Failed update, now Windows won't load.

hishighness420 · 21 Apr 2021

Good day all, I'm running Windows 10 Home 64 bit (Don't know the exact version number as I don't have access to Windows ATM)

I was informed I needed to do the most recent update, so I attempted to do so, but when I returned to my computer it was stuck at something like 53%. I knew this could be just taking a while so I waited a couple of hours but it didn't move. So I attempted to CTRL-ALT-DEL but that didn't work either. I tried tapping the power button once quickly to see if I could do a soft reset but to no avail. So, with no other options open to me I did a hard reset, held the power key until the PC shut down and then turned it back on.

When I did my PC returned back into Windows and I redid the update and everything worked fine. However then I was told I needed to do another update, so I did that this morning. Now when I try to boot the first screen for my motherboard says something like "attempting auto repair" and then I get to a windows installer type screen giving me options to continue to Windows 10 (which just brings me back to this same screen) use a DVD or USB, trouble shoot and so on.

I've tried all the options there but to no avail. And I don't have a system recovery or image to revert back to. (Dumb, I know.)

Next I tried creating a Windows 10 recovery USB on my laptop. But, when I tried to boot into it I got a message saying that there had been a failed update and I can either try to continue it (which doesn't work) or I can do a fresh install of Windows 10.

So, my situation now is I'm using my PC with a Ubuntu live USB. I have the option of wiping the drive and reinstalling, but I'd like to exhaust all my options because obviously I'd like to avoid having to reinstall all of my programs if I can help it.

Thank you all very kindly for your time.

dalchina · 21 Apr 2021

Hi, you could try
How to Remove Updates from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) • Repair Windows™

Otherwise, given where you are- best to prepare for a clean install of Win 10. (Tutorial available).
a. Create a disk image of your Windows partition to external storage (so it's a complete backup you can use later- no worries about having forgotten something)
b. Try to recover any program license keys you can - there may be a utility that can read these offline.
- if you have these in a file you can read- that's fine.
c. Clean install Win 10 - noting that requires you delete all the partitions of your existing Win 10 O/S (4 if UEFI typically).
d. When you are able, explore your disk image to recover data and copy that to the relevant folders of your new O/S.
But plan ahead this time- best to keep as much personal data OFF C: so you don't end up with so much to do next time.

As early as you can, and before you start installing programs and configuring the O/S. create a disk image of all O/S partiitons, and enable System Restore.

As you proceed with doing that, periodically create e.g. a differential disk image.

Aim to protect yourself so should anything go wrong, you don't have far to to back.

Vow to keep using disk imaging regularly and routinely so even if your disk fails and you need a new one you can recover quite quickly.

So, with no other options open to me I did a hard reset, held the power key until the PC shut down

Note that upgrades can occasionally take 8+ hours - see threads on this topic. Only if at over 9 hours, say, should you interrupt if there's no sign of activity.

Interrupting an upgrade risks leaving your O/S in an undefined corrupt state.