Lost the ability to update Windows


  1. Moirty
    Posts : 2
    Windows 10
       New #1

    Lost the ability to update Windows


    There are a number of us in the Windows Insider Program that have lost the ability to update Windows. There are some variations on the theme but, basically, Win10 will download the package and say that there is an update that needs a reboot to install. The install/reboot options are shown both in Settings-Windows-Update as well as in the power down options. However, if any of these options is selected, Windows will seemingly just restart (no indications of an update such as % counts or an error message). If needed, Defender definition files typically install as expected (no errors).

    Perhaps we are at the point where we will need to concede to a rebuild but I thought I would see if anyone here might have a thought.

    For my specific situation:
    • Currently on Win10 1803 Build 17711
    • Windows has downloaded and is trying to install Build 17723 (the most current fast ring version)
    • MS Surface Pro 4 i5 with 8GB RAM and >100GB of drive space
    • Other than MS programs (e.g. Defender) there are no other anti-virus, malware or similar products


    Although I may be forgetting a few things, I have tried most everything I could find online including the following (most of them several times in varying sequence):
    • Run the Win Update Troubleshooter (errors were found and fixed...green checkmarks)
    • Running the batch file in this tutorial (which completes successfully and will have the effect of causing Windows to redownload the installation files)
    • Manually stopping and restarting bits, wuausrv, appidsvc, cryptsvc
    • Deleting or renaming ...\SoftwareDistribution and ...\catroot2 folders
    • Running SFC and DISM
    • Pausing auto-update for several days
    • Disabling download-from-other-PCs option




    Thanks much for any additional thoughts.
    -bs
      My Computer
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  3. EdTittel
    Posts : 4,224
    Windows 10
       New #2

    Try the Windows Update MiniTool (WUMT). I've been in the same boat on at least one, and sometimes two, of my three Insider Preview machines lately. Each time, WUMT has mostly been able to finish installing when the WU service through Windows has failed or gotten stuck. Sometimes, however, you will have to follow Kari's instructions in his UUP to ISO -- Create Bootable ISO form Windows 10 Build Upgrade Files tutorial to get through the process all the way. If WUMT doesn't work, please try that instead.
    HTH,
    --Ed--
      My Computers
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  4. Moirty
    Posts : 2
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Problem Solved


    I was finally able to resolve this problem by first removing other user profiles from my computer so that there was only one user registered (me). I then performed the reset procedures described elsewhere and the computer updated as normal. I don't understand the connection but I am glad that I was able to solve this problem without an ISO rebuild.
      My Computer
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  6. Berton
    Posts : 13,995
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       New #4

    Moirty said:
    I was finally able to resolve this problem by first removing other user profiles from my computer so that there was only one user registered (me). I then performed the reset procedures described elsewhere and the computer updated as normal. I don't understand the connection but I am glad that I was able to solve this problem without an ISO rebuild.
    It's entirely possible one of the other Users had a corrupted Profile.
      My Computers
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  7. EdTittel
    Posts : 4,224
    Windows 10
       New #5

    Good detective work on your part, @Moirty. Nice job!
    --Ed--
      My Computers
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