Windows 10 update 21H2 fails at 96%

I'm trying to help a friend who can't install Windows Update 21H2. The update runs to 96% and then fails with a vague "windows can't update right now, we'll try again later" message. So far we've run Chkdsk /f (no errors found) and SFC / SCANNOW (errors were found and fixed). We've also disabled the antivirus and third party firewall, and changed the DNS server settings on the network adapter, but nothing has helped; the update continues to fail at 96%. Any suggestions as to what we could try next? I'm wondering if maybe we should just skip 21H2...? Any idea when the next update is coming?

Hi.

No, don't skip 21H2.

What DNS are you using?
What error code do you receive when the update bombs out?

Thanks.

Compumind said:

No, don't skip 21H2. What DNS are you using? What error code do you receive when the update bombs out?

This may help:
Windows update failed to install windows 10 version 21H2 (Solved) -

The error message is 0xc1900223

Regarding DNS we initially used the default ISP servers (can't tell you specifically what they are). I switched to Google public DNS 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 to see if it might solve the problem, but it made no difference.

Hi again -

Did you try the Windows Update Troubleshooter? Ensure there are no "red" marks on it.
If not, give it a go and try updating again.

If that doesn't work, here's a manual idea.

Windows 10 November 2021 Update Download:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/soft...load/windows10

Post back and let me know.

Thanks.

Compumind said:

Did you try the Windows Update Troubleshooter? Ensure there are no "red" marks on it.
If that doesn't work, here's a manual idea.
Windows 10 November 2021 Update Download:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/soft...load/windows10

Yes, we did run the troubleshooter after one of the failures and it couldn't identify the problem. I'll look into the manual download. Thanks!

Victek said:

Yes, we did run the troubleshooter after one of the failures and it couldn't identify the problem. I'll look into the manual download. Thanks!

Yes, please post back on your progress.
Disconnect from the Internet and stop your AV when doing this.

Compumind said:

If that doesn't work, here's a manual idea.
Windows 10 November 2021 Update Download:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/soft...load/windows10
Post back and let me know.

I was able to install the update using the direct download method. Thank you for suggesting it and offering the link

Victek said:

I was able to install the update using the direct download method. Thank you for suggesting it and offering the link

You're welcome! Glad that it worked.