Recently I experienced an issue with my Windows 11 installation whereby an update was stuck in one of those interminable loops… install/undoing changes/retry/install/undoing changes, on and on.
I tried all the usual fixes, including resetting Windows Update components, renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, etc., and all the while sfc /scannow is reporting zero system file corruptions. I even restored an earlier image backup but, to my surprise, the problem persisted.
Nothing worked, so I ended up trying the Windows 11 in-place repair installation that’s available via Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update > Reinstall now:
I mentioned in another article, Windows 11 QMR, that I am generally sceptical of Windows repair and troubleshooting features, but I am happy to report that this one worked a treat. It reinstalls Windows, including the troublesome update, leaving all settings and installed programs intact. So, when it completes, you are back where you started from, minus the initial problem.
Be warned, this process is lengthy/time-consuming – but, in my case anyway, well worth the effort.
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In the past with this reinstall in place feature if you had software on your computer that Microsoft deemed unsafe or not on the approved list, they would kindly (Sarcastic) uninstall it for you during the reinstall.
I tried to reply to thank Norbert for the link he provided and then got an error message that unapproved comments can’t be replied to. I wondered what was going on as it clearly HAD been approved for me to see it. But seems in the meantime it has been unapproved again which I find very strange given it was very helpful information. I’m assuming it was because it was a link to another website but I really don’t understand why that is an issue in this case. Perhaps we can have a Pauline Hanson “Please Explain” ! Luckily I printed off his page to PDF immediately so I have got the info.
My Reply to Norbert (hopefully this won’t be removed because there is no reason for it to be):
“Thanks Norbert – that linked page looks like a very useful recipe list that would fix a lot of other problems beyond the Windows Update issue we’re discussing. I have used some of the commands in the past but I might try them all at once and see how I go !
Cheers for the easy to follow step by step !
Reg”