[Fixed] Cannot Install Required Files Error Code 0x8007025D

Fix Windows 10 Setup/Installation Failure With Error Code 0x8007025D

When attempting to install Windows 10, encountering this error code is a frequent issue. However, it can be resolved by adhering to the steps provided below.

1. Disconnect all external storage devices (External hard drives, DVD/CD, USB drives) from the computer you want to install Windows.

2. Restart that computer.

3. Download the latest Media Creation Tool on another computer and create a bootable USB drive.

4. Plug the bootable USB drive into the computer you want to install Windows 10. Try a different USB port this time.

5. On the Select language, architecture, and edition setup screen, untick. Use the recommended options for this PC.

What Are the Common Reasons for Error Code: 0x8007025d?

USB Flash Drive in Fat Format

Ensure that the USB installation media is formatted in NTFS.

Change USB Port

Try connecting the USB stick to a USB port on the backside of the PC instead.

System Reserved Partition Size Problem

The System Reserved Partition is a covert partition that stores boot configuration information. To install Windows 10, a minimum of 500 MB of space is required for this partition. When upgrading from a previous version of Windows, there could already be a System Reserved Partition on your computer that has less than 500 MB of space.

If there is not enough room to write data to the partition while installing, you will get a message Windows Cannot Install Required Files 0x8007025D error code, and the installation will be unsuccessful.

Windows Versions and Required System Reserved Partition Size

The minimum amount of space needed for the System Reserved Partition varies among Windows operating systems. For instance, Windows 7 requires only 100 MB, Windows 8 requires 350 MB, and Windows 10 requires at least 500 MB of space for this partition.

What Is Error Code 0x8007025D?

If you encounter Error 0x8007025D (ERROR_BAD_COMPRESSION_BUFFER), it indicates that the data in the specified buffer is not properly formatted. USB 3.0 employs the Message Signaled Interrupt (MSI) mode to communicate with the system, while USB 2.0 utilizes an older Interrupt Request (IRQ) system, which may cause compatibility problems.

If your computer lacks a USB 2.0 port, you won’t be able to install it from a USB drive. Instead, try using a different USB drive for the Windows setup. You can download the latest media creation tool to create new installation media.

Bad Sectors in HDD or SSD

If you receive the error message “0x8007025D – Windows Cannot Install Required Files” during the Windows Installation process, it could be due to bad sectors on your HDD or SSD, resulting in an error being returned to the buffer when files are being copied. To resolve this, run CHKDSK to check and fix any disk errors. If bad sectors are detected, consider replacing the HDD or SSD with a new one.

Faulty RAM

Like other electronic components, the performance of RAM can decline over time as it is used. A problem with your RAM can cause issues such as file corruption, performance troubles, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and other complications.

If you encounter an error message “Windows Cannot Install Required Files (0x8007025D),” it could be due to your PC or laptop’s RAM. To determine if this is the case, use the built-in RAM/memory diagnostic tool, memtest.exe. If your computer has multiple RAM sticks, remove one and try installing Windows. If it fails, try again with the other stick. If this does not work, move on to the next step.

Security Software/Antivirus Software

At times, the Windows Cannot Install Required Files error can occur due to security or antivirus software that may block changes to system files. To fix this problem, you might need to temporarily disable or uninstall the software to allow the installation process to finish.

BIOS Settings

When the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is misconfigured, it may lead to the Windows Cannot Install Required Files (0x8007025D) error message. To fix this, temporarily disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot in the BIOS-UEFI firmware settings until the installation is finished.

Corrupted Iso/Installation Media

The installation media you used may have become corrupted for various reasons, as explained below:

• The ISO file used to write the DVD may have been damaged.
• The installation disc/DVD might have been removed from the drive before completing the setup process.
• The DVD may be of low quality.
• The DVD might have been burned at a higher speed.
• Physical damage, such as scratches on the DVD, might prevent the DVD drive from reading the disc.

Storage Size

Having enough free space in your C:\ drive is crucial to prevent the installation from failing. Keep at least 20 to 25 GB of free space in your C:\ drive to ensure a successful installation.

How to Fix Error Code: 0x8007025d When Installing Windows

Users may encounter the 0x8007025D error with the error code. The installation was canceled when attempting to perform a clean installation of their Windows operating system. This error is most commonly encountered by users trying to perform a clean installation of Windows using their flash drives.

