2025-04 Windows Update (KB5055523) simply does not install

Anonymous
2025-04-09T07:36:18+00:00

2025-04 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5055523) installation shows as "pending restart" but no matter how many times I restart the computer it keeps showing as "pending restart." Apparently it cannot even be uninstalled (probably because, at face value, installation never completed). How can it be removed? Will it keep restarting the computer automatically outside active hours, even though it will be afterwards in the same pending status again? Will this behavior be mimicked by all (or any) other updates?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

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Estrella721 47,025 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-04-09T08:15:50+00:00

Hi, I'm Estrella. I'll do my best to help you.

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History. Is the KB5055523 update listed there? If yes, try uninstalling it from there.

If it cannot be uninstalled due to an incomplete installation or cannot be located there, you can attempt the following steps to try to fully install it:

  1. Execute the Windows Update troubleshooter:

Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update, then click Run.

2: Reset Windows Components

In your search bar type CMD and right-click it, select run as administrator

Copy and paste each of the commands below then Enter:

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

Restart your PC once done and then try again.

  1. Fix problems using Windows Update without deleting your files and apps.

Click the Start menu > Settings > System > Recovery.

Choose Reinstall Now under the section labeled 'Fix problems using Windows Update.'

Once completed, your system will restart. Please check afterward.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-05-08T13:33:00+00:00

    On a system running Windows Server 2025 Standard, version 24H2, cumulative update KB5055523 fails to install via Windows Update. This behavior matches a known Safeguard Hold – a protective mechanism applied by Microsoft to block certain updates on systems with known compatibility issues.

    Cause of the Block:

    Microsoft has confirmed that update KB5055523 may be blocked on devices that contain the sprotect.sys driver, which is used by some security software such as SenseShield or Citrix Session Recording Agent.

    To prevent potential instability or compatibility problems, Microsoft has applied a safeguard hold preventing this update from installing via Windows Update on affected systems.

    We confirmed the presence of the safeguard hold by running the following PowerShell command:

    reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\TargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicators"

    The output included:

    GE24H2

    UNV

    These entries confirm that a safeguard hold is active, indicating that updates targeting version 24H2 (such as KB5055523) are currently being blocked due to a known compatibility issue.

    Recommendations:

    • Do not attempt to manually force the update (e.g., via ISO, Windows Installation Assistant, or Media Creation Tool).
    • Monitor Microsoft's official Release Health page for updates on this issue.
    • Optionally, investigate whether the sprotect.sys driver or related software (e.g., Citrix SRA) can be temporarily removed in a test environment to allow installation.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-30T14:19:23+00:00

    unfortunately nothing helps and the update still won't install and stops at 100%

    ren catroot not possible, even if the terminal was started with admin rights

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-17T14:36:01+00:00

    I used Option 2 but it did not resolve the installation issue (Install error - 0x800f0831) for KB5055523 once it downloaded. I am willing and interested in trying other things to resolve it. Alternatively, does anyone think that it would be reasonable to just wait until the next cumulative update (presumably 2025-05) instead?

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-04-16T22:35:18+00:00

    Thank you very much, the second option works for me.

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