Windows Update / Login Problems

GeorgeCB · 19 Oct 2023

Good afternoon all.

I am desperately seeking help with this annoying problem. My Windows 10 Acer V5 laptop has until last week booted into my account without requesting a password or pin - great. But a few days ago I was prompted to download and install Windows Upates and this is when everyting went wrong. Firstly, despite 5 attempts, the download/configuration got to 99% then stopped with the message "We couldn't Complete the Updates, Undoing Changes".

I've worked my way through God knows how many YouTube and Google tutorials but to no avail. The only solution was to disable automatic Windows Updates. As a result of all of the changes I've tried I have now ended up with 2 accounts showing when I log in. One is the original personal MS account and the new one is an Administrator account. So when I log in, I have to choose an account and then I have to input a pin or p/word. I cannot get my laptop back to where it was before the updates. Yes I can work around it but I just don't want to. I can't to a restore because it is months since my last backup.

Can anyone help with this before I take a hammer to it.

Many thanks

George

dalchina · 19 Oct 2023

Hi, first note that what ever you do, you need to know/remember/store securely your password - even if you choose to have Windows log you in automatically to one particular account.

See this tutorial - from the huge searchable Tutorial section - do have a look.
Answers to many common questions.

Sign in User Account Automatically at Windows 10 Startup

More related tutorials linked below the main text.

Turning to your update problem (which you seem to have given up on).
You've no specified your build number as prompted by the forum.
No idea which update or upgrade may be failing.

There are good ways and poor ways of disabling Windows Update. Using a poor way may mean it suddenly starts working again. Means of doing this properly have been described endlessly on tenforums, and a tutorial covers some of those.

As to why it may be failing: depending on what is failing, could be simple- more so if a particular update- or complex and hard - if a feature update (upgrade).

Backups

it is months since my last backup.

May I suggest before you do anything else, and risk losing all, you take the time to start a proper backup regime that will even protect you against disk failure, ransomware or even PC theft.

Start using 3rd party disk imaging regularly and routinely.
Endlessly recommended on tenforums- so many references - feel free to search.

I've seen people in tears because they had failed to back up and disaster struck.

GeorgeCB · 19 Oct 2023

Hi Dalchina

Thank you for your help and advice. The sign in tutorial seems to have worked. As far as the Windows update is concerned, I only noticed it when I went to turn off my laptop so I didn't note which build it was. What I did notice is that it hadn't worked when I turned the laptop on next day. The install update was still in the power options and I tried restart several times but to no avail. Hence my reason for giving up on it.

dalchina · 19 Oct 2023

Once you've completed your backup if you wish to post your build number, the update involved and exact error message or what you see, it may be possible to resolve the problem.

Firstly, despite 5 attempts, the download/configuration got to 99% then stopped with the message "We couldn't Complete the Updates, Undoing Changes".

One such case can occur if the user has removed Edge.

Please also as a matter of routine check your disk(s):
- 3rd party program e.g. Crystal Diskinfo (free) or better Hard Disk Sentinel.

If ok, run
chkdsk C: /scan
from an admin command prompt.

If ok, run
SFC /SCANNOW
similarly.

Those are only basic checks you should occasionally do- you don't want to be caught out with a failing disk.. and won't solve the update issue.

Consider where you have uninstalled any part of what comes with Win 10 especially Edge, and the impact of 3rd party security software you have or have had in the past.

Many possible reasons for update/upgrade failure.

GeorgeCB · 20 Oct 2023

Hi again. I've carried out some of the suggestions you have made as follows:

chkdsk C: /scan & SFC /SCANNOW - neither of which reported any problems

I have downloaded the trial version of Hard Disk Sentinel (to see if I'm happy with it) and it reported no problems.

I had, some time ago, uninstalled Edge but I've now reinstalled it though not as my default browser (I user Firefox).

I have created a new Restore Point but I haven't done a backup because I was confused as to what I'm backing up - sorry to sound so gormless.

I opened Windows Update and found the following message:

Windows Update Error
Error Encountered

There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x800f0922).

I looked at 0x800f0922 and tried Method 2. Check .NET Framework - but all options appeared to be checked.

I am now being plagued with 'Preparing To Configure Windows' each time I restart (but not when I login in the morning) after which nothing happens. I haven't tried reinstalling the Win Update because I am working on my laptop today and, to be frank, I'm dreading the idea of going through all of that palaver again.

I would be grateful for your feedback and I do appreciate your help.

George

dalchina · 20 Oct 2023

Thanks. There will be repeat attempts to install a failed update..

Again, please post your build number (winver).
Do you have Home or Pro?

Please post a screenshot of your Update History which should show which update is failing.

Meanwhile feel free to search tenforums and elsewhere for the error number.. there are threads with 0x800f0922 reported.
Most recent example:
KB5031356 Windows 10 Cumulative Update Build 19045.3570 (22H2)

- but I don't yet know which update is failing... noted you say you reinstalled Edge.

GeorgeCB · 20 Oct 2023

Hi, the build is - Version22H2 (OS Build 19045.3448) and I am using Windows 10 Home.
I've attached a screenshop of the update history for 2023 - I'm hoping this will be enough.

Windows Update / Login Problems-windows-update-history.jpg

dalchina · 20 Oct 2023

Thanks, that's Other Updates at the bottom- it shows no failures.

I'm hoping there's a failure report- have a look at the top.

Your build number shows you received this one successfully:
KB5030211 Windows 10 Cumulative Update Build 19045.3448 (22H2)
- September 12, 2023

- so one of the updates since then.

Note that one of them:

is the one for which I posted a link relating to your error number.

Guessing it's 503156, see
PC won't install this update

and check if you see the same.

GeorgeCB · 21 Oct 2023

Hi

I'm delighted to report that the problem appears to be fixed. It would appear that the absence of Edge was the main culprit. You were also correct in that the install was KB50315. I installed the update from the Settings>Windows Update screen and it reported back that all updates had been correctly installed.

So thank you again for your help, advice and patience.

George

dalchina · 21 Oct 2023

I can't to a restore because it is months since my last backup.

Now's a good time to update your disk image backup .. or if you haven't yet started to use 3rd party disk imaging, to do so - before something goes badly wrong...

Recommended:
a. Scheduled System Restore point (e.g. daily) - tutorial available on setting this up
b. Periodic 3rd party disk imaging of at least all system partitions to external storage (so it can be kept separate from your PC). E.g. Macrium Reflect, Aomei Backupper (Chinese) etc etc (you can image any partition on any disk).
c. Additional data backup as you feel necessary for key fast-changing data

Don't want to see Edge even when clicking hard-coded links e.g. News and Interests? Try
MSEdgeRedirect (free).
This => those links opening in your default browser.