Update could not be completed

Question

Hello,

The subject seems to have been discussed already... but I don't see the answer, and I have a strong feeling this could go on for years...
Let's say I've had updates trying to install for about two months now; I'm on 20H2 and since then, it’s every two or three days... launching the update when shutting down or restarting... Then around 30% it restarts... the process continues until it finally shows, at 98% done, that it is "Unable to complete the update... Reverting changes... do not turn off your computer".... Restarting... and it starts again with the same sequence of messages... adding in the middle a variant "Preparing for a new attempt" ... and it restarts once more...

Well, it eventually finishes after 20 minutes, without having updated anything... But it doesn't remember, because two days later it starts the same thing again... If nothing has changed, it’s obvious it will make the same error... In short... I would really like to stop this monotony...

I only have this issue on one PC, a tower, and I think it might be due to its AMD Ryzen 7 -2700X processor not being properly handled by these updates...?? Or is there something on this PC that might be preventing things from going smoothly??

Otherwise, I would like to be able to block it to prevent these types of operations until the end of summer, for example.

Thanks in advance for any insightful advice.

lr6kidy · Accepted Answer

Hello,

In fact, there are quite a few people in this situation, which is why I’m taking the liberty to respond even if the matter is closed for you. I had exactly the same problem as you: "Unable to complete updates" at 98%, and it's actually quite simple. It's Edge that’s acting up, whether we’ve uninstalled it or not apparently.

You need to go to Local Disk (C:), Program Files (x86), Microsoft. In Microsoft, delete the Edge folders, as well as EdgeUpdate if you have it too. It’s very likely that the last modified date of these folders coincides with the date the issues started. Empty the recycle bin for good measure, and restart without installing the updates. Once the computer has restarted, restart it again, but this time while installing the updates, and enjoy the joy of seeing them reach 100%.

I would have never figured this out myself; I actually clicked on a YouTube video without really believing it, and that was the solution. Here’s the link, since all the credit goes to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbri9fpXGJc

I hope this helps a few people. In any case, it seems to be working for the majority.

pistouri · Answer

Hi Jeannets,

Before doing a reset, which is recommended when updates are messing up.

Try this:

1- Repair system files
SFC and DISM

2- Troubleshoot
Settings►Updates and Security
Left menu ►Troubleshoot
Right side ►Additional troubleshooting utilities
Click on ►Windows Update
Note the error messages if you see any and click next to fix them.

3- Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder
The tutorial

Copy/paste into the command prompt as Administrator:
net stop wuauserv
del /q /s C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\*
net start wuauserv
Restart and relaunch Windows Update.

4- Repair Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
Save to Desktop Repair_BITS_Service
Right-click on Repair_BITS_Service then 'Run as administrator'.
Click Yes in the dialog box (UAC).
The (.bat) file will repair the intelligent transfer service.
Press Enter on the keyboard.
Restart the PC.
Relaunch Windows Update.

5- Repair Windows Update Service
Save to Desktop Repair_WUAUSERV_Service_Windows 10
Right-click on Repair_WUAUSERV_Service_Windows 10 then 'Run as administrator'.
Click Yes in the dialog box (UAC).
The (.bat) file will repair the Windows Update service.
Press Enter on the keyboard.
Restart the PC.
Relaunch Windows Update.

For methods 4 and 5, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder again so that the updates can download and install again.

Ps:
Post a screenshot in Windows Update of the updates that are not installing

Cheers
--
pistouri

jeannets · Answer

Thanks for all this info, I'll take a look at it, but I'll spend a bit of time on it next week. I'll keep you updated.

jeannets · Answer

Here is my first feedback... so far, still unsuccessful...

-- I followed your procedure twice, it responded well, SFC and DISM = no violations and successive image from 84.9% up to 100% effective restoration.. OK
And during the Windows update, I still get the errors "Unable to finish the updates etc..
I have completely restarted it twice, same thing...

