Windows 10 Version 1803 update fails consistently (take 2)

"About a year and a half ago, I ran into issues attempting to update to Windows 10 Version 1709 from Version 1607. I reached out for help from the Microsoft community (answers.microsoft.com) with no luck. The saga is documented here. Ultimately, I resorted to backing up my data, reformatting my hard drives and reinstalling Windows 10 with the most up-to-date ISO - created using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool on a USB drive."

About the same time, I was presented with an old Gateway on 1607 Win10 Pro, much lesser specs than your machine. Over the course of many hrs and a couple months, we did all the same things you did, maybe more, with failed results. I finally suggested backing everything up, incl all programs install files and keys and used the 'Update Now' button on this page - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...oad/windows10/ and electing to 'keep Nothing'.
Like your experience, 1.5 hrs later we were on 1803 and now updated to 1903. Instead of wasting all this time diagnosing, I would just go the clean install route again with 1903, either by the ISO or using MCT to make a USB. Not what you want to hear, but what I'd do at this point, imho. Good Luck

This is a link for Macrium:
Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect

This is a link for setupdiag:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...rade/setupdiag

For failure to upgrade these are options:
a) continue to use the old version/build without updates knowing the security risks
b) perform a reset save files or reset save files equivalent (reinstall drivers and applications)
c) perform a reset remove files or clean install

mrgeek said:

"About a year and a half ago, I ran into issues attempting to update to Windows 10 Version 1709 from Version 1607. I reached out for help from the Microsoft community (answers.microsoft.com) with no luck. The saga is documented here. Ultimately, I resorted to backing up my data, reformatting my hard drives and reinstalling Windows 10 with the most up-to-date ISO - created using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool on a USB drive."

About the same time, I was presented with an old Gateway on 1607 Win10 Pro, much lesser specs than your machine. Over the course of many hrs and a couple months, we did all the same things you did, maybe more, with failed results. I finally suggested backing everything up, incl all programs install files and keys and used the 'Update Now' button on this page - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...oad/windows10/ and electing to 'keep Nothing'.
Like your experience, 1.5 hrs later we were on 1803 and now updated to 1903. Instead of wasting all this time diagnosing, I would just go the clean install route again with 1903, either by the ISO or using MCT to make a USB. Not what you want to hear, but what I'd do at this point, imho. Good Luck

There is nothing like a clean install.
It will take less time and you will know that it fresh and clean.
OP hasn't answer how he blocked the regular updates. The update blocker may be the reason you can't update it now.

Appreciate all the advice - given the time it will take to perform the proper diagnosis, I want to start it when I'll have enough time, which will likely be next weekend.

I don't remember exactly how I disabled Windows Update but I don't remember modifying any registry keys...I could've sworn it was through the Control Panel, but now I can't find the option to disable Windows Update anymore...I just remember the taskbar notifications bugging me so I clicked it and found a way to disable the updates until I could spend the time figuring out what went wrong.

Although a clean install is likely going to work, I would like to diagnose what the issue is if I can. Updates come out about twice a year and putting the time in to make sure updates can be applied would save me time in the long run from constantly doing clean installs. If all else fails, I will resort to doing a clean install.

I have installed some tweaks to customize my Win 10
What programs / apps to use to tweak Win 10

zbook - I cannot thank you enough for all your efforts to try and help me

I followed your instructions removing all the RAM modules, re-seating two RAM modules, updating my BIOS to version 2101, resetting the BIOS, then got stuck at step 22

I ultimately created a bootable USB drive using MediaCreationTool on my other machine, wiped all my hard drives and performed a clean install of the latest version of Windows 10.



Crossing my fingers and hoping that Windows Updates work from here on out. If not, I'll probably be back.

Nice progress.

You are welcome.

Before the clean install there were BSOD.

V2 was ran and you reported inability to run DM.

All drivers should be installed from the Asus website.
For any drivers not displayed on the Asus website install drivers from the component manufacturer websites: (Intel, Nvidia, AMD, Killer networks, Realtek, etc,)

If there are no BSOD or unexpected shutdowns/restarts for one week you can consider the BSOD resolved.
If there are BSOD or unexpected shutdowns/restarts then you would perform tests to rule in/rule out malfunctioning hardwre.

Once you have reinstalled applications you can make a new Macrium backup image.
Then you have recovery options for any unexpected computer problems.

After three to five days you can run both V2 and DM for scanning or at anytime for evaluation of computer problems.