Fixing “Failure Configuring Windows Updates, Reverting Changes” Error in Windows 10/11

Encountering the “Failure Configuring Windows Updates, Reverting Changes” error can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to keep your system up-to-date. This error typically occurs when Windows is unable to complete the installation of updates, leading to a rollback of changes. Various factors can cause this issue, including corrupted update files, insufficient disk space, or conflicts with existing software. This guide will walk you through effective solutions to resolve this error and ensure your Windows updates install correctly.

1. Free Up Disk Space

Insufficient disk space can prevent updates from installing properly.

1. Check Available Space: Open "Settings" by pressing Windows + I, go to "System," and then select "Storage." Review the available space on your system drive (usually C:).
2. Free Up Space: If space is low, delete unnecessary files, uninstall unused programs, or use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and system cache.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix update-related issues.

1. Open Troubleshooter: Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to "Update & Security," then select "Troubleshoot."
2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Click on "Additional troubleshooters," select "Windows Update," and click "Run the troubleshooter." Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts that might be interfering with the update process.

1. Open System Configuration: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Disable Startup Programs: In the System Configuration window, go to the "Services" tab. Check "Hide all Microsoft services," then click "Disable all."
3. Disable Startup Items: Switch to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager." Disable all startup items listed here.
4. Restart Your Computer: Click "OK" in the System Configuration window and restart your computer.

After the system restarts, attempt to run Windows Update again.

4. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary files for Windows updates. Deleting it can resolve issues caused by corrupted files.

1. Stop Windows Update Service:

   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator by pressing Windows + X and selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)."
   • Enter the following command and press Enter:

     net stop wuauserv
     net stop bits
     

2. Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder:

   • Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
   • Delete all contents within the SoftwareDistribution folder.

3. Restart Windows Update Service:

   • Go back to the Command Prompt and enter the following commands:

     net start wuauserv
     net start bits
     

Afterward, try running Windows Update again.

5. Manually Install the Updates

If a specific update is causing the issue, you can manually download and install it.

1. Identify the Update:
   • Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" > "View update history." Note the KB number of the failed update.
2. Download the Update:
   • Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the update using the KB number.
   • Download and install the update manually.

6. Run the DISM and SFC Tools

Corrupted system files can prevent updates from installing. Running DISM and SFC tools can repair these files.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)."

2. Run DISM Tool:

   • Enter the following command and press Enter:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     

3. Run SFC Tool:

   • After DISM completes, run the System File Checker (SFC) by entering this command:

     sfc /scannow
     

Allow the scan to complete, then restart your computer and try updating again.

7. Use System Restore

If the issue persists, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a point before the problem occurred.

1. Open System Restore:
   • Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a Restore Point:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point dated before the update error appeared.
3. Complete the Restoration:
   • After the process completes, your system will restart. Attempt to update Windows again.

8. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting Windows Update components can resolve deeper issues that standard troubleshooting cannot.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)."

2. Reset Components:

   • Run the following series of commands, pressing Enter after each:

     net stop wuauserv
     net stop cryptSvc
     net stop bits
     net stop msiserver
     ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
     ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
     net start wuauserv
     net start cryptSvc
     net start bits
     net start msiserver
     

3. Restart Your Computer:

   • After completing the commands, restart your computer and try the updates again.

Conclusion

The “Failure Configuring Windows Updates, Reverting Changes” error can be disruptive, but it is often resolvable with the right approach. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can identify and fix the underlying issues that are preventing your system from updating successfully. Regular maintenance and staying vigilant about software conflicts can help prevent this error from occurring in the future.