-- Then I continued and now I have the message "error during download... error 0x80070002 and it stays on that, update impossible... I reboot 20 times and I get the same thing 20 times.

I did go up to step 5 and emptied the folder...

--- However, I have seen strange things on this PC regarding hard drive usage... I have two physical drives with partitions... A 500GB HDD and a 240GB M.2 NVMe SSD that contains Windows... And also Ubuntu in a partition... I allocated 78GB for Windows and it says I have only 10GB left, which seems true, but I don't understand what is taking up so much space...?
seen by the "disk manager"

And if I go to "System... Storage" in the settings panel, it tells me that C:\windows is 232GB and that 222GB is used...
It completely ignores the five partitions of this SSD and does not ignore those of the HDD

So.. could there be an obstacle to downloading the update due to these capacity discrepancies... according to it, there wouldn't be enough space...??

pistouri · Answer

Hello,

If you go to This PC
Right-click on drive C ►Properties
How much free space do you have?

► https://www.minitool.com/fr/disque-partition/espace-insuffisant-pour-win-10.html [Take the free space from another drive]

Upgrade a small SSD or HDD to a larger one
But it's an investment.

► Clean up Windows 10 update files
The old updates.

See you

--
pistouri

jeannets · Answer

► OK, from the way you're asking, there is 10.7 GB free on a 78 GB partition while "Storage" shows 10.7 GB on 232 GB

► I'm familiar with MiniTool and partitioning. My SSD is 240 GB in 5 partitions ...

3 GB, 78..98..40..15 the 78 is for Windows, I think that’s sufficient, it used to be 30 GB... where is the error?? I also have an HDD that offloads all my documents, images, videos, and downloads... I don't want to touch my partitions anymore, I consider them fair and modifying them would force me to redo my Multiboot with 3 OSs.. The investment is not the problem... I don't need more disk space on this PC, I have a server on the network that has plenty of room.. The necessary space consists of reducing disk usage.

► I cleaned up files, but I only gained 4 GB... and that’s not enough for updates.
I saw that the reserved space for system files is 189 GB for Windows to run properly... more numbers that surprise me, why does so much space need to be reserved..??

I'd like to understand... because "WinDirStat" only finds 40 GB used for Windows on this 78 GB partition..??... the largest is hiberfile.sys at 6 GB...

pistouri · Answer

Hello Jeannets,

Error 0x80070002 and it stays there, impossible to update... I've restarted 20 times and I get the same thing 20 times.

1- ==►error 0x80070002
Time setting►Synchronize with an Internet time server

2- Configure the status of services related to Windows Update
Open the command prompt as an administrator.
Copy/paste and hit enter for each command:

SC config wuauserv start= manual
SC config bits start= delayed-auto
SC config cryptsvc start= auto
SC config trustedinstaller start= auto

Restart the PC.

3- Check the status of your hard drive.
==► CrystalDiskInfo
I’m not too sure how to run Chkdsk with an SSD

4- Perform a minimal startup with msconfig
Tutorial

5- Update Catalog
Type the KB number in the update catalog
Manually download the updates one by one based on your operating system, 32 or 64 bits
Check this tutorial to clear the SoftwareDistribution folder again.

6- Windows 10 21H1
It's a minor update.
If all goes well, it will be available within a month or even sooner
Run the Media Creation Tool
Update now.
The new features

See you later

--
Pistouri

jeannets · Answer

OK, I'll check all that... I'm already synchronized, my entire setup is synchronized from the BOX, on ntp.unice.fr.

Crystaldisk only reads the SMART table and my SSD is only 4 months old and it's an NVMe, I need the software from "Samsung Magician"... however, chkdsk should work for file verification...

This morning, I had to start in safe mode... otherwise, it wanted to reboot my PC in a loop...

