Is there a workaround for KB5034441 install failure that doesn't require partition modification?

Thank you -- I've been messing with Windows Updates for a day now as a way to deal with slow boot time. The video you link to is great with lots of background info about this update and how to resolve it.

If you do have a computer with TPM, then you can run this Powershell script to extend your WinRE partition by 250MB (if needed), then retry the update: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/add-update-to-winre?view=windows-11#extend-the-windows-re-partition

In my case, I don't have TPM on my old Dell All-In-One so I just hid the update, as @1proggy suggested:

https://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f22d5fdb-59cd-4275-8c95-1be17bf70b21/wushowhide.diagcab

Note that I also installed and ran a pretty good Windows 'repair tool' that can reset Windows Update (and other) issues: https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_windows_repair.html

On the fun pi__ing contest, I was first introduced to computers on a Sperry Univac 9000 series in the early 1970s. It was all uphill from there. :-)

Going to start using Ubuntu as soon as end of support is reached

If that would be the case, I would advise Microsoft: "Go for it". My solution to that nonsense in not to buy a new Windows compatible computer, LOL, it's to migrate the machine to Linux. BTW, that applies to Apple products too prior to M architecture. I run Kali Linux on a 2007 white Macbook. Again, if that is the case all I can tell vendors like that is: "Hey guys, I'm not your F*****g co-dependent to your addiction!". Hopefully that is not the case with this KB...

Don’t know what’s going on with Windows but from the beginning of this year I’ve had a higher success rate of installing a Trojan than any of there dodgy untested updates.. There latest security updates on Windows 10 now has fully bricked my high end gaming pc to bios so thankyou for ruining my pride and joy windows.

Agreed