Overview
Windows Update reports “Failed to install” with an error code such as 0x80070002, 0x800f0922 or 0x8024402c, and retrying makes no difference.
A PC that can't update is a PC that isn't getting security patches, so this is worth fixing rather than postponing.
Likely cause
- A partially downloaded or corrupted update in the local cache.
- Not enough free disk space (feature updates need 20 GB or more).
- Damaged Windows system files.
- A network, proxy or firewall issue blocking Microsoft's update servers.
- An interrupted previous update that left the servicing stack in a bad state.
Step-by-step
Step 1 — Note the exact error code
Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history and record the code and the KB number that failed. This matters if you need to escalate.
Step 2 — Free up disk space and restart
Leave at least 20 GB free on the system drive, then restart and retry. Low disk space is the single most common cause of install failures.
Step 3 — Run the built-in troubleshooter
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run. Let it finish, then restart.
Step 4 — Repair Windows system files
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these in order:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthsfc /scannowRestart and check for updates again.
Step 5 — Reset the Windows Update cache
These commands stop update services and delete the local update cache.
They are safe on a healthy PC, but run them one line at a time from an elevated Command Prompt and don't interrupt the process.
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvcren "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution" SoftwareDistribution.old
ren "C:\Windows\System32\catroot2" catroot2.oldnet start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvcRestart the PC and check for updates. Windows rebuilds both folders automatically.
Step 6 — Install the update manually
Search the KB number from Step 1 on the Microsoft Update Catalog, download the package that matches your Windows version and architecture, and run it directly.
Step 7 — Use the Installation Assistant as a last resort
For a stuck feature update, Microsoft's Windows 11 Installation Assistant performs an in-place upgrade that keeps files and apps. Back up important data first.
Back up before any in-place upgrade.
It's low risk and keeps your data, but an interrupted upgrade on a failing drive can still cause data loss.
Common error codes
| Code | Usually means | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| 0x80070002 / 0x80070003 | Missing or corrupted update files. | Step 5 — reset the cache. |
| 0x800f0922 | Not enough space in the system reserved partition, or a VPN blocking the update. | Disconnect VPN, then Step 4. |
| 0x8024402c / 0x80072ee2 | Cannot reach Microsoft update servers. | Check internet, proxy and firewall. |
| 0x80070070 | Not enough disk space. | Step 2 — free space. |
| 0xc1900101 | A driver is blocking a feature update. | Update or remove the failing driver. |
Expected result
Windows Update reports “You're up to date” and Update history shows the previously failing KB as successfully installed.
Troubleshooting
Still stuck?
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