Windows update errors and problems show up in a lot of shapes: an update stuck at a certain percentage, a cryptic error code, or a reboot loop that undoes everything and tells you “Something didn’t go as planned.” Most of these issues share the same handful of causes, and the same handful of fixes clear the vast majority of them.
Quick Answer
Most Windows Update problems come down to low disk space, a corrupted update cache, a blocked connection from security software, or damaged system files. Start with the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter, then free up space, run SFC and DISM scans, and reset the update components if the error persists.
Common Causes of Windows Update Errors
- Insufficient free storage space (Windows generally needs 20GB+ free for major updates)
- A corrupted Windows Update cache or download
- Antivirus or firewall software blocking the update process
- Slow or unstable internet connection during download
- Corrupted system files
- Limited free space in the EFI System Partition, which has caused specific failures like error 0x800f0922 on certain 2026 updates
- A known Microsoft-side bug affecting specific update builds
Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
This is the fastest first step and resolves a large share of update issues automatically:
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Find Windows Update and click Run
- Let it scan for problems with the update service, cache, and configuration
- Restart and check for updates again
Fix 2: Free Up Disk Space
Updates that get stuck at a low percentage, or fail outright, are often caused by not having enough free space. Open Settings > System > Storage and clear out temporary files, old downloads, or unused apps until you have at least 20GB free, then try the update again.
Fix 3: Restart and Retry
Before anything more involved, restart your PC and check for updates again. A simple restart clears a surprising number of stuck downloads and temporary service glitches.
Fix 4: Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall
Third-party security software occasionally blocks parts of the update process:
- Open your antivirus software and look for an option to pause or disable protection temporarily
- For the Windows Firewall, go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall and turn it off temporarily
- Run the update, then re-enable your security software immediately afterward
Fix 5: Run SFC and DISM Scans
If system files are damaged, no update will install cleanly until they’re repaired:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run
sfc /scannowand let it finish - Then run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart and try the update again
Fix 6: Reset Windows Update Components
When the update cache itself is corrupted, resetting its components often clears errors that nothing else fixes:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Stop the update services:
net stop wuauservandnet stop bits - Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to force Windows to rebuild it
- Restart the services:
net start wuauservandnet start bits - Check for updates again
Fix 7: Install the Update Manually
If a specific update keeps failing through Settings, you can download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog using its KB number and install it manually. This bypasses whatever is interrupting the automatic process.
Fix 8: Check for a Known Microsoft-Side Issue
Microsoft has acknowledged issues where updates get stuck at around 35–36% completion during the reboot phase, then roll back with the message “Something didn’t go as planned. Undoing changes.” This particular failure has affected devices with limited free space in the EFI System Partition. If you’re seeing this exact behavior, search for your specific error code alongside your Windows build number, since Microsoft frequently ships out-of-band fixes for issues like this within days or weeks.
Fix 9: Recover from a Boot Loop
If a failed update leaves your PC stuck in a reboot loop:
- Force shutdown your PC two or three times during startup to trigger Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates
- Choose to uninstall the latest quality update
- Let Windows finish booting normally, then wait for a corrected version of the update before retrying
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Windows Update get stuck at a specific percentage?
This usually points to low disk space, a corrupted download, or a specific known bug tied to that update version. The Windows Update troubleshooter and freeing up storage resolve most stuck installs.
Is it safe to skip a Windows update that keeps failing?
For non-security feature updates, yes, you can usually wait for a fixed version. For security updates, it’s better to keep retrying with the fixes above, since Microsoft typically patches known installation bugs within a few weeks.
Do I need to disable my antivirus every time I update Windows?
No, this is only necessary if updates are consistently failing and you suspect security software is interfering. Most updates install fine with antivirus running normally.
What’s the difference between SFC and DISM?
SFC repairs corrupted system files using a local cache, while DISM repairs the underlying Windows image itself, sometimes by downloading fresh files from Microsoft. Running SFC first, then DISM if needed, covers most corruption-related update failures.
