Windows Update Failure Help Please

It's possible this is an old thread, but would like fresh response(s) please. I have an Asus Flip laptop running Win 10 Home 64 bit. Recently, I've been having problems installing Windows updates, namely KB4015438. After doing some reading, I then tried downloading and installing KB4016635, both with the same error message "we couldn't complete the updates - undoing changes." I tried multiple times with the same failure result. This failure to install these (and perhaps future) updates seems to have had other ramifications - the aforementioned updates won't install, which prevents other actions from taking place.

Would really appreciate help in resolving this issue. I'm recovering from a stroke, and would ask that any instructions are detailed and step by step. I'm normally pretty good about troubleshooting many/most problems, but now need a little extra help.

Thank you in advance.

Hi,

Thanks for the quick response. I have a concern though. The file you refer to is identified as a trojan. I did a preliminary check, and Windows blocked it from running. I have enough problems without adding to them, so I'm hoping you or someone else out there has another idea, as I read this file is difficult to remove.

I googled it. Probable stupid question alert - is there a difference between wf.bat and wf/bat? I missed it first time I read the google results, which was for wf/bat. That is what was identified as a trojan. See link How To Remove Bat/wf (Instructions)

However, as indicated before, I got a popup window stating Windows had protected my PC, stating the file is from an unknown publisher.

The first thing to try is the WU Troubleshooter. Open Control Panel\Troubleshooting\System and Security\Fix problems with Windows Update
Click 'Advanced' and then Run as administrator

Thank you for your response. Be advised I did run the update troubleshooter. It did indicate it had discovered several problems, which it indicated were now fixed. I tried installing those same update files again, with the same failed results.

I'm assuming you're trying to install in background from Action Center\Updates & security\Windows Update. If the Troubleshooter has run, the last thing I'd try is do it from a clean boot in case there's a driver conflict. Turn off your anti-virus. Then do a clean boot by following Part One in this tutorial -
Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts

Part Two deals with what to do after restart, which in your case, involves going into Action Center and trying install again. After your success or failure, follow the directions to troubleshoot further. Part Three will show you how to re-enable normal boot.

PS; there's a Creator's Update due out next month which is a rewrite Win10 so if you can't install this Update, you might just wait the 3 wks before this comes out and replaces the entire OS, rendering the latest Update irrelevant.

FYI, I tried to perform a clean boot per the instructions you were kind enough to provide. Unfortunately, that didn't work either. I got the same error message "we couldn't complete the updates - undoing changes." I'll just do what I thought I'd end up doing - waiting for the next update. I hope that will finally resolve my problem. Thank you so much for doing so much to try and help. Kindest regards.

DeelSeeker said:

FYI, I tried to perform a clean boot per the instructions you were kind enough to provide. Unfortunately, that didn't work either. I got the same error message "we couldn't complete the updates - undoing changes." I'll just do what I thought I'd end up doing - waiting for the next update. I hope that will finally resolve my problem. Thank you so much for doing so much to try and help. Kindest regards.

After trying many suggestions I decided to try do the following;

I downloaded a new copy of the Media Creation Tool and then selected "create installation media for another PC. I selected the ISO option and saved to my downloads folder. I then double-clicked on the Windows.iso file and that mounted the iso so I could select the setup.exe file. I executed the setup.exe and followed the screens to install. I selected "Keep Windows settings, personal files and applications" That is the key to non-destructive reinstall i believe,
Note: Do not install from a USB or DVD, only from the mounted ISO ok.
Only took about 1/2 hr and I was up and running again and then I checked for updates and all went smooth. I am now up to date with 14393.969.
Just be sure you close any programs you have open. Also disable your antivirus if different than Defender.
This option will keep all your installed programs intact and a fresh copy of Windows. Worked flawless for me.
Good luck