Solved: Windows 11 Update fails to install on some PCs

Here some effective solutions you must apply when windows update stuck downloading or fails to install with different errors on windows 10

Microsoft regularly releases Windows 11 updates with various security improvements and bug fixes, but it appears to be causing headaches for a few users. A new update for Windows 11 version 22H2 broke some PCs, and it appears that the Cumulative Update fails to install.

Cumulative update for windows 11 version 22H2 for x64 based system failed to install

Several users in the Microsoft community forum said that the update fails to install. It is worth noting that only a small number of users are experiencing such issues and Microsoft hasn’t yet acknowledged the installation problems.

Windows 11 update failed to install

If Windows 11 update is stuck during download at 0% or 99% or completely failed to install, it might be that something went wrong with the file itself. Clearing the folder where all of the update files are stored will force Windows Update to download fresh files.

  • Before this check and make sure you have a working internet connection to download Windows update files from the Microsoft server.
  • Disable antivirus protection and disconnect from VPN (If configured on your PC)
  • Again make sure the Windows installation drive (C: drive) has sufficient space to download and store updated files before applying them to your PC.

Clear Windows Update Files

  • Type services.msc on the start menu search and hit the enter key.
  • This will open the Windows services console,
  • Here scroll down and locate the Windows update service,
  • Right-click on the Windows update service and select stop.
  • Do the same with its related service BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service)

Stop windows 11 update service

  • Now open Windows Explorer using the keyboard shortcut Windows + E,
  • And navigate to the following location  C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
  • Delete everything in the folder, but do not delete the folder itself.
  • To do so, press CTRL + A to select everything and then press Delete to remove the files.
  • Again open Windows services and restart the services (windows update, BITS) which you previously stopped.

Clear windows 11 update cache

Run Windows Update troubleshooter

Now Run the build Windows update troubleshooter, which automatically checks and fixes the problems that prevent Windows update download and installation.

Windows Update troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help you analyze and resolve issues related to Windows update.

  • Open the Settings app using Windows + I keyboard shortcut,
  • Go to the system then select troubleshoot and next click on other troubleshooters
  • On the right-hand side select windows update and click on Run next to it
  • This will start to diagnose and fix if any problem prevents Windows updates from downloading and installing.

windows update troubleshooter

After running the troubleshooter Simply restart Windows and try to download and install the Windows 11 update again.

Disable Security Software and perform a clean boot

Also, Disable Any security software or third-party antivirus protection (if installed), Now search for updates, install the available updates and then turn on your antivirus protection.

Clean booting your computer may also help. If any third-party software causes conflict to download & install Windows updates. Here’s how to do this:

  • Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and click on ok to open the system configuration window,
  • Move to the services tab, checkmark on Hide all Microsoft services and click on Disable all

Hide all Microsoft services

  • Now move to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager
  • Here Disable all the unnecessary services running there.
  • Restart your computer and check for updates, hope this time Windows updates download and install without any error.

Run system file checker

Also, corrupted system files cause different problems including Windows updates to stuck downloading or failure to install. Run a system file checker that automatically detects and restores missing system files with the correct ones.

  1. Click the Search button on the bottom left, and type the command prompt.
  2. When you see the Command Prompt program listed, Right-click it, then click Run as administrator. …
  3. When the command prompt box comes up type the following then click Enter: sfc /scannow
  4. This will start scanning for corrupted missing system files if found any the SFC utility automatically restores them with the correct one from a compressed folder located %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.
  5. Once 100% completes the scanning process restart your PC and again check for Windows updates.

Manually install Windows updates

Also, you can manually download and install these updates from the Microsoft catalog blog to do this first note down the latest KB number.

Now use the Windows Update Catalog Website to search for the update specified by the KB number you noted down. Download the update depending on if your machine is 32-bit = x86 or 64-bit=x64.

Open the downloaded file in order to install the update.

That’s all after installing the updates simply restart the computer to apply the changes.

Also If you are getting Windows Update stuck while the upgrade process simply use the official installation assistant tool to upgrade to Windows 11 version 22H2 without any error or problem.

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