15 Ways to Fix the aka.ms/windowssysreq Error in Windows 11

Run into the aka.ms/windowssysreq error on your Windows 11 device? Bother not! This issue crops up due to a number of factors such as the failed system update, compatibility issue, and missing system requirements. Having gone into the root cause of the problem and even encountered it a few times, I’d like to share the 15 reliable ways to fix aka.ms/windowssysreq error on PC. Read on…

Fix the aka.ms/windowssysreq Error in Windows 11

So, what sort of roadblocks should you keep in mind when up against this issue? From malicious system files to corrupt drivers to decluttered RAM, there are quite a few usual suspects that you need to encounter including –

• Unsupported hardware
• Outdated drivers
• Insufficient RAM
• Low disk space
• Incompatible CPU
• Secure Boot off
• TPM 2.0 missing
• BIOS not updated
• Corrupt system files
• Windows version mismatch

The good thing is there are many viable tips that not only work in getting rid of the problem but also keeping it at a fair distance. And that’s where we’ve set our sights at.

1. Check System Requirements

Bear in mind that this error often crops up if your PC doesn’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. Therefore, make sure to check the system requirements.

• To begin, visit aka.ms/windowssysreq to compare your specs with Microsoft’s official requirements.

2. Run Windows Update

Note that the outdated Windows version might be invoking the compatibility issues. Thus, ensure that your PC is updated with the latest version of the software.

• On your PC, head over to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any pending updates.

3. Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS

It’s worth pointing out that Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 for security. So, make sure to activate the TPM 2.O in BIOS.

• To get it done, restart your PC > enter the BIOS, and enable Trusted Platform Module (TPM) under security settings.

4. Enable Secure Boot

It’s also important to mention that the secure Boot ensures system integrity and prevents unauthorized OS modifications. So, try activating the secure boot on your PC.

• Access BIOS on your PC > find the Secure Boot option, and enable it.

5. Check for Corrupt System Files

The malicious files might be triggering the installation errors. Run the SFC and the DISM scans to detect and

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:sfc /scannow
• After that, run this command:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

6. Free Up Disk Space

The clogged-up disk space might be blocking Windows 11 from installing. Therefore, declutter your PC.

• Open Settings > Storage to remove unnecessary files.

7. Disconnect External Devices

Faulty USB drives or peripherals can interfere with Windows updates. So, disconnect the external devices.

• Unplug all unnecessary devices and retry the installation.

8. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues.

• Launch the Device Manager on your Windows device > right-click each device, and select Update driver.

9. Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Some antivirus software can block Windows updates.

• Temporarily disable it and check if the issue persists.

10. Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupt update components can cause installation errors.

• Fire up the Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following commands one by one: net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver
• ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptSvc
• net start bits
• net start msiserver

11. Check for Disk Errors

Bad sectors on your drive may cause installation failures.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: shCopyEditchkdsk /f /r
  • Restart your PC when prompted.

12. Perform a Clean Boot

Third-party services may interfere with the update process.

• Launch the Run (Win + R) dialog > msconfig > Services, check Hide all Microsoft services, and disable unnecessary ones.

13. Use Windows Installation Media

If updates fail, manually install Windows 11 using a bootable USB.

• Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website and create installation media.

14. Reset Your PC

No solution as yet? The corrupt system files might be at the heart of the problem. Hence, it would be apt to reset Windows.

• On your PC, head over to Settings > System > Scroll down and choose Recovery.

• Click Reset this PC and choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

15. Contact Microsoft Support

If the issue continues to plague your device, it would be apt to contact Microsoft support.

• Visit support.microsoft.com or use the Get Help app in Windows.

Wrapping up…

There you have it! I guess you have resolved the aka.ms/windowssysreq error on your Windows PC. Which one of these tips has helped you drive this frustrating error away?