If your Windows 11 updates keep failing or installation gets stuck, you’re not alone. Many users face issues like “Windows Update failed to install”, error 0x800f0922, or endless update loops. Fortunately, you can fix most of these problems with a few simple Command Prompt (CMD) commands — no need to reinstall Windows!
Follow this step-by-step guide carefully, and you’ll have your Windows 11 system running smoothly again.
🔹 Step 1: Stop Windows Update and Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder
The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary Windows Update files. When these files get corrupted, updates can fail or freeze. Here’s how to fix it:
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - In the Services window, find Windows Update.
- Right-click it and choose Stop — keep the Services window open.
- Now open File Explorer and navigate to:
This PC → Local Disk (C:) → Windows → SoftwareDistribution - Select everything inside that folder and delete it.
- Return to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and set:
- Startup type: Automatic
- Click Start → Apply → OK
This clears any corrupted update files and resets Windows Update to a fresh state.
🔹 Step 2: Refresh Group Policy with gpupdate /force
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
gpupdate /force
This forces Windows to refresh all Group Policy settings. It helps if your system isn’t applying update policies properly. Wait for it to show “Policy update completed successfully.”
🔹 Step 3: Reset the Catroot2 Folder
The Catroot2 folder contains crucial Windows Update components and digital signatures. If it becomes corrupted, updates may fail. Reset it with these commands. Hit Enter after each command:
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptsvc
Explanation:
net stop cryptsvc— Stops the Cryptographic Serviceren ... catroot2.old— Renames the folder (Windows creates a fresh one)net start cryptsvc— Restarts the service
🔹 Step 4: Repair System Files with SFC (System File Checker)
Sometimes corrupted system files prevent installation. Run this command:
sfc /scannow
This scans and repairs damaged system files. Let it complete fully — it may take 10–20 minutes. Restart your PC afterward.
🔹 Step 5: Repair Windows Image with DISM
If SFC didn’t fix everything, use DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) to repair Windows image corruption:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This checks your Windows image for corruption and downloads healthy files from Microsoft servers. Restart your PC when done.
🔹 Step 6: Try Updating Windows Again
After completing all steps:
- Go to Settings → Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
Windows should now install updates successfully without errors or interruptions.
💡 Bonus Tip
If issues persist, use Microsoft’s official Windows 11 Installation Assistant to reinstall or upgrade without losing your files.
🏁 Final Thoughts
By following these steps — stopping and resetting Windows Update, deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder, refreshing Group Policy, resetting Catroot2, and running SFC and DISM — you can safely fix most Windows 11 update or installation errors.