[Solved] There Is An Error Selecting This Partition To Install Win11

User case: There is an error selecting this partition to install Win11

The “error selecting this partition to install Windows 11” problem often appears when users try to reinstall or upgrade to Windows 11. It stops the setup from continuing and frustrates many users.

This Windows 11 installation error usually happens because of one or more of these reasons:

• Not enough space on the target partition

• Wrong partition style (MBR instead of GPT)

• Corrupted or incomplete Windows 11 ISO file

• Faulty USB installation drive

• Damaged or unstable hard drive

In short, if Windows 11 cannot install or upgrade, you are likely facing one of these situations:

1. Error code 0x80070070 – Your drive is full and needs more free space to install Windows 11.

2. “This computer cannot run Windows 11” – Your PC doesn’t meet system requirements like TPM 2.0, UEFI, or Secure Boot.

3. Partition not supported – Windows 11 only works on GPT partitions, so you must convert MBR to GPT before reinstalling.

Why you cannot select a partition to install Win 11

Windows 11 has brought many new features, such as Windows Copilot AI, improved backup, and better tools like OCR in the Snipping Tool. However, its system requirements remain strict.

Windows 11 needs at least 64GB of free space, UEFI firmware, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Many older devices fail to meet these requirements, which leads to the partition or installation errors.

If the issue is only low storage space, freeing up your C drive usually helps. But for problems with UEFI, Secure Boot, or TPM 2.0, you’ll need additional fixes. The next section will show practical methods to solve Windows 11 installation errors and make the setup run smoothly.

How to fix There is an error selecting this partition to install Win11

Fix 1. Delete the partition where you want to install Windows 11

Many users have successfully fixed the “Windows 11 setup there is an error selecting this partition for install” problem by deleting the target partition. This works because removing the partition clears any existing data, formatting issues, or hidden system files that can block the installer. Once the partition is deleted, Windows 11 can create or formatted partition for installation, which usually resolves the error.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Click OK on the Windows 11 setup error message to close it. Press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

• diskpart
• list disk
• select disk * (* represents the disk number where you want to install Windows 11)
• list partition
• select partition
• delete partition * (* represents the partition number you want to install Windows 11 on)
• exit

Step 3. Return to the Windows 11 installation window, click Next, and check if the setup continues successfully.

If the error still appears, try the next solution.

Fix 2. Convert MBR disk to GPT

If your hard drive uses the MBR partition style, you may see the “there is an error selecting this partition to install Windows 11” message. This happens because Windows 11 requires a GPT disk to install in UEFI mode. Converting the disk from MBR to GPT can solve the problem.

You could do this manually by deleting all partitions in Command Prompt and typing convert gpt. While this works, it carries risks such as accidental data loss, corruption, or compatibility issues if something goes wrong.

To avoid these risks, many users prefer AOMEI Partition Assistant, which provides a safe and easy “Convert MBR to GPT” feature. Its step-by-step guidance allows even beginners to convert the disk without losing data. After the conversion, you can continue installing Windows 11, and the partition error should no longer appear. This can also help you easily delete partitions to fix the issue as well.

Step 1. Install and open AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the MBR disk you want to convert, and select "Convert to GPT".

Step 2. In the pop-out window, you will be asked "Are you sure to convert the selected disk from MBR to GPT disk", click "OK" > "Yes" to continue.

Step 3. After a while, you will back to the main console, click "Apply" and you will find your disk style has been changed into GPT.

As we mentioned above, the last task is to change Legacy BIOS to UEFI to make partition style and boot mode compatible. Let's have a closer look.

Step 1. When restarting the computer, enter BIOS Setup menu.

Step 2. In the BIOS window, click Boot tab, then change Legacy to UEFI.

Step 3. Finally, save the setting and exit.

Now, you can go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Check for Updates" and follow the prompts to upgrade to Windows 11. By the way, you can create a Windows 11 to go USB to enjoy Windows 11 on another device anytime and anywhere.

Fix 3. Clean partition with Windows cleanmgr.exe

Try this command to clean the drive in another way.

Step 1. Click Start and then click Run, or press Win + R key combination to start the Run.

Step 2. In the Run box, input this command and press Enter.

• c:\windows\SYSTEM32\cleanmgr.exe /f: (where f is the drive letter of the hard drive partition that you’d like to clean)

Step 3. Choose the right drive letter from the drop-down list to clean up.

Step 4. Open Disk Management and find the partition you’ve cleaned just now. Right-click it and select “New Simple Volume” to create a new partition if necessary.

Tips: above method applies to hard drive partition only.

Conclusion

The “there is an error selecting this partition to install Windows 11” issue is common but usually easy to fix. Most errors happen due to low disk space, the wrong partition style, or system requirements like UEFI, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0.

You can solve the problem by deleting the target partition, converting an MBR disk to GPT using tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant, or cleaning the drive with Windows cleanmgr.exe. Following these steps ensures your disk is properly prepared, allowing Windows 11 to install smoothly without errors.

By checking your system requirements and preparing your partitions correctly, you can avoid installation issues and complete your Windows 11 upgrade successfully.