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If you see “Failure Configuring Windows Updates. Reverting Changes,” Windows could not finish an update and is trying to undo it. Let an active rollback continue rather than immediately forcing a shutdown. If Windows starts, check the failed update and repair Windows before trying again; if the PC keeps rebooting, use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to run Startup Repair or uninstall the update.
What the message means—and when to act
The message describes a failed update transaction and an attempted rollback. It does not identify the failed update or prove that Windows is permanently damaged. Possible causes include low storage, damaged system or update files, driver incompatibility, security software, or an update-specific problem. Microsoft’s older discussions document this exact wording, but it is associated particularly with older Windows versions; current Windows 11 screens may use different wording. Microsoft Q&A: the message and older Windows cases
If rollback is still in progress
A screen that appears unchanged is not, by itself, proof that the computer is frozen. Disk activity, fan activity, or periodic restarts can indicate that servicing is continuing. Avoid repeatedly forcing the computer off while it shows signs of progress: interrupting an update rollback can leave Windows in a worse state.
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If it keeps restarting or never reaches sign-in
Do not wait indefinitely through the same loop. Move to WinRE and try the recovery options below. If Windows does reach the desktop, use the booted-Windows steps first.
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First, identify your Windows version and update failure
These instructions focus on supported Windows 11 and Windows 10 client PCs. Windows 10’s ordinary support ended on October 14, 2025; as of August 2026, any continuing security updates depend on the device’s edition and eligibility for an applicable extended-support program. Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 use different menus and servicing tools, so do not assume the paths below apply to them. Windows Server needs server-specific care, especially when business applications or domain services are involved. Microsoft: uninstalling Windows updates and Windows 10 support information
If the PC boots, find the update history:
- Windows 11:
Settings > Windows Update > Update history. - Windows 10:
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
Note the failed KB number and any error code. Whether one update or every update fails also helps narrow the problem. The generic rollback message is less useful than that information; error codes point to different possibilities, not guaranteed diagnoses. See Microsoft’s common Windows Update error reference.
If Windows reaches the desktop, troubleshoot in this order
1. Check basic conditions before retrying
- Make sure the system drive has enough free space. The storage figures Microsoft lists—16 GB for a 32-bit upgrade and 20 GB for a 64-bit upgrade—apply to the cited upgrade scenarios, not as universal minimums for every cumulative update.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB devices, docks, external drives, and printers while troubleshooting.
- Temporarily disconnect a VPN. Microsoft associates VPN or storage issues with some
0x800f0922cases; that code can also have other causes. - If the code is
0xC1900101, investigate incompatible drivers and connected hardware. - Temporarily disable or remove third-party antivirus only if Microsoft’s guidance and the product maker’s instructions permit it; restore protection afterward.
Do not delete the WinSxS folder or make undocumented registry changes. Microsoft’s troubleshooting guide covers storage, VPNs, drivers, and other possible causes: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows.
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2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
- Windows 11: Open
Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Windows Update, select Run, and follow the prompts. Microsoft may also offer an automated Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app. - Windows 10: Open
Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Select Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
Labels and availability can vary by build. Use the path shown on your device or Microsoft’s current instructions.
3. Repair Windows, then check protected files
Open Command Prompt as administrator. Run the following commands one at a time, waiting for each to finish:
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DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannowDISM repairs the Windows image or component store; SFC checks protected system files and replaces damaged copies when possible. Microsoft’s documented order is DISM first, then SFC. Both can take several minutes and may appear to pause, so do not close the window before completion. DISM may report “The restore operation completed successfully”; SFC may report “Verification 100% complete.” Restart when both finish, then retry Windows Update. These repairs do not resolve every driver, hardware, or update-compatibility problem.
For the command sequence and details, see Microsoft’s DISM and System File Checker guidance and SFC instructions.
If DISM cannot find source files
Do not keep repeating the same command. DISM normally uses Windows Update as its repair source. If that source is damaged, an administrator may need to provide a valid, matching Windows installation source, as in this example:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccessC:RepairSourceWindows is only an example path; do not copy it unless it exists and contains a suitable repair source. Version, edition, language, and architecture mismatches can cause failure. See Microsoft’s Windows image repair guidance.
4. Reset Windows Update download components if the failure persists
Try this only after simpler checks and repairs. Close Settings, Microsoft Store downloads, and other installation activity. In an elevated Command Prompt, run:
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net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
ren %windir%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %windir%System32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start wuauservRestart the PC and try Windows Update again. The commands stop update services and rename their caches; they do not erase personal files. Windows recreates the cache folders, while the renamed .old folders may remain and use disk space. If a service says it is not running, that is not necessarily fatal. If a rename fails because a file is in use, restart and try again—do not forcibly delete system folders or rename unrelated items under C:Windows. Microsoft documents this sequence in its Windows Update troubleshooting guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf Windows is stuck in a reboot loop, use WinRE
WinRE is the recovery environment for repairs when Windows will not start normally. You can reach it in any of these ways:
- If you can reach the sign-in screen or desktop, hold Shift while selecting Restart.
- If Windows repeatedly fails to start, it may enter Automatic Repair.
- Boot from official Windows installation media and choose Repair your computer, not the option to install Windows immediately.
From WinRE, open Troubleshoot > Advanced options. Try the least destructive options first:
- Startup Repair for certain startup problems.
- Uninstall Updates if the loop began after an update.
- System Restore if a suitable restore point exists.
- Command Prompt for advanced, version-appropriate offline repair.
- Reset this PC or reinstall only after protecting files and exhausting safer options.
Recovery tools and labels can vary by Windows version and device. Microsoft’s Windows recovery options page explains the available approaches.
Uninstall the update that triggered the loop
In WinRE, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates. Select Uninstall latest quality update for a recent routine update, or Uninstall latest feature update when the issue followed a major version upgrade. Restart after the removal attempt.
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Not every update can be uninstalled. Removing a security update can temporarily reduce protection; after the PC recovers, identify the failed update and address its cause before reinstalling it. Microsoft’s update removal instructions cover the recovery route and options from Settings when Windows is available.
Use System Restore only if a suitable restore point exists
In WinRE, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore, then select a restore point from before the failed update. System Restore can roll back system files, drivers, settings, and installed updates; it is not a file-backup tool and may remove applications or updates installed after the chosen point. Personal files are generally not its target, but back them up if possible. If BitLocker is enabled, Windows may request the recovery key. Restore points may be unavailable or unsuitable.
Advanced: offline checks and logs
Use Command Prompt recovery only if you are comfortable identifying the Windows installation and interpreting repair results. In WinRE, the installed Windows volume may not be C:. You can inspect volumes with diskpart followed by list volume, then use exit to leave DiskPart. Confirm the Windows volume before running a repair: using the wrong letter can target another volume or the recovery environment.
For example, if the installed Windows volume is D:, an offline DISM command has this form:
DISM /Image:D: /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthD: is an example, not a universal drive letter. Offline repair requirements depend on the installation and available repair source. Windows servicing logs are under %windir%LogsCBSCBS.log when viewed from the relevant Windows installation. They can help identify a failure for an experienced technician.
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- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Do not blindly remove the newest package with DISM or copy package-removal steps written for Windows 7 into a modern system. Package identities and servicing dependencies vary by version; removing the wrong package can make recovery harder. Consult version-specific Microsoft guidance or a qualified technician. Microsoft’s server update repair guidance is specifically for Windows Server, not a substitute for client-PC instructions.
What common error codes can suggest
These associations are starting points, not diagnoses. Use the code with the Windows version, failed KB, and symptoms to choose a targeted next step. Microsoft’s troubleshooting guide and error reference provide further detail.
| Code | Possible direction | What to check |
|---|---|---|
0x800f0922 |
Some cases involve insufficient space or a VPN; other servicing or partition-related issues are possible. | Check available system-drive space and disconnect a VPN for a retry. If neither applies, investigate the specific update and system configuration. |
0xC1900101 |
Often associated with driver incompatibility during an upgrade. | Disconnect unnecessary hardware and check compatible drivers, especially for recently changed devices. |
0x800f081f, 0x80073712, 0x80073701, or 0x800f0831 |
Can point toward component-store or servicing-file problems. | Run DISM followed by SFC; if DISM needs a source, use a matching repair source rather than an arbitrary image. |
0x80070005 |
May involve access permissions, security software, or update components. | Review permissions and security-software interference carefully; use Microsoft’s code-specific guidance before changing system settings. |
| Unknown or absent | The rollback message alone does not isolate a cause. | Record the failed KB and Windows version; if needed, collect servicing logs or seek support. |
When to reset, reinstall, or get help
Consider Reset this PC or a clean Windows installation only if Windows remains unbootable, recovery tools fail, the update loop continues, or broader corruption prevents normal use. Back up important files first and make sure you can access the BitLocker recovery key if encryption is enabled. Keep my files is not a complete backup: it preserves personal files but removes applications and resets many settings. A clean installation can erase data, so confirm the target drive and backup before proceeding. Microsoft compares recovery choices on its recovery options page.
Stop and get qualified support rather than continuing experiments if the drive reports SMART warnings, disappears, or repeatedly shows disk errors; the PC loses power or overheats; BitLocker recovery information is unavailable; important files are not backed up; or the computer is a business server. Repeated hardware faults or uncertain data recovery make further resets and repairs riskier.
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