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error 0x80004005 when installing 24h2 and 25h2

Ringfoto focus 0 Reputation points
2025-12-04T09:47:56.3833333+00:00

hi! I keep getting error 0x80004005 when installing 24h2 and 25h2 which I didn't get when updating to 23H2.
After some digging I think it might be due to the startup partition not being on the primary (SSD) disk, but rather on an old HDD which is only used for storage.
When I try to do a clean install from USB I do not have the option to keep files and apps.
Is there a safe way to move the EFI system partition from the old HDD to disk C: (SSD with windows)?
Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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  1. Ramesh Srinivasan 68,475 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T10:06:35.9966667+00:00

    Excellent. I'm glad it's resolved. Thanks for the update.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-04T09:48:11.14+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To resolve the error 0x80004005 when installing Windows 24H2 and 25H2, it's important to ensure that the EFI System Partition (ESP) is correctly configured on your primary disk (SSD). If the ESP is located on an old HDD, it can lead to installation issues. Here’s a general approach to safely move the EFI partition:

    1. Backup Your Data: Before making any changes, ensure that you back up all important data from both your SSD and HDD.
    2. Create a Bootable Windows USB: Use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive with Windows installation media.
    3. Boot into Windows PE: Boot from the USB drive and select "Repair your computer" to access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
    4. Open Command Prompt: From the recovery options, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
    5. Use Diskpart: In the Command Prompt, type diskpart to open the Diskpart utility.
      • List the disks by typing list disk.
      • Select your SSD by typing select disk X (replace X with the disk number of your SSD).
      • Create a new EFI partition by typing create partition efi size=100 (100 MB is typically sufficient).
      • Format the new partition with format quick fs=fat32.
      • Assign a drive letter with assign letter=S: (or any available letter).
    6. Copy EFI Files: Now, you need to copy the EFI files from the old HDD to the new EFI partition:
      • Select the old HDD by typing select disk Y (replace Y with the disk number of your HDD).
      • Mount the EFI partition by typing list volume to find the EFI volume, then select volume Z (replace Z with the volume number).
      • Use xcopy S:\* S:\ /s /e to copy the files to the new EFI partition (replace S with the appropriate drive letters).
    7. Set the Boot Order: After copying, you may need to adjust the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings to prioritize the SSD.
    8. Reboot and Install: Restart your computer and attempt to install the updates again.

    This process should help in moving the EFI partition safely and resolving the installation error. If you encounter any issues, consider consulting with your system manufacturer or a professional for assistance.

    References:

  3. Ringfoto focus 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-04T09:50:20.5866667+00:00

    Will step 5 not format entire ssd?

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  4. Ramesh Srinivasan 68,475 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T10:41:15.5066667+00:00

    Hi,

    Please open Disk Management and maximize it. Adjust the column widths in the top pane to make all the entries visible. Post a screenshot.

    Launch msinfo32.exe, and click System Summary. Resize the columns in the right pane to make the entries visible, and post a screenshot.

    Open the admin Command Prompt and run:

    
bcdedit

bcdedit /export c:\bcd.bak

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0

list part

list vol

exit

reagentc /info

    Post the output.

  5. Ramesh Srinivasan 68,475 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T11:09:25.1166667+00:00

    Let's create an EFI partition on the OS disk.

    Please run:

    diskpart

select disk 2

list part

select volume C

shrink desired=200

create partition efi size=200

format fs=fat32 quick

assign letter=Y

list vol

exit

    Important: If a command fails to execute correctly, do not proceed to the next command.

    Post the output in code formatting. Or copy the output to a text file and upload it.

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