1. Restart Your PC
A simple restart often clears stuck installation processes and lets updates resume.
2. Check for Pending Restarts
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- If prompted to restart, do so before retrying the update.
3. End Windows Installer Processes
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find msiexec.exe or Windows Installer processes.
- Right-click → End Task.
- Retry the update afterwards.
4. Clear Windows Update Components
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
- This removes corrupted cache files and resets update components.
5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and execute:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- These tools repair corrupted system files that may be blocking updates.
6. Install Updates in Clean Boot Mode
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Go to Services → Hide all Microsoft services → Disable all.
- Restart in Clean Boot and retry Windows Update.
7. Manually Install the Update
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search for the KB number of the failed update.
- Download and install it manually.
8. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
- Select Windows Update Troubleshooter.
- Let it detect and fix update-related problems automatically.
9. Use Windows Update Assistant
Download and run the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft’s official site to bypass installer conflicts and complete updates.