Anyway, I'll look into it and do all that... I've read several articles that don't speak highly of this update KB5001330.

pistouri · Answer

The KB5001330 is indeed a disaster (issues with games, BSOD, driver problems, DNS issues, and shared folder problems).  The KB4023057 came just after. Among other things about this one:  This update may reset the Windows Update database to fix issues that could prevent updates from being installed. As a result, you may find that your Windows Update history has been cleared.   Try to see if you can catch it on the fly in the Update catalog to install it.   A+

jeannets · Answer

Some news from the front!

I couldn't get the SC config XXX commands to work, nothing happens..
However, my PC is telling me there are errors, it's collecting data and restarting each time. The only way that manages to boot is safe mode ==> 7 without file checking, which allows me to do something... it's getting worse and is becoming downright unmanageable... I can't do anything with a PC like this, due to the OS and Microsoft’s imperfections.

Anyway.. I've opted for another solution... I reloaded a "System" backup from two months ago and I've got an operational system with 40 GB instead of 70 (for nothing) which still requires reinstalling some software or updates; but it's not too bad.

Of course, the infamous Microsoft update 5001330 quickly made its appearance... I let it do its thing... and the same scenes unfolded at 98% of the update, it rolled back... I checked, it didn't install, and the disk size is the same.

To avoid going through the same disillusionment again, I've disabled updates for now, (net stop wuauserv)

I must say this update went smoothly on another small PC (Surface Pro)..???

For your information, my system SSD is a 240GB Samsung EVO+ 970 M.2 NVMe... I installed it in 5 partitions; four are EXT3 and one is NTFS 78GB for Windows; could there be incompatibilities related to the storage volume... ??
In my readings, I saw that it was recommended to have 32GB free to install updates... currently, I have it.. but in my previous actions, the disk filled up gradually with operations, without really knowing with what, and at the end, there were only 10GB left... so this margin no longer existed and could hinder the progress of updates. Could this be one of the causes..??

So I will wait... I did find KB4023057, but it doesn't seem to be made for my version 20H2, I downloaded it (for a 1511) but I can't install it...

That's where I am.. and thank you for your cooperation.

pistouri · Answer

Hello Jeannets,  Try the latest update KB5001391 This has been listed in the Windows Update catalog.   There is a new Windows feature for the taskbar. - News and Interests  - Weather.     A+

jeannets · Answer

Thank you for your tenacity... but I'm not entitled to the weather... I have the same flaw...

I downloaded and installed this one "2021-04 Preview of the cumulative update for Windows 10 Version 20H2 for x64 systems (KB5001391)"

The "download and installation" went well, at 100% in the Windows window... Then the PC prepares for restart up to 30% and then restarts and continues the update installation, up to 98%... and then, it's a disaster.. "Unable to complete the update, reverting changes, do not turn off the computer" and it keeps grinding to revert everything.

Although my free space has decreased by about 4GB...

I restarted the pending updates again... and it does the same thing.. I'm quite discouraged..! It drained 3GB in the process.... After "disk cleanup" from Properties, I recover 7GB.. still... but I have error c000021a... so I'm going to reload again.

pistouri · Answer

==► BSOD Error and 0xc000021a  A backup program used to restore a hard drive did not correctly restore files that may have been in use. ????  -►Disable mandatory driver signature enforcement Then manually: Run a driver scan with My Drivers Check ► Show only drivers newer than those installed Check ► Show only WHQL certified drivers Uncheck ► Also show beta drivers Click on ►Validate.  Check if you have a driver to update. Look for the green highlight, it will indicate a new version. If you have one, download it and install it. It will uninstall your old driver version to install the new one.  Try this:  Right-click on the start button or keyboard key Windows + X command prompt (admin) or copy/paste:  cd /d%SystemRoot%\System32\SMI\Store\Machine (then press enter key)   attrib -s -h *  (then press enter key)  del *.blf  (then press enter key)   del *.regtrans-ms  (then press enter key)  Restart your computer and run Windows update.  A+ -- scalpel

jeannets · Answer

I did all that, I got quite a few new driver versions... but it forces me to restart from time to time... I restarted in safe mode ==> 7 without control. about three times... the command lines worked well... Then the update took quite a long time... then the update went up to 98% and the same messages came back.... It tries to make the modifications, but doesn't seem to be able to finish... For a reason I completely do not know... then it uninstalls... and this time, I got another message after the last restart... "Update 67%"....?? 800f0922 We couldn't install it, but you can try again.... KB5001391...
I'm going to run it, but the rest will be for tomorrow...

