Windows Update Fails at 7%

Hi Lychee-Ng,

Not yet—I haven’t had the chance to try the suggestions because one of our staff encountered the same issue at another branch. Once I go there, I’ll test it out, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll let you know.

Thanks for following up!

Hi Khalid Al Shukairy,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

When Windows Update consistently fails, it usually indicates a problem with the update cache, corrupted system files, or a driver conflict. Here are your options:

1 - Run Windows Update troubleshooter

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters
• Run Windows Update > Follow the prompts and apply any fixes suggested.

2 - Clear Windows Update cache

• Right-click Start logo > click Terminal (Admin) to open PowerShell > Enter:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver
• Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution > delete all files inside.
• Search Windows and open Disk Cleanup > select Clean up system files > cleanup C:\
• Go back to PowerShell and restart the service (ignore all errors, if any)
  • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver
• Let it finish and restart your PC > try the update again.

3 - Try manual update

• Visit Microsoft Update Catalog > search for the update
• Download and double-click to install the package.

Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Thoroughly research any product on the site before you decide to download and install it. Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.  

4 - Fix issue with reinstallation (keeping files)

• Clear cache and clean up system as instructed in Solution #2 above
• Using built-in repair option (if possible):
  • On your PC, go to Windows Settings > System > Recovery
  • Click Reinstall now to Fix problems using Windows Update
• If it also fails, try an in-place upgrade:
  • Refer to Reinstall Windows with the installation media - Microsoft Support
  • Navigate to the bottom of the page and expand In-place Upgrade.  

Disclaimer: Both Windows reinstallation and in-place upgrade will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up first before making large system changes. 

I hope that the information above helps. If an error code appears after the failure, share it here. Please understand that our initial reply may not immediately resolve the issue, but we can work together to find a solution. Thank you for your time.

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If your Windows update is failing at 7%, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Disable Third-Party Software: Sometimes, third-party antivirus or anti-malware applications can interfere with the update process. Try disabling these applications temporarily and then attempt the update again.
2. Perform a Clean Restart: A clean boot can help eliminate software conflicts. To do this:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.
   • Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
   • Restart your computer and try the update again.
3. Remove Nonessential Hardware: Disconnect all peripheral devices except for the mouse, keyboard, and monitor. This includes external drives and network adapters that are not necessary for the update.
4. Check Update History: Look for any failed updates in your update history. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history. If you find any failed updates, note the error codes and search for solutions specific to those codes.
5. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix issues with Windows Update. You can find it in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
6. Check Disk Space: Ensure that you have enough disk space available for the update. Sometimes, insufficient space can cause updates to fail.
7. Reset Windows Update Components: If the issue persists, you may need to reset the Windows Update components. This involves stopping the Windows Update service, renaming certain folders, and then restarting the service. Specific commands for this can be found in Microsoft's documentation.

If you've tried all these steps and the issue continues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

References:

• Windows Update common errors and mitigation
• Upgrade fails and generates error code 0xC1900101-0x20017