1. Identify Compatibility Holds
Sometimes, Windows just refuses to update because of compatibility holds. Basically, Microsoft flags certain devices—especially if they’re a bit older or if there are unusual hardware setups—that might cause stability issues. These holds are meant to keep everything running smoothly and avoid bricking your system, but they can be a royal pain if you’re just trying to get the latest updates. Knowing whether a hold is in place can save you a lot of guesswork and frustration.
Check the Windows Update History
- Press Windows + I to open Settings, then navigate to Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update in the sidebar and then select Update History.
Okay, now you’re looking for any failed updates here. If Windows slipped a compatibility hold in, you’ll likely see some errors, or updates stuck in pending, with specific error codes (like 0x80240437 or similar).On some setups, this info isn’t super clear, but if you notice odd error messages, take note.
True story: on some machines, the first time you check, it shows a failed update with a weird error code, but if you reboot and recheck later, it’s gone or fixed. Windows’ update process can be a bit flaky.
Visit the Windows Release Health Dashboard
This is kinda like checking the official news feed for Windows issues. Microsoft maintains a Release Health Dashboard. It lists known issues, including compatibility holds, that might be affecting your model or update.
Search for your device model or the specific update (like “Windows 11 24H2”) to see if any holds are active. If there’s a hold, it’s probably just a matter of waiting until Microsoft sorts out the problem. Keep an eye on this page, as it gets updated periodically. Sometimes, the hold is temporary—other times, it sticks around for a while.
Check for Device-Specific Compatibility
Some hardware just doesn’t play nice with new Windows updates. That’s especially true for older hardware, custom builds, or things like USB controllers, graphics cards, or motherboards with custom firmware. To be sure, head over to your manufacturer’s support page or check their forums.
Alternatively, you can run the PC Health Check App. This tool scans your system and tells you whether your device is compatible with the latest Windows 11 build.
Keep in mind, if you find a compatibility hold, you might have to wait for a fix—or consider rolling back until the issue’s resolved. Sad, but sometimes hardware compatibility just can’t be rushed.
2. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Security Software
This is a common culprit. Antivirus or security suites from third-party vendors can interfere with Windows Update, especially if they’re too aggressive or outdated. It’s super annoying because it’s something you wouldn’t think about until the update fails repeatedly.
Microsoft points out this problem in their official blog: Important: Windows security updates and antivirus software.
Note: Don’t forget to re-enable or reinstall your security software after the update. You don’t want to leave your system unprotected forever.
3. Clear the Setup Files from C Drive
If your update keeps failing, corrupted or incomplete files in the Windows update cache might be to blame. Windows stores temporary files in C:\$WINDOWS.~BT during updates, and if these get messed up, errors pop up. Clearing this out is surprisingly effective.
Clear the $WINDOWS.~BT Folder
- Open File Explorer with Windows + E.
- Navigate to
C:\$WINDOWS.~BT. If it’s hidden, type it into the address bar or use Run (Windows + R) and type `c:\$WINDOWS.~BT` then hit Enter. - Make a quick backup of this folder before deleting anything, just in case.
- If you see the folder, attempt to delete it. If you hit permission errors, try doing this in Safe Mode. To boot into Safe Mode: restart the PC, then hold Shift and click “Restart” → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart. When it reboots, select “Enable Safe Mode”.
This helps because leftover or corrupt update files can cause errors during installation. After clearing, reboot and try updating again.
Heads-up: If you’re on an enterprise or LTSC version, this folder might not even exist or isn’t used the same way. For those, a clean install might be the only option.
4. Use the Media Creation Tool (MCT)
If downloading updates directly from Windows Update causes issues, it’s often better to create a fresh installation media. The Media Creation Tool (MCT) grabs the full ISO image directly from Microsoft, ensuring you’re working with uncorrupted, compatible files.
- Download the MCT from the official Microsoft site.
- Run the tool and follow instructions to either upgrade in-place or create a bootable USB drive.
- If you’re just trying to troubleshoot, creating a USB installer and booting from it can help bypass stubborn update issues.
Honestly, using the official tool reduces the risk of weird errors and weird compatibility surprises. Plus, it’ll set you up with a clean, fresh Windows install if needed. That’s often the fastest way to fix deep-seated issues.
And if all else fails, remember you can always check out Appuals.com or other forums for more troubleshooting tips. Good luck skipping all the roadblocks!