Windows update for Windows 11 version 24H2 fails to install

Andy Vigrass 25 Reputation points
2025-10-03T14:17:03.21+00:00

The windows cumulative update install fails repeatedly. I found a suggestion to delete the contents of folder windows/software_distribution and try again, this also failed.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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Answer accepted by question author
John Jefferson Doyon 89,925 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-03T14:50:17.7933333+00:00

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

Can I ask if you’ve already checked whether you have any third-party antivirus software running?

If you haven't tried anything yet please start by:

First, make sure there's no third-party antivirus software active that might be interfering with the update process:

  • Open the Windows Security app.
  • Click the "Settings" (gear icon) in the lower left.
  • Under Security Providers, click "Manage Providers".
  • Verify if Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the active antivirus and Windows Firewall is the firewall.
  • If not, please uninstall the third-party antivirus, restart your PC, and check again at Settings > Windows Update.

Then run again the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Get Help app:

  • Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Find Windows Update and click Run. This will open the Get Help app.
  • Select "I can't download, install, or uninstall an update" and click "Yes".
  • This will automatically identify and address any errors and restart the update process. This step is purely automatic.
  • Please continue to follow the prompt if the issue persists.

If the issue persists, please provide more details by answering my questions.

Click "Add comment" below to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

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