How to Fix “Failure Configuring Windows Updates. Reverting Changes” Error in Windows 10

Encountering the “Failure configuring Windows updates. Reverting changes” error during a Windows 10 update can be frustrating. This error typically occurs when Windows 10 fails to install an update and starts reverting to the previous configuration. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrupted update files, conflicts with installed software, or system file corruption. This guide provides practical solutions to resolve this error and ensure that Windows updates are successfully applied.

1. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary issues and allow the update process to complete.

Restart Your Computer:
- Click on the Start menu and select the power icon, then choose “Restart.”
Retry the Update:
- After restarting, check for updates again by going to Settings > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and clicking “Check for updates.”

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter can help identify and fix issues with the update process.

Open Troubleshooter:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot” > “Additional troubleshooters.”
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:
- Select “Windows Update” and click “Run the troubleshooter.” Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and resolve issues.

3. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Corrupted update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder can cause update errors. Deleting this folder can resolve the issue.

Stop Windows Update Service:
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Locate “Windows Update,” right-click on it, and select “Stop.”
Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. Delete the contents of this folder. Do not delete the folder itself, just the files inside.
Restart Windows Update Service:
- Return to the Services window, right-click “Windows Update,” and select “Start.”
Check for Updates:
- Go to Settings > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and click “Check for updates.”

4. Perform System File Check (SFC) and DISM

System file corruption can cause update issues. Running SFC and DISM can repair corrupted system files.

Run SFC:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator (press Windows + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows Terminal (Admin)”). Enter:
```
sfc /scannow
```
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow any prompts to repair corrupted files.
Run DISM:
- In the same Command Prompt window, enter:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
- Allow DISM to complete its process. Rerun SFC if needed.

5. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting Windows Update components can resolve issues related to update services.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press Windows + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows Terminal (Admin).”
Stop Update Services:
- Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
```
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
```

Rename Update Folders:

Enter these commands to rename the folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

Restart Update Services:

Enter the following commands:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Check for Updates:
- Go to Settings > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and click “Check for updates.”

6. Check Disk for Errors

Disk errors can interfere with the update process. Running a disk check can identify and fix these issues.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press Windows + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows Terminal (Admin).”
Run CHKDSK:
- Enter the following command and press Enter:
```
chkdsk /f /r
```
- Follow any prompts to schedule a disk check on restart, then restart your computer.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify if background services or startup programs are causing update issues.

Open System Configuration:
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Configure Clean Boot:
- In the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services” and click “Disable all.” In the “Startup” tab, click “Open Task Manager” and disable all startup items.
Restart Your Computer:
- Restart to see if the issue persists. If the update process completes, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

8. Use System Restore

If recent changes are causing update issues, performing a System Restore can revert your system to a previous state.

Open System Restore:
- Press Windows + S, type “Create a restore point,” and select the option. In the System Properties window, click “System Restore.”
Choose a Restore Point:
- Follow the prompts to select a restore point before the issue started and complete the restoration process.

Conclusion

The “Failure configuring Windows updates. Reverting changes” error can be caused by a range of factors, from corrupted update files to system file issues. By following these solutions, including running troubleshooting tools, resetting update components, and performing system checks, you can address the root cause of the problem and successfully install Windows updates. Regular maintenance and updates are essential to keep your system secure and running smoothly, so ensure you resolve these issues promptly to maintain optimal performance.

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