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Today I was notified by Windows Update that the 2004 update is finally ready to be downloaded and installed on my laptop. I pressed download and install and left the laptop plugged in idle as I did not have any laptop work to do at that time. Now it's been 4 hours since I left it on, and the Windows Update screen (in the Settings > Updates & Security) is still at 94% installing, which is the exact number I saw more than an hour ago. Is it stuck? Why is it taking so long to install? My internet is fast enough, I don't have many programs installed apart from a few essentials such as Office and Inkscape along with other credible software. I am afraid that if I close it and reset the Windows Update, it'll take 4+ hours again (not to mention the additional lengthy rebooting and installing the update again in the blue background screen which happens with every single update), plus it's already night here so I cannot leave it turned on while I go to sleep.
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Known issues
Not sure if this will fix existing systems, or not. There was no elaboration. They were discussing the upcoming 20215 update coming out to developers. I dunno..., hopefully, it'll help the existing users too.
Just finished the 20215.1000 update. It took 40 minutes, and that's the longest time it has taken. I tried to post that I was about to commence the update, but kept getting an Oops! message, Sheesh!!!
I'm still here...still not able to complete the update (now on attempt 27, maybe more). I successfully ported my physical system over to a virtual machine, removed all non-Microsoft tools and drivers that are no longer relevant in its virtual state and still, same failures in that environment. This confirms it's not hardware! My physical system still runs/operates without problems as does the identical virtual system. The only good news is the failure results are much quicker now in the virtual world. Still the same ole boring Update Failed (nothing but a dialog box indicating such), but now it only takes 45 minutes. I've reviewed the setuperr.log (among the many, many others), cleaning it out prior to every attempt, and still get nothing out of the process that provides even a hint of where the problem is or what caused the "failure".
Such a shame this product, as much as it sucks, isn't a vacuum (new business opportunity for Microsoft?).
On to attempt 28!
This may be a stupid question, but do you start the update from "Update & Security">Windows Update? I've done it from there, this one was from there, and I'll do my laptop from there too. I need to correct something I said earlier. I'm not sure what the "dated" update is you're trying to install, but my suggestion for the MCT route is only the May 2020 update. My update was released today to Insiders. Do you know the release date of the update you're trying to install?
These are some process, test to run ahead of time.
The process to run an In Place Windows 10 Update - keeping the existing Programs and Files takes many steps. This did not fix my long Windows Update either. But, some have claimed it helped.
My plan is to install: 2020-09 Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64 (KB4576947)
Then, locate deep clean for the various Free Malware Updates that Oracle, Flash or other software updates try to install. This includes PDF updates, and removing any old Microsoft .NET Framework versions.
--------------------------------------------------- Free - Do This anytime --------
Open This PC in a File Explorer window. Select C: drive. Right click on Properties - find the Disk-Cleanup and run. Note: once the disk-Cleanup is run- there is another button below for Administrators only - Clean up system files. Run this one too. (Warning: do not do this if you have a Pending Update requiring Reboot - do this AFTER all updates are completed)
This can take around 30 minutes. User must be able to run as ADMIN. Copy and past the dism statement below into the CMD (command) window.
Most places forget to mention - REBOOT right after running DISM.
Then follow the same steps above and run SFC /scannow
Again, several sites warn to immediately reboot when SFC end.
I have done all of the above multiple times - there is No Difference.
However, it is important to do this or a Support Call will just ask for this to put off any real support. My Check for Updates takes around 40 minutes, even if there are no updates. My Internet speed is Gig service, Desktop is i7, RAM is 12 GB I have another i5 Desktop that takes approx 35 seconds.
---- Additional Test --- Consider Run this just to eliminate other issues
Found article that solved this by replacing a RAM Memory Chip. Chip was determined to be bad by running the: MemTest86+
Please check out this site before using. This is Not a Built-In Microsoft tool.
Search for: What are the license restrictions on MemTest86 Free Edition?
MemTest86 Free Edition is free to download with no restrictions on usage.
Before starting - a USB is needed - it will be formatted to run this test. Suggest creating a Restore Point for your Windows beforehand.
Not yet up to 28 attempts, but right there with ya.
How is it that random nitwits can design a piece of malware that can skip easily past firewalls, antivirus apps and other security fixes, but Microsoft can't design an update to their own OS that will install without issue?
