Windows Update Keeps Failing on Windows 11? Here’s What Actually Helped

You may run into a pretty annoying issue on your Windows 11 PC. Someone during the cumulative update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 (KB5065426), the update wouldn’t install. It got stuck at around 50% or 100%; after a restart, it rolled back with a vague “something went wrong” message. Sometimes Windows displayed an error code such as 0x800f081f. Other times, it showed nothing useful at all.

After trying a few fixes and digging through forums and Reddit threads, I realized this is actually a very common problem. So here’s a breakdown of why it happens and what usually works.

Why Does My Windows 11 Update Keep Failing?

There isn’t just one reason why Windows Update fails. In most cases, the problem is caused by corrupted system files, insufficient storage, update cache issues, or software conflicts. 

Here are the most common causes behind Windows 11 update errors:

1. Corrupted system files
If important system components are damaged or missing, Windows may fail to install updates correctly.

2. Insufficient storage space
Feature updates and cumulative updates require free disk space. If your system drive is nearly full, the installation may fail.

3. Windows Update cache issues
Incomplete or corrupted update files in the cache can cause repeated failures.

4. Driver or software conflicts
Outdated drivers, third-party antivirus, or VPN software can interfere with the update process.

5. Internet or service problems
Unstable connections or malfunctioning update services can interrupt downloads or installations.

How to Fix Windows 11 Update Keeps Failing

The good news is that most update failures aren’t that serious. In many cases, a few built-in tools or simple steps can fix the issue.

Here are the methods that worked for many other users, starting from the easiest ones, and for me.

Fix 1. Restart Your Computer

Even though it may seem obvious, restarting your PC is often the fastest way to resolve Windows Update issues. Many small conflicts, temporary file errors, or stuck services can prevent updates from installing. A restart gives your system a fresh start and can resolve many minor issues without any technical steps.

To restart your PC and check for updates:

Step 1. Restart your Windows 11 device

Step 2. Go to Settings

Step 3. Open Windows Update

Step 4. Click Check for updates

Fix 2. Check Your Disk Space

Windows updates, especially feature updates, require free disk space—usually 10–20GB. Insufficient storage is one of the most common reasons updates fail. By freeing up space, you remove a basic but critical obstacle to installation.

To check your storage:

Step 1. Open Settings

Step 2. Go to System > Storage

Step 3. Review available space on the C: drive

Step 4. If space is low:

• Delete temporary files
• Uninstall unused programs
• Move large files to an external drive or cloud storage

Step 5. Then try the update again.

Fix 3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in Windows Update troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes update problems. This is especially helpful for non-technical users, as it can repair misconfigured services or minor cache issues without running complex commands.

This won’t fix every problem, but it often resolves minor update errors and service issues.

To run the Windows update troubleshooter:

Step 1. Open Settings

Step 2. Go to System > Troubleshoot

Step 3. Click Other troubleshooters

Step 4. Find Windows Update

Step 5. Click Run

Step 6. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your computer if prompted.

Fix 4. Repair System Files Using SFC and DISM

Corrupted or missing system files are a frequent cause of repeated update failures. Running SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans can restore these files, increasing the chances of a successful update. 

This method is especially useful if Windows Update keeps failing with error codes.

To repair system files:

Step 1. Right-click the Start button

Step 2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)

Step 3. Run the following command: 

sfc /scannow

Step 4. Wait for the scan to finish. Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 5. After both commands complete:

• Restart your PC
• Try installing the update again

Fix 5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or VPN

Security software, firewalls, and VPNs can interfere with updates or their installation. Temporarily disabling these programs removes a common source of conflict, often allowing updates to proceed.

If you’re using:

• Antivirus software
• Firewall tools
• VPN services

Try temporarily disabling them, then run Windows Update again.

Once the update is complete, remember to re-enable your security software.

Fix 6. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting the update components clears the Windows Update cache and restarts critical services, which can fix persistent errors that previous methods couldn’t solve. This step is more technical but often necessary when updates repeatedly fail.

To reset the update components:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Step 2. Run the following commands one by one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

net stop cryptsvc

net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Tip from Reddit: Some users delete the entire SoftwareDistribution folder instead of renaming it. Windows will recreate the folder automatically during the next update. This can sometimes resolve stubborn cache issues, but renaming is safer for most users.

Step 3. Restart your PC

Step 4. Check for updates again

This process clears the Windows Update cache and restarts the core services.

Fix 7. Install the Update Manually

Sometimes, Windows Update itself has trouble downloading or applying an update. Manually downloading the update ensures you get the full package and can bypass any caching or download issues.

To install the Windows 11 update manually:

Step 1. Open Settings → Windows Update

Step 2. Note the updated KB number

Step 3. Search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog

Step 4. Download the correct version for your system

Step 5. Run the installer

Fix 8. Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Last Resort)

This is the ultimate solution for stubborn update failures. An in-place upgrade refreshes your system files, replaces damaged components, and ensures updates can install correctly—all while keeping your personal data and apps intact.

Many users report that this method fixes persistent Windows Update failures.

This process reinstalls Windows 11 while keeping:

• Your files
• Installed apps
• Settings

Basic steps:

Step 1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft

Step 2. Double-click the ISO file

Step 3. Run setup.exe

Step 4. Choose Keep personal files and apps

Step 5. Follow the installation prompts

Common Windows Update Error Codes

If you see an error code during the update, it can help identify the issue.

Error Code	Possible Cause	Notes / UGC Insights
0x80070002	Missing or corrupted update files	Many users report that renaming or deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder often resolves this issue.
0x80070005	Permission or access issues	Usually caused by insufficient user permissions, third-party antivirus, or firewall conflicts.
0x800f081f	System files required for the update are damaged; running SFC/DISM can often fix them.	SFC/DISM repair usually resolves it; an in-place upgrade may be needed for stubborn cases.
0x80248007	Windows Update cache or database errors	Resetting Windows Update components or clearing the cache can help.
0xC1900101	Driver-related installation errors	Commonly caused by incompatible or outdated drivers (network, GPU, or storage drivers).
0x80073712	A background process is blocking the update; restarting or performing a clean boot often resolves the issue.	Corrupted system files required for the update
0x80070020	Another process is using a file	A background process is blocking the update; restarting or performing a clean boot often works.
0x80070643	Failed installation of .NET or MSI packages	Appears in cumulative or security updates; manual installation of the update may fix it.

What If Windows 11 Update Still Keeps Failing?

In some cases, the issue isn’t your PC at all.

Certain updates just have bugs that affect specific hardware or configurations. When that happens, even perfectly working systems can fail to install them.

Your options then are:

• Wait for Microsoft to release a fixed update
• Skip the problematic update for now
• Use an in-place upgrade to repair the system

If the update isn’t security-critical, waiting for the next patch is often the easiest solution.