Cannot Update PC. Keeps failing continually

Question

I’ve been attempting to update my company PC all day, but the process keeps failing with this error. I came across some information suggesting it might be related to the fact that I recently used a USB drive with Windows installation media to set up the new computer.

Could someone please assist me with this issue? I’m feeling quite concerned and confused about what’s happening. I would greatly appreciate any help at this point.

Answer 1

Hi Tina D,

Just checking in to see whether the issue has been resolved or let me know if you need any further assistance from my side.

If you found the answer helpful, selecting Accept Answer would be greatly appreciated. 😊

Answer 2

Hi Tina D,

As a first step, I recommend running sfc /scannow followed by DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth from an elevated Command Prompt to repair potential system file corruption. Next, please verify that your device is running the correct Windows edition and build by checking winver, ensuring it aligns with your organization’s update channel. It would also be helpful to temporarily disconnect any external USB devices and confirm that no installation media is still mounted.

If the issue persists, I may need to review the Windows Update logs (via Event Viewer or SetupDiag) to identify the exact failure code and determine whether this is a servicing stack or component-based servicing issue. In enterprise environments, I also recommend confirming that Group Policy or endpoint management configurations are not blocking the update.

You can try the steps above and share any specific error codes you encounter so we can narrow this down further.

If you find this guidance helpful, please consider selecting “Accept Answer”, it helps ensure the right solutions are easy to identify.

Jason.

Answer 3

It sounds like you are experiencing issues with updating your PC, which could be related to the USB drive you used for Windows installation media. If you have an external USB device or SD card attached during the update process, it can cause errors and prevent the upgrade from proceeding. This is particularly relevant if you are trying to upgrade to Windows 10, version 1903, as having such devices connected can lead to inappropriate drive reassignment during installation.

To resolve this issue, you should remove all external media, including USB devices and SD cards, from your computer. After disconnecting these devices, try restarting the update process. If you are using installation media, consider copying the files to your local drive and starting the installation from there.

If the problem persists, you may also want to check for any outdated or incompatible drivers, as they can contribute to upgrade failures. Disabling any third-party antivirus or security software temporarily might also help.

If you continue to face issues, further troubleshooting may be necessary, including performing a clean boot or checking for hardware conflicts.

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References:

• Error on a computer that has a USB device or SD card attached: This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10
• Upgrade fails and generates error code 0xC1900101-0x20017