Unplug the External Devices

The initial step to take would be to disconnect any external devices that are not required since the issue could be due to faulty hardware or corrupt drivers.

In addition, once the files have been transferred to your computer, Windows may no longer need your USB drive. Try disconnecting your drive and verifying if the installation is functioning correctly. You may also want to connect the drive to a different USB port to see if that resolves the issue.

Reduce the Size of HDD or SDD Disk Space and Format It

To install Windows 10 using a USB drive, you typically need about 20GB of space. To decrease the likelihood of space corruption, you may attempt to reduce the size of the installation partition to 125GB to resolve the 0x8007025D error. Remember that this option may not be available if you’re installing a feature built on an existing installation.

1. Turn your computer off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.

2. Use the power button again to turn off Windows before it loads.

3. After you do this twice, Windows will launch the Recovery menu once you turn the computer on.

4. Choose Troubleshoot from the list of options available.

5. Click on the Troubleshoot button.

6. Navigate to Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart.

7. Head to the System Configuration or Boot tab once in the BIOS.

8. Select Boot Options from the list of options available.

9. In the following window, go to the Legacy support option and enable it.

10. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.

11. Click Exit and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

12. You should now be able to see the Boot Manager window.

13. Choose the USB hard drive (UEFI) option from the list.

14. Click on your operating system version and wait for the files to load.

15. Click on the custom option in the following Windows Setup dialog.

16. Choose the partition and click on the New button.

17. Click Apply.

18. Next, format the new and primary partitions by clicking the Format button.

19. Click Next and wait for the installation to complete. Hopefully, you will no longer face the installation error again.

Use Another USB Device

Sometimes, even if the Windows image file you downloaded is fine, you may encounter the 0x8007025D error due to a bad flash drive. This could be the case if you use an old USB drive repurposed for installation, as it may contain unreadable sectors by your PC. When Windows cannot read a bad sector of the Windows image, the error occurs.

If you have tried other solutions without success, checking if the USB stick is faulty may be worthwhile. One solution is to create bootable Windows 10 installation media from the official Windows 10 download page using another USB stick. Install the upgrade using the new USB stick and check if the 0x8007025D error persists.

It is important to note that for best results, creating bootable USB media on another computer is recommended before connecting it to your computer. This can help ensure that the installation media is created without any issues and is free from any errors that could cause the installation to fail.

Download a New Windows 10 ISO Image Files

Sometimes, the image file you downloaded may have a corrupted file that cannot be decoded or copied. If the downloaded files were placed on a USB drive or disk without a known location, this could cause installation errors.

To address this issue, it is recommended to reinstall the files and begin the Windows installation process again. You can download the files from the official Microsoft Windows page and try unchecking the Recommended Windows settings during installation to see if it resolves the issue.

Run a Memory Diagnostics Tool

Many users have reported that removing the RAM sticks resolved the 0x8007025D error. You can do the same if your computer has two memory sticks installed. Simply remove one of the sticks and proceed with the installation. If the error persists, replace the first stick with the second one and try again.

1. Boot into BIOS using the steps described above.

2. Using the right and left arrow keys, click on Diagnostics.

3. Choose the Memory Test and press the enter key to begin.

4. Check if there are any errors in your RAM.

5. Apply the troubleshooting methods accordingly.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the above methods for fixing the “Windows cannot install required files” issue in Windows 10 don’t work, you can try using the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Note that you can only use this troubleshooter if you update Windows with a feature build and do not install clean.

To access the Windows Update Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu icon on your desktop and select the Gear icon to access Settings.

2. Select Update & Security.

3. Click on the Additional Troubleshooters link.

4. Scroll down in the right pane of the Troubleshoot screen and select Windows Update.

5. Click the Run the Troubleshooter button in the Windows Update tab.

Resolving the “Cannot Install Required Files Error Code 0x8007025D”

This comprehensive guide has explored various effective solutions to overcome the frustrating “Cannot Install Required Files Error Code 0x8007025D” on Windows. Following the step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting techniques, you can successfully resolve this issue and continue your installation process smoothly. Follow the recommended best practices and consult the support resources for further assistance. Say goodbye to installation troubles and enjoy your Windows experience hassle-free.