Save window, set the Save as type to All Files.
   
5. Name the file reset_windows_update.bat and save it to a convenient location (e.g., Desktop).
6. Now as we have the reset_windows_update.bat file on the Desktop, right-click on it and run as Administrator.
   
7. When prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow the program to make changes to your computer.
   
8. The Command Prompt will open and execute each command in sequence.
9. Some processes might take a while, especially sfc /scannow, DISM, and chkdsk.
10. Follow any on-screen instructions and be patient while the commands run.
    
11. Once all commands have been completed, restart your computer to apply all the changes.

Solution 4. Specify Target Update Version in Windows 11

You can also set a specific TargetReleaseVersion in Windows, allowing you to stay on a particular Windows version or move to a specific version until it reaches its end of service. This feature is available in Windows 10 and 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education Editions.

By setting a “TargetReleaseVersion”, you control which version your system stays on, preventing unexpected upgrades until you’re ready.

However, if you don’t update this setting before your device’s current version reaches its end of service, Windows will automatically upgrade to the latest supported version within 60 days of that date.

Let’s configure it:

1. Click the Windows Start button, search Registry Editor, and open it.
2. Copy the provided address or manually follow the destination.

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

   

3. Create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named TargetReleaseVersion on the right side of the Registry Editor panel and set its value to 1.
   
4. Now, again right-click, this time creating another String Value named TargetReleaseVersionInfo and setting its value to the version you want (e.g., 24H2).
   

Solution 5. Factory Reset your PC

If you’re still facing the “This PC can’t be upgraded to this version of Windows” error, a factory reset could be the next step. A factory reset restores your system to its original state, effectively fixing major issues by reinstalling Windows without needing anything additional (e.g., Internet access, ISO File, etc.).

When you choose to reset your PC, you’ll have two main options:

Keep My Files: This option reinstalls Windows but keeps your personal files (Documents, Pictures, Downloaded Files, or Programs). However, it will remove installed apps and settings, so you’ll need to reinstall any programs afterwards.

Remove Everything: This option fully resets your PC, removing all files, apps, and settings. It’s a complete refresh of your system and can be useful if there’s deep corruption or persistent problems. Make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset:

1. Click on the Windows start button and Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Recovery > Reset This PC.
   
2. Choose either Keep My Files or Remove Everything based on your preference.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Once the reset is complete, your PC will be in a fresh state, and hopefully, the update will work without any errors.

Solution 6. Clean Install Windows

If your PC still can’t upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 due to Windows Update issues, reinstalling Windows might be your best option. Sometimes, errors in the update system can be tricky to fix completely, and a fresh installation can eliminate any hidden issues blocking the upgrade. Just remember to back up any important files first, as reinstalling will reset your system. This last-resort solution should provide you with a clean, updated version of Windows with the latest features and improvements.

If you need help with reinstalling, don’t worry—this article covers steps similar to a full reinstall. Just back up your files first, as reinstalling will reset your system. This last-resort fix should give you a clean, updated version of Windows, ready for all the latest features and improvements!