Fix: Windows Could Not Prepare the Computer to Boot Into the Next Phase of Installation
Some users are encountering the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error when trying to install Windows or trying to upgrade an existing version. The issue is not exclusive to a particular Windows version and it’s reported to occur with Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 installations.
“Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation”
What is causing the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error?
We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that they used to get the issue resolved. Based on what we gathered, there are several common scenarios that will end up triggering this particular error message:
- Too many non-essential devices are plugged in – Certain BIOS versions are known to act up when too many unnecessary hardware is plugged in during the installation/upgrade process. A lot of affected users have managed to get the issue resolved by removing or disabling every unnecessary hardware.
- Installation media improperly prepared – A few affected users have confirmed that this particular error was occurring due to a badly created installation media. Upon recreating it properly, most users have reported that the issue was resolved.
- BIOS does not support the Windows version – This particular issue is mostly encountered with Mini-PC and similar computers. Most of the smaller motherboards models that are recently released feature a BIOS version that doesn’t support Windows 7 or under.
- System file corruption is causing the error – It’s also possible that system file corruption is what’s causing this particular error. Users in a similar situation have reported that the issue was resolved after they deleted all partitions and did a clean install.
If you’re currently looking for fixes that will allow you to get past the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error, this article will provide you with several potential repair strategies.
Down below, you’ll discover several different fixes that other users in a similar situation have used to get the issue resolved. Since the methods below are ordered by efficiency and severity, we advise you to follow them in the order that they are presented in.
Method 1: Disabling all unnecessary hardware
The most effective fix when encountering the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error is to remove/disable any unnecessary hardware. This is especially effective in those situations where the user tries to upgrade an existing Windows installation.
Some users are speculating that the issue is triggered by a bugged BIOS version on older computers. This is only reported to occur when there are a lot of peripherals and external devices connected to the computer.
With this in mind, remove any non-critical hardware such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices, network adapters, sound cards, serial cards etc. If you have multiple HDD or SDDs, disconnect those that are not needed during the installation. Also, remove any optical drives that are currently active in your computer.
Once your computer is running with the bare minimum hardware, restart your computer and start the installation again. Chances are you will be able to complete the process without seeing the error again.
Method 2: Prepare the installation media properly
Another possible culprit that might end up triggering this particular issue is a badly written installation media. Since it’s confirmed that the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error might occur if the media wasn’t prepared properly, you might be able to resolve the issue by starting the process again from a different installation media.
Here are two different methods that you can follow in order to create Windows installation media. Follow whichever ones seem more convenable to your current situation:
- Creating a Windows 7 Bootable DVD or USB
- Creating a Bootable USB drive with Rufus or MediaCreation Tool
Creating the Installation Media with Rufus
Repeat the process with the newly created media and see if you’re still encountering the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error.
If the error is still persisting even with the new installation media, move down to the next method below.
Method 3: Verify whether BIOS supports the Windows version
If you’re trying to install an older Windows version on a newer laptop or desktop, there is a chance that your BIOS model does not support the Windows version that you’re trying to install. There are a lot of reported cases with this occurring on Mini-PC models. Almost all newer models will not support Windows versions older than 8.1.
If you think this scenario might be applicable to your current situation, call your warranty service or search online to see if the BIOS model present on your PC supports the Windows version that you’re trying to install.
Alternatively, try to install a newer Windows version and see if the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error persists.
Method 4: Deleting all partitions
Some affected users have reported that they were finally able to go through with the installation and complete the process without the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error only after they deleted all partitions and started the OS installation process from scratch.
Of course, this can be a major inconvenient if you were simply trying to upgrade an existing Windows installation, but if you’ve come this far without a result you don’t really have any other choice.
But just in case things go wrong, we advise you to create a Windows System Image backup before you proceed with the deletion of all available partitions. You can follow this article (here) for steps on how to create a System Image backup.
Once the backup is in place, restart your computer and force your computer to boot from the installation media. When you reach the screen where you get to select where to install the OS, delete every available partition and create new ones from the Unallocated space.
Deleting all partitions
Next, proceed with the Windows installation normally and you should no longer be encountering the “Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation” error.
Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation.
my pc shut off when it was updating. Windows is not working, I was stuck in an automatic repair loop. I created a USB boot drive and it will open to the Windows setup screen in my computer. It shows the steps «copying Windows files, getting files ready for installation, installing features, installing updates, finishing up». When it finishes installing updates it presents an error message saying » Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation. To install Windows, restart the installation. » I’ve done this multiple times.
I called tech support, they had me run a series of commands to check disk and scan it, nothing.
I remade the boot drive, nothing.
I don’t care if I lose the data on the pc, how do I fix this.
Replies (2)
I hope giving a shot to the following steps that I shall share helps you out.
So, when you’re using an USB as a boot device, please keep a note on these points.
1. Do NOT use a Sandisk USB drive.
2. Please format the USB format to NTFS from FAT32.
3. Please use an USB drive that is at least 32GB.
Now, to the OS reload part to help assist the automatic repair loop.
1. On a Windows 7 or 10 device (please do not use Windows 8 or 8.1), plug in the USB.
3. Then, select the option that says, Create Installation file (the one that has USB ISO file option. Sorry, I am not too sure of the exact words now, but it is the 2nd option).
4. Then follow the steps from here on.
Now, to go ahead and reload the OS using the Boot device option USB, please follow the following steps :
1. Remove everything from the laptop, charger, USB, Miuse, Keyboard etc. and press the F6 and Power button for 20 seconds to make sure the static electicity is removed from the system and the system will be powered off.
2. Attach the charger/AC adapter. And insert the USB to the laptop/desktop. Press and hold down the Esc key (for desktops, tap on the Esc key instead) and while holding down/tapping the Esc key, with the other hand, quickly press and hold down the power button for 2-3 seconds, then immediately tap on the F9 key till you see a start up menu.
3. Select F9 (Boot Device option) and select the USB drive. In case you are not able to see the USB drive here, from the Start Up Menu, select F10 and change the Legacy Boot to Enabled if it was disabled, save and exit changes and then go ahead with this F9 option for Boot Device Option.
4. Follow the steps thay comes from here on, and please note that you select the Windows 10 Home option rather than the Windows 10 Pro version as the Pro version will ask for the Bitlocker Encryption key, hence you will have to reload the OS once more (I am still learning more on how to resolve the Bitlocker part without having to reload the OS).
Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation to install windows restart the installation
Please HELP.
My poor Toshiba has been having some serious issues since Sept 2016. After trying to reinstall Using a USB Drive (used the media creation tool) it would keep looping back around to the install screen. I cannot even remember the original issue other than it just would not load windows anymore. After formatting my drives losing all my info (thinking i had a backup on an external.. Which turned out to be friend 🙁 ) I was still unable to get it to load. I eventually tried to go the unfortunate Linux Route.. That was unsuccessful as well.. A co-worker of mine.. I may or may not work for Apple (please dont hold that against me lol) she has worked on windows systems for years and had suggested I need to fix my MBR. Using this great article. http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-master-boot-record-mbr-windows. After eventually getting the failed somewhat installed linux off of my HD and getting everything back and reformatted and then repairing the MBR I was FINALLY able again to get an install to run through almost completed it was in the finishing stages (used 8.1 this time after about 5 failed attempts of Win 10) I got this beauty of an error — Setup cannot continue due to a corrupted installation file. Contact the vendor of your Windows installation disc or your system administrator for assistance. I then took the drive back out to my desktop and formatted it and tried again with the Win 10. After get through the 2nd phase of the installation I got the Error — Windows could not prepare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation to install windows restart the installation.
Someone PLEASE Guide me in the right direction.. I am not ready to come to terms with getting rid of my Toshiba Click. I miss the feel of a Laptop in my hands and I have pretty much annoyed all of my co workers to death with asking for help lol.
Also — I only have 1 Flash Drive to work with My CD/DVD Drive on my laptop for some reason hates me so my 1 single USB is my only source. It was purchased Feb 15, 2014 my VDay Present After getting engaged which has/had ALL my wedding planning info on there as well as pics of my youngest son. THANK GOODNESS for One Drive 😀 soo Please HELP.