Another update failure!

Stan Muir 1 Reputation point
2021-03-27T01:24:07.37+00:00

I tried to install the latest Windows 10 update, 20H2, on three different laptops with no success whatsoever! Why is it every update for Windows 10 is problematic? I haven't had a smooth install with an update for Windows 10 in almost 10 years!

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
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  1. S.Sengupta 15,111 Reputation points MVP
    2021-03-27T02:56:37.337+00:00

    I suggest you try to fix the Windows Updates problems by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. To do that follow these steps below:

    Go to Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update.

    Check that you have enough free disk space (at least 32 GB) before installing.

    Temporarily disable or completely uninstall any 3rd party antivirus or security program from your system.

    Disable Drive Encryption if you have enabled earlier.

    Try to delete the Windows Update folder. If you have an incomplete download of the update.To do this boot in to Safe mode

    Now move to (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution) and delete in order to force Windows to re download the update.

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  2. Stan Muir 1 Reputation point
    2021-03-27T03:08:35.81+00:00

    Did all that and even though I have a 1 TB external drive, Windows kept asking me to find another 930 Mb on the internal drive which I could not. I don't really understand why Windows needs so much free space to just do an update? I bought it from HP with everything installed. Just doesn't make any sense.

  3. Stan Muir 1 Reputation point
    2021-03-27T04:35:34.65+00:00

    Was not aware of that option. Don't know what it could do given the updates requirement for so much free space on my internal drive? Maybe I'll try it on the Dell laptop I also am trying to do the same update with.

    Thanks.

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  4. The Network Company 116 Reputation points
    2021-03-28T04:40:09.973+00:00

    The latest Windows releases like from 1909 or 2004 to 20H2 are a complete overwrite of the Windows OS. These bi-yearly Windows updates aren't just updates, they are new Windows 10 installs as an in-place upgrade

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  5. Stan Muir 1 Reputation point
    2021-03-28T05:54:55.233+00:00

    Yes I knew that and I figured out the problem. I had to stop a few services and then go in and rename the servicedistribution folder to servicedistribution.old
    then rebooted and all is well. I believe the problem was a repair program I got sucked into. I now have the 20H2 update and got rid of the repair program.