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The document provides a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and resolving Windows Server patching errors, outlining 11 key troubleshooting steps. These steps include checking error codes, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, ensuring sufficient disk space, and reviewing Event Logs. It also suggests contacting Microsoft Support if the issues persist after following the outlined procedures.

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9 views5 pages

Document

The document provides a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and resolving Windows Server patching errors, outlining 11 key troubleshooting steps. These steps include checking error codes, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, ensuring sufficient disk space, and reviewing Event Logs. It also suggests contacting Microsoft Support if the issues persist after following the outlined procedures.

Uploaded by

Praveen Reddy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Windows Server patching errors can occur for various reasons, such as

network issues, permission problems, or conflicts with existing


software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to diagnosing and resolving
common patching errors on a Windows Server.

### Step 1: Check for Error Codes


When a patch fails to install, it usually provides an error code. Start by
identifying the error code, which will give clues about what went
wrong. The error codes can be found in the **Windows Update
History** or the **Windows Update Log**.

- **View Update History**:


- Open **Settings** → **Update & Security** → **Windows Update** →
**View update history**.
- Alternatively, open a command prompt and use:
```powershell
Get-WindowsUpdateLog
```

- **Error codes** are often numeric (e.g., 0x800f0922, 0x80070020).


Look up these codes online for specific troubleshooting.

---

### Step 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter


Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for diagnosing and resolving
issues related to Windows Update.

1. **Open Settings** → **Update & Security** → **Troubleshoot** →


**Additional troubleshooters**.
2. Select **Windows Update** and click **Run the troubleshooter**.

If the troubleshooter finds and fixes problems, try patching again.

---

### Step 3: Check Disk Space


A lack of disk space can cause updates to fail. Verify that your server
has enough free space to download and install updates.

1. Open **File Explorer** and check the available space on the system
drive (usually `C:`).
2. If space is low, clean up temporary files and old system restore
points:
- Open **Disk Cleanup** (type `cleanmgr` in the Start menu).
- Select the drive and check options like **Temporary files**,
**Windows Update Cleanup**, etc.
- Run the cleanup process.

---

### Step 4: Check Windows Update Services


Ensure that the essential Windows Update services are running.

1. Press **Win + R**, type `services.msc`, and press Enter.


2. Locate and verify the following services are running:
- **Windows Update** (wuauserv)
- **Background Intelligent Transfer Service** (BITS)
- **Cryptographic Services**
- **Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider**
3. If any services are stopped, right-click and select **Start**.

If these services are set to manual or disabled, change them to


**Automatic**.

---

### Step 5: Reset Windows Update Components


Sometimes, corrupted update components cause issues. You can reset
them manually by stopping the services, renaming the folders, and
restarting the services:

1. Open **Command Prompt** as Administrator.


2. Stop the services:
```cmd
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
```
3. Rename the folders:
```cmd
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
```
4. Restart the services:
```cmd
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
```

Then try running Windows Update again.

---

### Step 6: Manually Install Updates


If the update continues to fail, you can manually download and install
the update from the **Microsoft Update Catalog**:

1. Go to the [Microsoft Update


Catalog](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx).
2. Search for the update by its KB number (e.g., KB5012643).
3. Download the appropriate update for your system (x64, ARM64,
etc.).
4. Once downloaded, double-click the file to start the installation.

---

### Step 7: Check for Conflicting Software


Sometimes, third-party software (antivirus, firewall, etc.) may interfere
with the patching process.

- **Disable Antivirus**: Temporarily disable any antivirus or security


software.
- **Check for Third-Party Applications**: If you suspect software
conflicts, uninstall recently added applications, especially those related
to security, backup, or virtualization.

---

### Step 8: Perform an In-Place Upgrade or Repair


If all else fails and patches still aren’t installing, you can try performing
an in-place upgrade using the same version of Windows Server to fix
any underlying system issues without losing your data.

1. Download the **Windows Server ISO** for the version you're using.
2. Mount the ISO and run `setup.exe`.
3. Choose the option to keep your files and apps.

This will reinstall Windows while preserving your settings and


applications, potentially fixing any issues preventing updates from
being applied.

---

### Step 9: Review Event Logs for Detailed Errors


Review the Windows Event Logs for additional information on why
updates are failing.

1. Open **Event Viewer** (`eventvwr.msc`).


2. Go to **Windows Logs** → **System**.
3. Look for entries related to **Windows Update** (Event IDs 20, 21, or
19).
4. Investigate any error messages and follow the guidance provided.

---

### Step 10: Check for Network Issues


Ensure there are no network issues preventing the download of
updates:

- Ensure the server has a stable internet connection.


- Check for any proxy or firewall settings blocking the update process.
- If you are behind a corporate proxy, verify proxy settings under
**Settings** → **Network & Internet** → **Proxy**.

---

### Step 11: Contact Microsoft Support


If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact Microsoft support
for more in-depth troubleshooting and potential patch rollbacks or
fixes.

---

### Summary
Here’s a quick recap of troubleshooting steps:
1. Identify the error code.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
3. Verify there is enough disk space.
4. Ensure necessary Windows Update services are running.
5. Reset Windows Update components.
6. Manually download and install updates.
7. Check for conflicting software.
8. Try an in-place repair/upgrade.
9. Review Event Logs for specific errors.
10. Ensure no network issues are present.
11. Contact Microsoft Support if needed.

By following these steps, you can resolve most Windows Server


patching issues.

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