Unable to install Windows 11 Update Version 23H2 (KB5036980)

When it shows the infected files while running, it's to let you know that you have infected/corrupted files. The reason for the scan is to delete the infected files. That's why there are no infected files when it ends.

But this is not an easy fix for some. I would suggest direct MS support. Call them. Let them see what you are seeing, and they have the research to repair the update process. I am wondering though, if you have the latest .NET Framework update. If you have, uninstall it and install an earlier version. Sometimes that firmware, or whatever it is, has a dynamic effect on installing anything in Windows OS's.

That said, it is time to involve MS. It's their baby and they show know how to raise it, to keep it from being the beast it at times turns out to be. My company is starting to roll out 11 on all of our 10 PC's. It was supposed to be last Friday, but they called it off. And it may be because they are seeing the same issues you guys are seeing. We'll see...

I have also tried all 3 steps and have been unsuccessful with updating Windows 11.

OK, Neils, do an sfc /scannow, copy and past it just like that. You apparently have some corrupted files on you machine that is not allowing the install to complete. I recommend that, any files you need to save, save them to a flash drive, and do a clean install of 11 from the USB drive that you make from msert.

Click on Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com) and create a USB flash drive for Win 11. Look, I know that works. That's what I did to get 11 in the first place, cuz my Insider update failed.

Run rhe scan and let it repair what it can. Make the .iso flash drive and let it run for a clean install.

I'm sorry you are having so many issues with this. I am an IT helpdesk tech and I know how balled up MS is with their "update".

Hi mate. Thanks for your suggestions. I'm certain there are corrupted files somewhere, as the list of issues is growing. I used to be a Helpdesk Tech too, but the politics made more than one workplace toxic, so I got out of the industry altogether. Hats off to you for staying in the job!
I've done the sfc /scannow a couple of times. It always comes back with no problem found. Curiously, the msert scanner showed 18 "infected files" while running, but then said there were no infected files found, when the scan finished. I downloaded and ran it twice. The second time, it showed 30 infected files while running, but none when finished.

I'm beginning to think maybe I have a rootkit, or similar, as I'm also now finding I have no access to the C:\Windows\System32 folder, to rename the catroot2 folder. (This happens through Windows Explorer and cmd in Administrator mode).

I'm currently formatting a 64 GB thumb drive. I hope that's big enough to hold the Windows .iso

Hang on to your hat, I'll get back if it works!

OK, Neils, do an sfc /scannow, copy and past it just like that. You apparently have some corrupted files on you machine that is not allowing the install to complete. I recommend that, any files you need to save, save them to a flash drive, and do a clean install of 11 from the USB drive that you make from msert.

Click on Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com) and create a USB flash drive for Win 11. Look, I know that works. That's what I did to get 11 in the first place, cuz my Insider update failed.

Run rhe scan and let it repair what it can. Make the .iso flash drive and let it run for a clean install.

I'm sorry you are having so many issues with this. I am an IT helpdesk tech and I know how balled up MS is with their "update".

This problem is so common, and has been happening so long, it's about time M$ got it's a@@@ into gear, and sorted it. They're stopping support for 22H2, which is the version most in use, after 7th October!