0x80042444 - 0x4002F Error when installing Windows 11 Upgrade

If you’re getting the 0x80042444 – 0x4002F error code during a Windows 11 upgrade, it’s likely due to a dynamic disk configuration issue. When disks are set as “dynamic,” a new system sees them as “foreign,” making them go offline and preventing the upgrade.

The error code 0x80042444 means VDS_E_PACK_OFFLINE, i.e., the disk appears to be offline, and no operation is possible. This error can be fixed by converting the disks from dynamic to basic.

Fix 0x80042444 – 0x4002F Error Code when installing Windows 11 Upgrade

There are two ways to fix error code 0x80042444 – 0x4002F. The first method ensures your data is not lost, whereas the second method may result in data loss. So remember to take backup.

Unplug Dynamic disks
Convert to basic disk

Make sure to use an administrator account and have a bootable disk ready.

1] Unplug Dynamic disks

If it’s an external drive set to a dynamic disk, it’s easy. Unplug the dynamic disks and then rerun the Windows setup. This time, it will recognize the OS drive and install Windows.

After installation, plug the dynamic disks back in. In Disk Manager, you should see an option to “import foreign disks.” Select it, and all data on the dynamic disks will be restored.

2] Convert to basic disk

Create a bootable USB driver, and boot your PC using that. Ensure its the first bootable device.
On the installation screen, press SHIFT + F10 to open Command Prompt.
Next, we will use DiskPart to change the disk type. Type diskpart and press Enter.
Type list disk to see all available disks.
Check if any disks are labeled as foreign. If yes, then they are dynamic disks we need to convert. Please make a note of them.
Type select disk X (replace X with the disk number you noted).
Type convert basic to change the selected disk from dynamic to basic.

If there are multiple foreign disks, repeat the steps for each. Once done, close Command Prompt and restart your Windows PC.

Since the disk has been converted from dynamic to basic, the error code 0x80042444 – 0x4002F should no longer appear, as the installation wizard should see the disk online. You should be able to install Windows 11 without encountering the error.

I hope this helps.

Is it safe to convert my dynamic disks to basic, and what are the risks?

Converting a dynamic disk to a basic disk will erase all data. It’s recommended only if you have a complete backup or don’t need the data on that disk. However, if you can remove it, you can still recover the data later.

What does “Import foreign disks” mean, and when should we use it?

The “Import foreign disks” option in Disk Management lets Windows recognize dynamic disks created in another Windows installation. After reconnecting dynamic disks post-installation, we can use this option to restore access data without converting the disks to basic.