Windows Server 2016: We couldn't complete the updates Undoing Changes Don't turn off your computer

Question

Issue when trying to install latest Cumulative Updates for Windows Server 2016.

1. Nov 2023 SSU installed fine as well as Nov Cumulative Update.  Dec Cumulative Update fails after initial install/reboot.  What I mean is that the update installs 100% initially, then reboots and when finishing the update/install gets to somewhere between 95-100% and then fails with: “We couldn't complete the updates Undoing Changes Don't turn off your computer”
2. This happens with each subsequent update (Jan 2024 and now Feb 2024)
3. The Feb 2024 SSU installed fine yesterday.  This gave me hope that the Feb Cumulative would install but it failed as well.

We have done pretty much everything from – resetting WU components, deleting Software Distribution folders, DISM, SFC, WU troubleshooter, manually installing updates, using WSUS to install, remove Trend protection software, updated all system drivers, etc…

Answer 1

Hi Frank T23,

one thing you could try is to perform a clean boot before attempting to install the updates again. This will help to eliminate any potential conflicts with third-party software or services that may be interfering with the update process.

To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "msconfig" and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, click on the Services tab.
4. Check the box next to "Hide all Microsoft services".
5. Click on "Disable all".
6. Click on the Startup tab.
7. Click on "Open Task Manager".
8. In the Task Manager window, disable all startup items.
9. Close the Task Manager window.
10. Click on "OK" in the System Configuration window.
11. Restart your computer.

Once your computer has restarted, try installing the updates again and see if the issue persists.

Hope it helps.

Regards,

Lei