Microsoft is offering a free Windows 10 upgrade, but the upgrade process might not run smoothly for everyone. Below are the 3 most common Windows 10 installation issues and how to fix them.

You are prompted for Product key

If you are upgrading from a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 installation, then you have nothing to worry about. You can click on the option Skip and go ahead with installation. You don’t need to try to find your Windows 10 key among the pile of documentation and discs you are likely to have amassed over the years! Chances are Windows will recognize this error on its own and will not bother you with this prompt again.

The Installer sticks or continuously reboots

If you are experiencing the problem of the installer freezing at a certain point, or constantly rebooting, then you will need to remove all non-essential hardware from your PC. Disconnect any external hard drives connected to your PC.  Also unplug extra monitors, card readers, printers and other peripherals connected to the device. Also try using a LAN cable for the Internet connection instead of WiFi. This can help ensure a stronger and more consistent internet connection.

Secondly you need to ensure you are upgrading to the correct version of Windows 10.  For example, 32-bit Windows 7/8/8.1 users need to upgrade to 32-bit Windows 10 version. If you have Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Windows 8.1 Home or Standard, the correct upgrade version is Windows 10 Home. If you are using Windows 7 Pro, Ultimate or Windows 8.1 Pro, the correct upgrade version is Windows 10 Pro.  If you discover you have been upgrading to the incorrect version, then you will need to start the upgrade process again by selecting the correct Windows 10 version.

If you are not making any mistake with the upgrade version and are still facing problems with your Windows 10 installation, try downloading the Windows 10 media creation tool. You can create a USB installation media or installation DVD using the tool provided by Microsoft. Use the installation media to install Windows 10 on your computer.

Error: “Something Happened 0x80070005-0x90002”

If you are seeing an error similar to this, it simply means that the installer is not able to continue further as it is not able to find a file that it needs.  Though there is no specific mention of the file that is causing the error, one general solution for this error is:

1. Disable all firewalls and antivirus
2. Reset windows update components by going to the KB 971058
3. Click Run now and follow the on-screen instructions
4. Run the Windows 10 installer again
5. If that doesn’t solve the issue, turn on the antivirus and firewall and follow the instructions given at  KB 947821
6. You will be required to use the DISM tool, to resolve the Windows update issue
7. Follow the instructions on the page to resolve the issue
8. Ensure your antivirus and firewall are enabled
9. Start the Windows 10 installation again

This list of Windows 10 installation issues is by no means exhaustive but it covers the main problems our users have encountered when installing Windows 10. If you are experiencing an issue that is not covered here, please feel free to post details about your problems below and see if our community of experts can help you!