How To Fix Windows 11 Error Code 0x80070002-0x20009 Upgrading to Windows 11

With Windows 11 growing in popularity since its release towards the end of 2021, more and more people are making the decision to upgrade from Windows 10. In some instances, those efforts to upgrade are being met with error codes and other issues. Today, we'll look at Windows 11 Error Code 0x80070002-0x20009: an error with a long name, but a relatively simple fix. Although, as they used to say on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire it's only easy when you know the answer. And we're here, like a Welsh quiz enthusiast, to cough answers into your ear. Here's what you need to know.

How To Fix Windows 11 Error Code 0x80070002-0x20009

While the error code is incredibly complicated, the solution, it would seem, is the total opposite. It appears that the way to resolve this error is to simply disconnect any external drive that isn't part of the installation. This includes USB drives or an external HDD.

The one exception is if you are using these for the installation. So if, for instance, you are using a USB drive to do a clean install, or an HDD to give the installation enough free storage to play with, you would want to keep those connected.

But for anything else, unplug it, and then restart the setup process.

Read More: Windows 11 VBS: How To Turn Off VBS In Windows 11

What Is Error Code 0x80070002-0x20009?

If you receive Windows 11 Error Code 0x80070002-0x20009, it means that there has been an issue with the setup. It has been unable to locate the installation files. This is self-evidently quite important, because, without those files, you can't install anything. If the installation files are corrupted, or simply missing, this can result in the error we are discussing.

Read More: Should I Upgrade To Windows 11?

Happily, though, there is a relatively straightforward solution to this particular problem. If you follow the solution we outlined above, that should be enough to allow you to progress with the upgrade to Windows 11. But before you complete that process, it's important to make sure your PC meets the recommended minimum specifications for Windows 11. If your computer doesn't meet these specs, then forcing through an upgrade is only likely to cause more problems than ever. That's assuming your computer will be able to do it anyway.