Unable to uninstall KB5042881

Question

Checking for update on our Windows Server 2022 and it has installed all updates OK including KB5042881 (2024-09 Cummulative Update for Microsoft server operating System) , however, when re-checking for further update its still tries to install the same update and then fails with error code 0x80073701, so we have tried to uninstall the Update in case its corrupted but when we try to uninstall it says 'the update is not installed on this computer' when using the WUSA command and its not listed in the update History either.

Please help

Trev.

Answer 1

Hello

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

The error code 0x80073701 typically indicates a missing system file or a corruption in the update process. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue:

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: This built-in tool can help identify and fix common problems with Windows Update. You can find it by searching for "Troubleshoot settings" in the Windows search bar, then selecting "Additional troubleshooters" and "Windows Update."

Use the DISM Tool: The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can help repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands one by one:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After running these commands, try to uninstall the update again.

Check for Pending Updates: Sometimes, pending updates can cause issues with installing or uninstalling other updates. Make sure all other updates are installed before attempting to uninstall KB5042881 again.

Manually Remove the Update: If the update is not listed in the update history, you can try manually removing it using the Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command:

wusa /uninstall /kb:5042881 /quiet /norestart

If this command doesn't work, you might need to use the DISM tool to remove the update package directly.

Reset Windows Update Components: Resetting the Windows Update components can help resolve issues with updates. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands one by one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

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

After running these commands, try to uninstall the update again.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you might need to consider performing a clean installation of Windows Server 2022.

Best Regards,

Wesley Li