- Software and digital services
- Operating system
0x800F0923
Windows 0x800F0923: a driver does not support the Windows 11 move
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
Error 0x800F0923 means a driver or other software on the PC is not compatible with the upgrade to Windows 11. Back up your files first, unplug anything nonessential and update drivers through Windows Update and the maker's website.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Uninstalling a driver can leave that device unusable until the right one is installed; download the new one from the maker's website first and back up your files.
- An incompatible driver does not mean the part is broken: once a suitable version exists, the device should work on Windows 11.
Safe checks you can perform
- Backup and accessories unplugged
- Drivers updated through two routes
- Devices flagged in Device Manager
- Third-party antivirus off during the upgrade
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Microsoft support for the driver
- Do not attempt this professional task: Log review by a technician
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Microsoft support for the driver
What they doFor this code Microsoft points straight to its support; bring the code, the list of updated drivers and the accessories you already removed.
They must show youwhich driver or program they identify as incompatible.
In writingthe case number and the driver or software version they recommend.
Log review by a technician
What they doA technician opens setuperr.log and setupact.log in %windir%\Panther or runs SetupDiag to pinpoint the exact driver, then updates or uninstalls it.
They must show youthe log line or SetupDiag result naming the driver.
In writingwhich driver was updated or removed, its version, and the outcome of the new attempt.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Backup and accessories unplugged
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- copy your personal files to another drive or the cloud; then unplug headphones, printers, scanners, speakers, USB flash drives and external drives, and undock a laptop from its docking station.
- Result that matters:
- protecting your data and taking drivers for accessories out of the way, since they are not needed to upgrade.
- If the upgrade succeeds without them:
- reconnect them one by one once on Windows 11 and install their current drivers.
- If the error is unchanged:
- the conflicting driver belongs to an internal component or a program.
- Evidence to keep:
- list of accessories removed and the backup date.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Drivers updated through two routes
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- in Windows Update install all important updates, hardware updates included; then visit the website of the PC maker or of each added component and download its latest Windows 11 drivers.
- Result that matters:
- replacing the old driver with one the maker declares compatible.
- If new drivers exist and the upgrade moves on after installing them:
- that was the block.
- If a component has no newer version:
- note it for Microsoft or the hardware maker's support.
- Evidence to keep:
- name and version of each driver updated.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Devices flagged in Device Manager
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- type device manager in the taskbar search box, open each category and look for icons with a yellow exclamation mark; right-click and choose to update the driver.
- Result that matters:
- finding the component whose driver already reports trouble before you upgrade.
- If a device is flagged:
- fix its driver before the next attempt.
- If nothing is flagged:
- review third-party programs, starting with the antivirus.
- Evidence to keep:
- screenshot of the flagged device and its driver version.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Third-party antivirus off during the upgrade
- Who:
- you, with an administrator session open.
- How:
- make sure you have the antivirus installer and activation details, uninstall it from Programs and Features and let Windows Defender protect the PC while you upgrade.
- Result that matters:
- ruling out the security software as the incompatible program.
- If the upgrade completes without it:
- install a Windows 11 compatible version afterwards.
- If the error remains:
- the case goes to Microsoft support, as its page says.
- Evidence to keep:
- name and version of the antivirus removed.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Software and digital services
- Brand
- Microsoft Windows
- Product type
- Operating system
Known code variants
- 0x800f0923
- 800F0923
- Windows 11 0x800F0923
What it means
Microsoft describes 0x800F0923 as a possible sign that a driver or other software on your PC isn't compatible with the upgrade to Windows 11, and refers you to its support to fix it. In practice a newer driver version is usually needed, or the affected software has to be removed for a while. The code alone never proves the hardware part is broken: it points to a compatibility problem in the software that runs it.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Mediumsource verified
Uninstalling a driver can leave that device unusable until the right one is installed; download the new one from the maker's website first and back up your files.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
- Lowsource verified
An incompatible driver does not mean the part is broken: once a suitable version exists, the device should work on Windows 11.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Driver with no Windows 11 compatible versionCommon
Microsoft names an incompatible driver as a possible source; the installed version for the device is not ready for the new system version.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
- Incompatible system programPossible
The same Microsoft message covers other software on the PC, such as utilities or third-party antivirus, that does not support the upgrade.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
- Attached accessories with their own driversPossible
Microsoft recommends unplugging printers, scanners, USB flash drives, external hard drives and docks before upgrading, because their drivers come into play too.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Virtual technician
Does 0x800F0923 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Microsoft · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors in Spanish
Microsoft · 2026 · official_doc
- 3
Windows 10 upgrade resolution procedures
Microsoft · 2026 · official_doc
- 4
Microsoft · 2026 · official_doc
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