How to fix a pending Windows Update that repeatedly fails to install?

Question

I have a pending Windows Update that fails to install every time I restart my laptop. It reaches 99% and then displays an error message: "Something went wrong. No need to worry—undoing changes..." My laptop keeps restarting 2 or 3 times with the same message, and then it opens with the update still needing to be installed.

I have been experiencing this issue for the last two weeks or more. What steps can I take to fix it?

Answer 1

Hi, thanks for coming into the forums. I'm also a user like you and I'll be more than happy to help you to the best of my knowledge.

Please try the steps below.

1. Run the SFC scan first then install all pending updates for your Window, below is the link for the complete guide.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/365e0031-36b1-6031-f804-8fd86e0ef4ca

2. Make sure you have enough storage for the updates, try also to turn off anti-virus.

If that still doesn't work, you can perform inplace upgrade.

1. Go to Windows 11 website: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO)
3. Once done downloading the ISO, kindly right-click on ISO then click Mount> then Click Setup.exe
4. You may be prompted by User Account Control. Click on Yes if so
5. In the Install Windows 11 dialog, click Next
6. Setup will check your PC and show a license agreement. Click on Accept in the license terms dialog.
7. Wait for the setup program to check for the available free space.
8. On the Ready to install page, make sure Keep personal files and apps have been checked.
9. Then click Install and just follow the prompt.
10. Windows 11 will restart your device several times, and lead you to the lock screen. Depending on the options you set, it will keep all your files, apps, and user accounts.

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