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Windows 11 upgrade failed? These are my 4 most powerful troubleshooting secrets

If you've encountered a problem with a Windows upgrade, you know how maddeningly unhelpful Windows error messages can be. These are my favorite troubleshooting tricks.

SvetaZi/iStock/Getty Images PlusWhen Windows decides that it isn't interested in completing an upgrade, it can be maddeningly unhelpful, spitting out error codes and cryptic messages that can leave even experts scratching their heads. Over the years, I've had a lot of practice with this sort of thing, including hundreds of email sessions with readers trying to figure out why their upgrade isn't working. The error code, 0xC1900209, is listed in this detailed support document: "The user has chosen to cancel because the system does not pass the compat scan to install the update."

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