[SOLVED] Error code: 0x8007025D – Windows Cannot Install Required Files Windows 10

Windows 10 Installation Error: Windows Cannot Install Required Files. Make sure all the files required for installation are available and restart the installation. Error code: 0x8007025D.  
0x8007025D - 0x2000C The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during APPLY_IMAGE operation.

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

This error code is a common problem that happens when the user tries to install Windows 10. It can be fixed by following the steps below

1. Disconnect all external storage devices (External hard drives, DVD/CD, USB drives) from the computer on which you want to install Windows.
2. Restart that computer
3. On another Computer: Download the latest Media creation tool and create a bootable USB drive
4. Plugin the bootable USB drive to the computer on which you want to install Windows 10, try a different USB port this time.
5. Untick “Use the recommended options for this PC” on the “Select language, architecture and edition” setup screen.

What Are the Common Reason For Error code: 0x8007025D? How to troubleshoot it?

1. USB flash drive in FAT format

Make sure the USB installation media is in NTFS format.

2. Change USB Port

Connect the USB stick to a different USB port, let’s say a USB port on the backside of the PC.

3. System Reserved Partition Size Problem

System Reserved Partition is a hidden partition where boot configuration is maintained. The minimum System Reserved Partition space requirement for Windows 10 is 500 MB. In case are upgrading from an older version of Windows, then there could be already a System Reserved Partition existing on your machine with space of less than 500 MB. The installation will fail with the error “Windows Cannot Install Required Files (0x8007025D)” when the installation process tries to write data to this partition without sufficient space.

Windows Versions and Required System Reserved Partition Size

• Windows 7 required system reserved partition space: 100 MB
• Windows 8 required system reserved partition space: 350 MB
• Windows 10 required system reserved partition space: 500 MB

How to recreate System Reserved Partition during Windows 10 Installation?

During Windows 10 Installation you have to select “Custom: Install Windows Only (advanced)”

• Select the drive marked as “System Reserved” and click “Delete“, if you have free unallocated space. Otherwise, delete any other drive with more than sufficient space and then recreate both to free up some space for the “System Reserved” partition. In this example, we delete both partitions, then the screen will show “Drive 0 Unallocated Space”.
• Select “Drive 0 Unallocated Space” and click “New”.
• Enter the required partition space you want (optional) and click Apply button.
• The setup will automatically create a “System Reserved” partition with the required space.
• Click the Next button to start the Installation.

4. What Is Error Code 0x8007025D?

Error 0x8007025D (ERROR_BAD_COMPRESSION_BUFFER) means that the specified buffer contains ill-formed data. USB 3.0 uses the Message Signaled Interrupt (MSI) mode for communications with the system. USB 2.0 uses an older Interrupt Request (IRQ) system and it has compatibility issues. So, installing from USB is not possible when there is no USB 2.0 port. In this case, use another USB drive for the Windows setup. Download the latest media creation tool to create new installation media.

5. Bad sectors in HDD or SSD

Error “0x8007025D – Windows Cannot Install Required Files” may occur when Windows Installation tries to copy files to a space where there are bad sectors in HDD or SSD and an error is returned to the buffer. Run CHKDSK to check and repair disk errors. Replace with a new HDD or SSD if you find any bad sectors.

6. Faulty RAM

Like all other electronic components, RAM also degrades because of its usage for several years. Faulty RAM can cause file corruption, Blue screen of death (BSOD), performance issue, etc. So if you receive this error “- Windows Cannot Install Required Files (0x8007025D)”, then the culprit could be the RAM of your PC or laptop. Run built-in RAM/memory diagnostic tool – memtest.exe.
If your PC has multiple RAM sticks, then remove one RAM and try to install Windows. In case of failure, try with the other RAM. Follow the next step if this failed.

7. Antivirus/Security software – Norton/Symantec

Antivirus/Security software may prevent system files changes and those actions may result in a “Windows Cannot Install Required Files” error. You may have to temporarily disable or uninstall such software for completing this operation.

8. BIOS settings

Misconfigured BIOS can cause the error “Windows Cannot Install Required Files (0x8007025D)“. Temporarily disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot in your BIOS-UEFI firmware settings until the installation completes.

8. Corrupted ISO/Installation media

The installation media you have used might have been corrupted. Some of the reasons are mentioned below.

• The ISO file used for writing the DVD was corrupted.
• The installation disc/DVD was removed from the drive before completing the setup process.
• Low-quality DVD
• DVD burned at a higher speed
• The DVD drive cannot read the DVD disc due to physical damage like scratches in the disc.

9. Storage Size

Make sure you have sufficient space available in C:\ drive, otherwise installation may fail. Maintain at least 20 to 25 GB of free space in C: drive for the installation to complete.

Troubleshooting Tips For Error code: 0x8007025D

1. Run SFC /scannow command. Repeat this process until all system file errors have been rectified.
2. Reinstall back the old Windows 7 or 8 and update it. Download the latest media creation tool, run it, and choose USB setup. Complete the installation using a USB drive.
3. Reset BIOS settings to default.
4. Uninstall Antivirus/Security software – (for example Norton/Symantec)
5. Disk cleanup
6. Remove c:\Windows.~BT folder
7. Increase the “System Reserved Partition (SRP)” size to 1 GB
8. Copy all files from USB installation media or DVD to D:\ drive and run Windows 10 Setup from the existing OS.
9. Use the DISM command to repair Windows Image.
10. Change/Swap RAM module
11. Windows Reset this PC worked for some users.

Solution: