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FIX: Windows setup could not install one or more boot-critical drivers

6 min. read

Updated onMarch 3, 2022

updated onMarch 3, 2022

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Key notes

There are only so many things that can go wrong when you try toinstall Windows 10. However, every single one of those scarce errors is usually quite hard to deal with.

TheWindowssetup could not install one or more boot-critical driverserror.appears immediately after you’ve loaded the installation files from the bootable drive.

Usually, the solution to fix the error is simple, such as taking out the CD or DVD from theROM butit can also be the case that if this does not work then you’ll need to do other steps as well.

We hope the steps we enlisted below will help you out.

Windows could not install one or more boot critical drivers?

1. Use a professional booting system tool

When it comes to solving common issues related to Windows startup, such as automatically booting the system, Tenorshare Windows Boot Genius is the way to go. The software’s interface makes it really easy to use and it’s intuitive.

If you need to boot your device and already tried everything but nothing seems to work, perhaps it’s time to try aboot repair software.

This type of tool will boot your device without having any negative impact on your files. They can also help you restore your Windows OS if needed.

Boot repair software helps you recover lost data, product keys, and more. They also offer support for easy and safe backups.

2. Remove the disk from the DVD/CD – ROM

This solved the majority of reported cases, and it’s as peculiar as one would expect.

The conflict between the two media drives particularly involves the disk with drivers in your DVD-ROM compartment. But the other disks might inflict the same error, as well.

On the other hand, if this isn’t the resolution for your problem and you’re still seeing the same error upon booting with the USB, there are additional steps to take. Have in mind that these require access to the hardware configuration, so you’ll need to take the following steps:

3. Create new installation media with the Media Creation Tool

Note: Have in mind that the procedure will delete everything from the USB flash drive, so backup your data timely.

4. Try booting in the Legacy mode

The usability of a bootable drive depends on a partitioning mode. If you’re using Legacy BIOS MBR (Master Boot Record) partitioning style you won’t be able to install Windows 10 in a UEFI boot mode. Only in Legacy BIOS.

The only way to make it boot is to format your HDD to its successor, the GPT (GUID Partition Table) partitioning style and then boot in UEFI boot mode. Alternatively, you’ll need to enter BIOS/UEFI settings and switch to the Legacy BIOS mode.

We prefer the first option as the UEFI is newer and better of the two. However, since it leads to formatting the hard drive (and who wants that), the Legacy BIOS should be a better temporary solution.

In order to change settings from UEFI to Legacy BIOS, you’ll need to access the BIOS/UEFI settings.

5. Fully format the system drive and try installing again

In the end, if none of the steps worked out, we suggest fully formatting the hard drive and starting from scratch. This can be done through the elevated Command Prompt. At least, it should be.

If you’re unable to access the disk drive when the installation files load from the bootable drive (pressing Shift + F10 should openCommand Prompt), you can use a third-party formatting tool and nuke the HDD that way.

And when we say nuke we mean completely and permanently wipe everything, without any way to restore your data.

Because of this fact, we recommend that you to backup all your data to alternative storage and then and only then follow the steps we enlisted above.

With that said, we can call it a wrap. If you have any questions or suggestions concerning the boot-critical driver’s error prior to Windows 10 installation, feel free to tell us in the comments section below.

More about the topics:boot errors,windows 10 fix

Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.

Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.

In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.

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Aleksandar Ognjanovic

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

FIX: Windows setup could not install one or more boot-critical drivers#

Windows could not install one or more boot critical drivers?#

1. Use a professional booting system tool#

2. Remove the disk from the DVD/CD – ROM#

3. Create new installation media with the Media Creation Tool#

4. Try booting in the Legacy mode#

5. Fully format the system drive and try installing again#