Windows 10 Update fails repeatedly

Question

So far, updating Windows 10 has failed 15 times, generating different error codes. I have tried everything on the Microsoft website to fix the problem – Update Troubleshooter, Update Assistant, running the sfc and dism tools, downloading the latest SSU, cleaning up my hard disk, running chkdsk, downloading the most recent KB, updating all my drivers, used WMC to perform an in-place upgrade and also to reinstall Windows, doing a clean boot, uninstalling my third party antivirus software (which itself was and adventure, because Windows would not uninstall it and the vendor’s local uninstall program would not work either, I had to download an uninstall utility from the vendor), and two of your technicians have taken control of my computer remotely to perform some fixes which still are not working.  And I may have missed a few other things that I have tried. This has taken hours of my own time and is likely wearing out my hard drive, all for a process which is supposed to be automatic.

At times, I am told that I am updating from 1803 to 1809, and at other times I am told that I am updating from 1803 to 1903 – seemingly at random.  In every case, the update downloads and appears to install, but fails at about the 60% point in the configuration process.

I wouldn’t have worried about this, except that Windows Update is constantly telling me that support for my version of Windows will end shortly.

Can anyone there fix this for me?

Rick

SRX1484398982ID

Answer 1

I recommend an in-place upgrade repair.

To repair Windows without losing any data then follow the instruction here:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repai...

This will also upgrade you to the latest version of Windows - currently 1903 - if you currently don’t have this installed.

In a nutshell you just download the media creation tool & choose to upgrade now.

Can you post some of the error messages/error codes?

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

If you read what I posted above, you will see that I already tried and in-place upgrade with WMC, as well as used it to reinstall Windows.

I have had various error codes, seemingly at random with each failed update attempt, incuding but not limited to 0xc0000005 and 0x80240034. With each error code, I have tried all the relevant fixes, but updates still fail.

Answer 3

I’m sorry to see that you marked my reply as not helpful.

Have you tried resetting the update components?

Open cmd prompt/powershell with admin & enter:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

Restart the PC & try updating again.

Try regedit in the search bar & right click on it to choose run as admin, then find: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate & delete the entries WUServer and WIStatusServer in the right pane.

Restart the computer and try to install the updates again.

Check too for malware:

Try running these programs:

MBAM free: https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

Eset online scanner: http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/

Adwcleaner: https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/

If these find one or more infections but do not fully remove them it will be wise to register with a malware removal site to receive dedicated malware removal instructions, an expert will remain with you throughout the process until confirmation that your PC is 100% clean.

Malwarebytes virus/malware removal forum:

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/forum/7-windows...

Bleeping computer malware/virus removal forum:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22...

Which third party antivirus were/are you running?

Also your hard drive may be going back so run chkdsk on it or use third party tools to test the drive:

https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

Disclaimer - This post contains reference to non-Microsoft websites and there may be ads on the page for products & services including products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Product). Please thoroughly research any product / service advertised on the page before you decide to use them. Your discretion is very much advised.

Answer 4

Yes, I have done all of that at least once, and some of it many times, including chkdsk.  As have the Microsoft techs. 

I was using McAfee antivirus, and also used malwarebytes.

Answer 5

If you have done all this then I suspect a clean install of Windows is required.

I’ll pass on the question so other IAs can offer any other solutions.