So for people having problems, I would try to install updates in safe mode.
I am answering my own question after finding this article on line and to give info to anyone who may want to update in in this way.
https://windowsreport.com/install-windows-updates-safe-mode/
As for installing updates in safe mode:
from the article:
Should you install Windows Updates in Safe Mode?
Since not all devices and components are active in Safe Mode, this will result in only partial updates. This eventually leads to intermittent file errors or registry errors when you finally boot the PC normally.
Because of this, services and features that we are used to running in the background, such as Windows updates, will not be activated by default.
Note: Microsoft recommends that you do not install service packs or updates when Windows is running in Safe mode unless you cannot start Windows normally.
Even so, if you do install a service pack or update while Windows is running in Safe mode, immediately reinstall it after you start Windows normally.
The article does explain how to do updates in safe mode with the caveat:
By following these steps, you should now be able to get the latest Windows updates, even when you boot the PC in Safe Mode.
While this is not recommended, there are a few situations when this may be your only choice left.
News to me! The plot just keeps on thickening.