Error installation updates

Waleed Khan 20 Reputation points
2026-08-28T20:04:12.2666667+00:00

Resolve issue installation and updates of attached

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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Answer accepted by question author
John Jefferson Doyon 84,735 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-28T20:40:41.9366667+00:00

Hi, @Waleed Khan

What exact error message or error code do you get when the update fails?

Also, please let me know:

  1. What is the name or KB number of the update that will not install?
  2. Press Windows + R, type winver and press Enter. What Windows version and OS build are shown?
  3. Does the update fail while downloading, installing, or after restarting?

If you attached a screenshot, it is not showing on my side. Please attach it again if possible.

In the meantime, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run. Then restart the PC and check for updates again.

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-28T20:04:32.6933333+00:00

    For Windows Update installation failures, use this order of troubleshooting steps:

    1. Verify basic update requirements:
      • Ensure the device is connected to power.
      • Check internet connectivity in Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
      • Confirm the account has administrator access.
      • Disconnect unnecessary external hardware such as USB drives, docks, and other peripherals.
    2. Clear the Windows Update cache:
      • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      • Find Windows Update, right-click it, and select Stop.
      • Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
      • Delete all files and folders in that folder.
      • Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
    3. Check date and time settings:
      • Open Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
      • Turn on Set time automatically.
      • If needed, select Sync now.
    4. If the error shown is 0x80073701 or 0x800f0988, run the DISM cleanup workaround:
      • Type cmd in Start.
      • Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
      • If prompted by UAC, select Yes.
      • Run: 
             dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
      • Wait for completion, restart the device, and check for updates again.
    5. If update installation still fails, check storage and drivers:
      • Make sure there is enough free space: at least 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS upgrades.
      • Update third-party hardware drivers from the hardware manufacturer, then try Windows Update again.
    6. If the issue persists after the DISM cleanup for 0x80073701, a repair installation can be used. One accepted resolution for this error on Windows 10 was a repair installation using the Media Creation Tool.
    7. Restart after any successful update attempt using Start > Power > Update and restart or Update and shut down.

    If the attached screenshot contains a specific error code, the exact fix depends on that code. The supported codes in the available guidance include 0x80073701, 0x800f0988, 0x8007000d, 0x800705b4, 0x800f0922, 0x80070057, 0x80080005, 0xC1900101, 0x80248014, 0x80070005, and 0x80070002.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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