21h2 update to 23h2 fail on multiple

Huang, David (3) 0 Reputation points
2025-03-13T16:57:14.05+00:00

Hello,

I work in a corporate environment where there are multiple computers with this same issue. The issue is that there is a windows update to go from 21H2 to 23H2, however, it will download, install, and then at 90% it will reboot to a screen where it will say "undoing changes...".

I am hoping that there can be of assistance to this issue because the only solution we have is to completely re-image the computer to 23H2, backing up the data and wiping it.

Here's what has been done:

-Stop Window Updates Services by either opening command prompt and running net stop (wuauserv, bits, cryptsvc)

  • Run Windows Update Troubleshooter (finds a problem, applies a solution, but doesn't do anything.)
  • Gone into Services.msc and restarted Background Intelligent Transfer Services and Windows Update.
  • I have also renamed the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folder
  • I have ran the following codes into command prompt which is DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth sfc /scannow. It seemed to find corrupted files and fixed them but ended up doing nothing in the long run, update still fails.
  • I have used Windows Installation Assistance and it updated to 24H2 which cannot happen because it is one of our policies to be 1 version behind, so 23H2 is the target.
  • I have used a Windows 23H2 ISO file that also failed.
Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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  1. Ian Xue-MSFT 40,746 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-03-17T09:27:22.8566667+00:00

    Hi Huang, David (3)

    Thanks for your post. It seems like you have done a lot of work but still no help. Please go to the C:\Windows\setupact.log to see if there is any error.

    Also, please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the Windows update problem.

    Step 1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

    Step 2: Verify that your device is properly plugged in and connected to the Internet

    Step 3. Make sure you have Administrator access

    Step 4. Disconnect external hardware

    Step 5. Clear the Windows Update Cache

    Step 6. Verify Date and Time settings

    Step 7. Update third-party drivers

    Step 8. Free up some space so you can run updates

    Step 9. Run Windows Update again

    Step 10. Restart to apply installed updates

    Official troubleshooting guide: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows - Microsoft Support

    Best Regards,

    Ian Xue


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