pistouri · Answer

Hi Jeannets,  Reserved Partition for the System System partition is full (there's not much disk space left). Try to increase it. Example with Mini Tool  If you have a problem, check ==► Unable to update the system reserved partition  TEMP Folder And delete the TEMP Folder C:\TEMP or C:\Windows\Temp Disk cleanup will do it.  Retry Windows Update as you have done many times before.  Have a great weekend. -- pistouri

jeannets · Answer

Here's what I have this morning, so it hasn't worked any better

-- What makes you say that my system partition is full..? Because I have about 40GB free and 40GB used... it works well on other PCs... But I will see what I can do in this regard..
It should also be noted that Win 10 on this PC sees the disk capacity as 232GB; 196 used and 36 free, which is false, as seen by Gparted and gest disk = 78.13 used = 41.7 free = 36.4, this may modify some calculations...

Here on this Labor Day ... Have a great weekend too

pistouri · Answer

Try ==► Reset Windows Update Tool   -- scalpel

jeannets · Answer

It's progressing, I managed to complete the update 5001330... but not 1391..

Based on your dialogues and suggestions, I looked into the disk space symptom... and tried different things, with the assurance of my backups in case of trouble... Including the format of my first partition of the 240GB NVMe SSD into 5 partitions.

The first partition of this disk (3GB) is in EXT2 and is active; it's the one that boots everything. It contains a small Linux "Puppy Bionic 64," about 500MB and the boot files for the multiboot Grub, including the boot manager that launches Windows... Although exotic, it works... Everything boots perfectly,

-- it gets complicated during updates... Windows doesn't seem to like reboots via grub or multiboot... in EXT2.. Puppy also works in FAT32, so I changed this first partition to FAT32 and the NVMe disk is back in its place as disk 0 instead of disk 1... A nuance in disk detection by the BIOS at startup...
Then I launched the update 1330 and it worked...

I conclude that the first disk or partition must be formatted in "Windows" format... My motherboard and its BIOS might also have something to do with it..??

In the meantime, I wanted to do the update 1391 as well... it went well until the reboot... And there, it gets stuck, it says that the hardware or software has changed and it can't find "\Boot\BCD" Well, of course, since Grub supervises the startup... I tried, but Grub only accepts reinstallation in a Linux partition... In short, I still have this problem

But I believe that the root cause of all this is the type of partition at the beginning that is usually in Fat32 for Windows with Bootmgr... or a curious coincidence!!!

What an idea too, for an update to come verify the BCD file, a reboot should accept multiple varieties of boot systems..

That's the matter, I think there are few people in this situation..

jeannets · Answer

Yes, thank you for this information. Indeed, I have never been on this track.

I had accused the partitions of my system, with the start of the Disk in EXT3 on 3GB. After correcting to FAT32, my update worked; so the conclusion was "that was it." Well, no, some time later a new update came that recurred... so my issue is not resolved, only on this PC with RYZEN 7 2700x processor...
Anyway, I don't have this PC with me right now, I'll take a look at it in November when I see this PC again and I will use your tip... thank you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbri9fpXGJc&ucbcb=1

danjuju · Answer

Good evening

these pieces of information are exactly the same as mine, and I can't find a solution. The only thing I'm going to do is format my hard drive and do a clean install; there must be some incompatibility somewhere??? But where
At the beginning of October, we're switching to Windows 11, maybe that will fix the bug if there's a bug??
to be continued

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