Cumulative updates fail to install on Windows Server 2019

Question

Hi all,

We have a virtualized Windows Server 2019 that fails to install updates with error 0x800f0986. I've tried download the latest cumulative update from catalog.microsoft.com as well but it fails there too. Currently it's running version 10.0.17763.1637.

Looking at the update history (the server has been around longer than I), it seems no cumulative updates have ever been installed on this machine.

I've tried the following in Powershell as well but it hasn't worked (see code below). Any ideas?

Stop-Service wuauserv | Out-Null

Stop-Service cryptSvc | Out-Null

Stop-Service bits | Out-Null

Stop-Service msiserver | Out-Null
if ( (Test-Path "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.old") -eq $true) {Remove-Item "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.old" -Recurse -Force}
if ( (Test-Path "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution") -eq $true) 	{Rename-Item -Path C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution -NewName SoftwareDistribution.old}
if ( (Test-Path "C:\Windows\Catroot2.old") -eq $true ) 		{Remove-Item "C:\Windows\Catroot2.old" -Recurse -Force}
if ( (Test-Path "C:\Windows\Catroot2") -eq $true ) 		{Rename-Item -Path C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 -NewName Catroot2.old}
Start-Service wuauserv | Out-Null
Start-Service cryptSvc | Out-Null
Start-Service bits | Out-Null
Start-Service msiserver | Out-Null

Answer 1

Hello Joni Ljungqvist1

Here are some basic troubleshooting, please refer to:

1.Running the update troubleshooter. Select Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.

2.Performing a clean boot. This is a way of starting Windows with only the essential services and programs, which can help eliminate any software conflicts that might interfere with the update process. Please refer to this link: How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

3.Restarting the update services. You can do this by using the Services tool (services.msc) and stopping and starting the following services: Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Cryptographic Services.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

Answer 2

I have the exact same issue and have tried everything.

The troubleshooter does not work. I have rebooted and restarted services. I have also completely reinstalled the Windows Updates components.

Answer 3

Have you checked/restored the health of this server?

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

SFC /Scannow

chkdsk c: /f

Answer 4

How do you get to a cmd.exe prompt from a cold boot, in order to run the DISM /Online ? It always says that PE cannot run /Online

I need to rollback the latest Cumulative, but even the specific Dism command to use the Wim: also do not work.

This is Server 2019

The error is that Ctrl-Alt-Del only flashes a blue page, when you think it should go to login dialog box, but does not. It just goes back to Black screen and no more Ctrl-Alt-Del work. I must power off machine, and back on to just try other options. Which none seem to work.