Update KB5077241 doesn't install--keeps requesting restart

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Update KB5077241 doesn't install--keeps requesting restart

Roger Blair 405

I run Windows 11 on a Dell Inspiron laptop. Tonight, I was preparing to shut down my machine for the day and checked Windows Update for any updates. I found the following message: Repetitive Update

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Answer 1

GsN5034 - IA 76,475 Independent Advisor

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Windows preview updates can sometimes be difficult to install because they are early beta versions of the updates planned for the following month. There is no need to install these preview updates unless you specifically want to test upcoming features or fixes.

If you are having difficulty installing the updates several times,

Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
Turn off the toggle for “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
Restart your computer.

After the restart, check Windows Update again to see if the installation completes successfully.

User's image

If the updates are still stuck, you can try running the Windows Update troubleshooter from Troubleshoot settings and running the System File Checker utility scan.

Run the commands below one by one in an elevated Command Prompt and click Enter for each command.

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth  

sfc /scannow

Restart your computer.

Roger Blair 405 Reputation points

2026-02-26T14:30:38.3466667+00:00

By the time I saw the answer, I'd already started an in-place reinstall, which fixed the problem. I've filed this away to use the (inevitable) next time I get a stuck update,
Alastair Birse 0 Reputation points

2026-02-27T19:48:08.7266667+00:00

I am another user who was caught with this update. I have had to perform a system restore twice now after this update installed. It caused my PC to remain in a restart loop that would not stop after trying both "Startup Repair" and "Uninstall Updates"

I have now had to clear my SoftwareDistribution folder as well to avoid this update from installing. The update has some serious flaws and needs to be re-evaluated by MS