Windows updates not working

Question

My windows 11 laptop has been pretty weird after i upgraded my ram and updates will always fail and Virus and Threat protection page is missing, it just says your IT administrator has restricted access but i dont have any work or student accounts and windows updates will always fail even if i download them manually from the website and it'll give me Install error - 0x8007042b or it will get stuck at downloading at 6% ive tried all the command prompt solutions, deleted cache files and even tried a usb boot repair and its still there. i think my laptop hates me

Answer 1

The FRST logs indicate that there have been some crashes earlier this month.

2025-07-18 19:40 - 2025-06-29 18:10 - 004773224 ____N C:\Windows\Minidump\071825-11656-01.dmp
2025-07-18 19:06 - 2025-06-29 18:10 - 004559492 ____N C:\Windows\Minidump\071825-11609-01.dmp
2025-07-18 18:59 - 2025-06-29 18:10 - 004674558 ____N C:\Windows\Minidump\071825-11218-01.dmp
2025-07-18 18:49 - 2025-06-29 18:10 - 004462510 ____N C:\Windows\Minidump\071825-11562-01.dmp
2025-07-18 18:35 - 2025-06-29 18:10 - 004332814 ____N C:\Windows\Minidump\071825-11140-01.dmp

If possible, please share the contents of the Minidump folder and post the link here.

Answer 2

There have been multiple crashes and a specific driver file name is not mentioned in the dumps. This may require detailed troubleshooting using Driver Verifier, which can be tedious. Instead, you may consider backing up your files to an external drive and doing a reset (with the Keep files option.)

To reset Windows, open Settings > Recovery, click “Reset PC,” select “Keep my files,” and “Cloud download.”

The following article can be helpful.

How to factory reset Windows 11 keeping files

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