Note: if a problem here is marked as “FIXED,” it means Microsoft has rolled out an update that fixes the problem, and the solution is simply to make sure your system is fully updated. If a problem is not yet “FIXED,” then either read that entry for workarounds to that specific problem or scroll down the page for advice on how to roll back updates.
[Fixed] December 2022 Windows 11, Version 22H2 KB5020880
Problem: Update fails to download or install. The 2022-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 11, version 22H2 (KB5020880), was launched on December 13, 2022. Many users have experienced issues due to installation failures, which means problems downloading and installing the updates successfully. If you’re unable to see a “Pending Restart” screen as shown, the update is not working for you.
[Fixed] December 2022 Windows 11, Version 21H2; KB5019980 and KB5021234
Problems: Task Manager appearance | Audio issues in Xbox | Sign-in failures | Intel drivers compatibility It’s been reported that Windows 11’s earliest version 21H2 has a few minor problems in the accumulated build KB5021234. For example, the Taskbar may not display in the expected colors. This may not seem important if you’re using Windows 10, but the best thing about Windows 11 is how beautifully the Taskbar blends with your wallpaper. Other issues may include sign-in failures for KB5019980 that can be fixed using a minor patch update in “Check for Updates.” Some users have reported audio issues in the Xbox app and a secure boot failure when migrating from Windows 10. Most of these issues have been resolved in KB5020044, so if you’re upgrading to a higher version, you’re good to go. Otherwise, you will need to roll back your Windows 11 version to a previous build (check the option at the bottom of the list) or use the Windows 11 installation assistant online. Tip: improve your gaming sessions by connecting your Xbox Series S/X controller to your Windows PC.
Error Code 0x800f0831
Problem: update fails to install. Before moving onto the update problems relating to specific Windows updates, let’s cover one of the more common errors that may occur when you try to update Windows 10 or 11. Essentially, the above error code means your update has failed, but there are several things you can do to troubleshoot this problem:
If there’s a conflict with your VPN or proxy server and you’re using a VPN or proxy, make sure it’s completely disabled when trying to update Windows. You may even need to uninstall and reinstall the software. Scan for corrupt system files. For this and other update errors, you can try finding the update you’re trying to install in the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually from there.
[Fixed] December 2022 – Issues in Windows 10 Version 22H2 – KB5021233
Problems: Sign-in failures | OneDrive problems | Taskbar disappears | Blue screen issues. The Windows 10 version 22H2 is a minor optional update released on September 20, 2022, available via the online Update Assistant. There have been a few issues with this update, such as sign-in failures related to Kerberos authentication, the OneDrive app closing suddenly, and most worryingly, the desktop and Taskbar disappearing from the screen for a few seconds. Microsoft has addressed these issues in its builds from October 25 – December 13, 2022 such as KB5018482, KB5019959, and KB5020953. The following solutions are in order:
Clean restart your Windows 10 device. Opt for Microsoft out-of-band (OOB) updates from November 18, 2022 onward, available from “Check Your Updates.” If you see a blue screen with error 0xc000021a, run the Advanced Startup from “System -> Update & Security -> Recovery,” and in its Command Prompt under “C:\Windows,” type C:\windows\system32\hidparse.sys. After the system repair is done, type exit and restart your Windows 10 device.
Good to know: OneDrive not syncing properly between devices? Here’s how you can fix the issue.
[Fixed] Error 0x80070422
Problem: Updates fail to install properly. The 0x80070422 bug is one of the oldest update errors in Windows, and it can still affect some Windows 10 devices while installing updates. It’s often accompanied by other types of messages, such as Windows update is disabled. The current approach to solving this problem is to disable IPv6 from Wi-Fi Properties.
[Fixed] January 2022 Issues in Windows 10 Version 21H2 – KB5009543
Problems: Slow boot | Unresponsive system | Game performance issues The above update created some serious problems for some users, grinding their systems to a near-halt, making games work poorly and hammering their boot times. The main issues were due to corrupted files in the software distribution, and even the Microsoft Update Catalog failed to deliver results. The issues were addressed in June 2022 under KB5005322, KB5010342, KB5014023, and later builds. If you’re still stuck behind the update timelines, Microsoft recommends that you create a restore point for your device and download the latest available Windows 10 update.
[Fixed] November 2021 – KB5007215
Problems: Remote printer problems | MSI Installer not repairing or updating apps. Microsoft Installer (MSI) is one of the more important tools in the Windows shed. The “.msi” file format is a proprietary Windows installer package that helps install, maintain, reinstall and repair software on your PC. As of the above update, however, MSI no longer works as it should, failing to repair and update apps. Not all apps are affected, though notably, one that was affected is Kaspersky. Once the app fails to update or repair, you may not be able to open it and would have to reinstall it. This was an ongoing issue, where updates were causing printer problems, and users were reporting that they’re getting errors when trying to print things over a remote network. Microsoft announced that these issues were fixed with the KB5007262 build update. To get it, update your Windows 10 version to “21H2” through the Windows Update window. Or you may directly update to “22H2” from the official Windows 10 update link. Tip: did you know that you can use PowerShell to hide updates in Windows?
How to Fix and Avoid Broken Windows Updates
If the problem you’re encountering with a new Windows update is that the install stops at a certain percentage, or more generally, that it’s failing to install the update, try installing the update from PowerShell.
Install Optional Updates
If you access the Windows 11 or 10 update screen by going to “Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced Options -> Additional Options,” you will find the “Optional Updates” menu. These updates are designed specifically to address feature, quality, and driver issues for recent Windows updates. They become “proper” updates a few weeks later once they’ve been thoroughly tested. These updates are still pretty stable, though, so may be worth a shot if a recent update has broken something on Windows.
Uninstall Windows Updates
You can uninstall smaller Windows updates (to roll back builds, see the next section) by doing the following: Good to know: you can try Windows 11 without completely wiping out Windows 10 by following this guide.
How to Roll Back Windows Builds
After every major update, Windows gives you a 10-day window to roll back to a previous version. It’s a useful feature and should give you enough time to judge whether you have a problematic update. Of course, this won’t recover your files if Windows deletes them, but at least you’ll be on a more stable version of the OS.
Check Your Windows Build
Before looking into rolling back and fixing broken Windows updates, you need to check which build of Windows you’re currently using to confirm which issues are affecting you.
Pause Windows Updates
The first thing you can do to avoid getting the above update problems and more is to take over control when Windows updates. This way, you can hold off getting updates the moment Microsoft rolls them out, monitor the news for a bit to see if any major errors crop up, then manually do the update yourself. In Windows 11, go to the “Windows Update” screen from Settings. Under “More options,” select “Pause updates” and choose the number of weeks you wish to defer updates in the future (from the default of one week to up to five weeks). In Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, or S, you can postpone updates by checking the same option available under “Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update.” In some Windows 10 versions, it may be spelled as “defer” instead of “pause” and available under a different heading. Tip: make your Windows 11 PC look more like Windows 10. We show you how.
Completely Block Windows Updates
If you want to block Windows updates completely for an indefinite time, disable the Windows Update Medic Service, which triggers the main Windows Update service to switch itself back on automatically. You have to disable this through Registry Editor. Few things on PC are more frustrating than an update – ostensibly to improve performance – borking your system, but unfortunately, Microsoft has form in this respect. Other teething issues with Windows 10 include the Start menu search not working, Microsoft Store not working, and a malfunctioning microphone. We can help you with these, too! Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
