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Sysprep was Not Able to Validate Installation [Windows 11 Fix]
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Sysprep, otherwise System Preparation, is a command-line tool some users utilize to prepare Windows images for deployment. However, an error can arise for some users after entering a Sysprep command for system preparation. One user said this in anMS forum post:
I have a clean installed Windows 10 pro which was activated by MAK license. When I tried to prepare this system with Sysprep, I got the error message Sysprep was not able to validate Your Windows installation.
ThatSysprep issuecan arise on Windows 11, 10, and 8 platforms. When that issue arises, the Sysprep command doesn’t run and validate the installation as expected. If you need to fix that Sysprep issue, check out the Windows 11/10 resolutions for it below.
How come the Sysprep error arises in Windows?
TheSysprep was not able to validate Your Windows installationerror has existed since Windows 8. That issue often arises because of user-installed UWP apps. Many users have confirmed they fixed this issue by uninstalling certain UWP apps they installed from MS Store.
This issue can also occur if a default app, which is supposed to come pre-installed with Windows, is missing. In such a scenario, you would need to reinstall the missing Windows app. A general reinstall app command will do the job.
If you’re utilizing Windows Pro and Enterprise editions, the Sysprep error might be due to the BitLocker encryption feature. BitLocker doesn’t mix well with the Sysprep utility. So, disabling that feature on Windows Pro and Enterprise editions can sometimes resolve this error as well.
How can I fix the Sysprep error in Windows?
1. Reinstall default Windows UWP apps
2. Disable BitLocker
3. Edit the registry
4. Uninstall any UWP apps you’ve installed yourself
Note that you can bulk uninstall UWP apps with some third-party uninstaller such asCCleaner. This software enables you to select and uninstall multiple apps and also includes options for erasing leftover residual files.
You’ll probably notice that the Sysprep error message includes a setupact.log file path. Checking that file will help you identify UWP apps causing the error, and other potential factors behind it.
This is how you can check the setuppact.log file in Windows 11/10.
Thereafter, scroll down to the bottom of that log file to view Sysprep error details. If there’s an app causing the issue, the log file will include details for it as follows.
SYSPRP Package [app ID] was installed for a user, but not provisioned for all users. This package will not function properly in the Sysprep image. Error SYSPRP Failed to remove apps for the current user: 0x80073cf2.
If you see log details like that, you’ve probably hit the bullseye! Simply uninstall the app (or apps) specified there as outlined within resolution four.
Those are some of the best ways you can fix the Sysprep Windows 11/10 error. As they’re confirmed resolutions, they’ll probably fix that error in most cases.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re 100 percent guaranteed resolutions. If you need more suggestions, some of the resolutions in ourHow to fix Windows 10 Sysprep errorsguide might help.
You can also send a support ticket to Microsoft at theContact Microsoft Support page.
Feel free to chat about the Sysprep was not able to validate error in this page’s comments section below. You can share other potential resolutions for this issue (if you’ve found any) and add questions for it there.
More about the topics:Windows 11,Windows Installation errors
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
