Windows 10 won't update to version 22H2, error code 0xc1900204

Question

Windows 10 won't update to version 22H2, error code 0xc1900204

Andrew Gabriel 20

I am trying to update windows 10 to version 22H2, but I keep receiving error code 0xc1900204. When I try to update, it will show that it has downloaded 100%. Then, when it tries to install, it seems to get stuck at 30%. Then after a while it will jump to 100%, but I receive the error code 0xc1900204.

I have already tried the Windows Update troubleshooter, which didn't make a difference. I also checked the RegEdit to ensure updates were going to C:\Program files.I also tried running Wufix.bat as described on this page: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4308619/windows-10-21h2-update-error-0xc1900223. After, I restarted my computer, but it did not help either.

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Answer accepted by question author

Ramesh 181K Volunteer Moderator

Thanks. Some package files are missing as well. We can try one of the following methods.

1] Restore the missing files from the ISO.

(or)

2] Delete the following folders and rerun the Media Creation Tool to upgrade to 22H2.

C:\$WINDOWS.~BT

C:\$WINDOWS.~WS

Try the 2nd approach and let's know how it went.

Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-15T03:01:56.9866667+00:00

Note: I have collected the missing files as well. In case the MCT doesn't work, we can try Method 1.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-15T05:28:20.03+00:00

I couldn't find the folder C:$WINDOWS.~WS. Nevertheless, method 2 worked, and my computer is now up to date. Thanks so much!
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-15T05:29:06.4133333+00:00

Great. Glad it's sorted.
Nicky R 0 Reputation points

2026-09-02T13:03:03.1933333+00:00

I am encountering the same initial error as OP when I try to install a Windows update-- it's been many months now. I'd like to follow the steps in Ramesh's comments, but I worry about going about it wrong and screwing something up. Ramesh, if you're still around, would you be able to help me out?
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-02T13:06:28.96+00:00

@Nicky R You may try this → https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/a/12186462

If that doesn't help, please start a new thread and share your setup log files in the new thread.

4 additional answers

Your answer

Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-15T03:01:56.9866667+00:00

Note: I have collected the missing files as well. In case the MCT doesn't work, we can try Method 1.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-15T05:28:20.03+00:00

I couldn't find the folder C:$WINDOWS.~WS. Nevertheless, method 2 worked, and my computer is now up to date. Thanks so much!
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-15T05:29:06.4133333+00:00

Great. Glad it's sorted.
Nicky R 0 Reputation points

2026-09-02T13:03:03.1933333+00:00

I am encountering the same initial error as OP when I try to install a Windows update-- it's been many months now. I'd like to follow the steps in Ramesh's comments, but I worry about going about it wrong and screwing something up. Ramesh, if you're still around, would you be able to help me out?
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-02T13:06:28.96+00:00

@Nicky R You may try this → https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/a/12186462

If that doesn't help, please start a new thread and share your setup log files in the new thread.

Answer 1

Estrella721 45,810 Independent Advisor

Hi, thank you for reaching out. I’m happy to help.

In the search bar, type Winver and hit Enter. Please share a screenshot of that window.
Go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update. Take a screenshot and share it here. Do not include any personal information.

Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-13T03:18:06.19+00:00

Thank you. Here are the two screenshots you asked for.
Estrella721 45,810 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-08-13T04:38:53.15+00:00
Thank you for the screenshots. Your current version (20H2) is 4 years older than the up-to-date Windows 10 version 22H2. The best option is to perform a repair in-place upgrade while keeping your files and apps. This will help fix or replace any corrupted files that may be causing the problem.

Note: Before doing so, unplug all unnecessary external peripherals connected to your PC, and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus program to avoid interference.

Click the 'Download now' button under 'Create Windows 10 Installation Media' and save it to your computer: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

Run the downloaded file and select 'Yes' when prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms if you agree.

On the 'What do you want to do?' screen, select 'Upgrade this PC now' and click 'Next.'

(This stage will download, verify, and create the Windows 10 installation media.) It will take some time to complete.

Under 'Choose what to keep,' select 'Keep personal files and apps,' then click 'Next.'

Click 'Install,' and the installation will begin. (This process will take some time, so please be patient.)
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-13T15:37:38.17+00:00

I have tried that process twice now, but both times it would not allow me to choose the option to "Keep personal files and apps." The text is greyed out, and if I click on that option or the one below, nothing happens. My only option with this method is to continue by deleting everything, which seems crazy. Here's a screenshot:
Estrella721 45,810 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-08-14T01:34:29.35+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that. If you have third-party antivirus software installed on your computer, please temporarily uninstall it to avoid conflicts.

Start the Windows Installer Service

Press Windows + R, type services.msc and hit OK.

Look for Windows Installer service.

Right-click it and hit Start/Restart.

Do the same for the Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

Restart your computer then try the repair in-place upgrade again.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-14T05:38:46.8133333+00:00

Unfortunately, that did not help. The same thing happened:
Estrella721 45,810 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-08-14T07:20:50.6733333+00:00

I see. In this case, I suggest following Ramesh's instructions in the link below under Option 2.

Answer 2

Ramesh 181K Volunteer Moderator

Please do the following:

1] Try to install the following update first:

https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/software/secu/2022/05/ssu-19041.1704-x64_70e350118b85fdae082ab7fde8165a947341ba1a.msu

2] Then, install the following:

https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/software/secu/2023/05/windows10.0-kb5026361-x64_961f439d6b20735f067af766e1813936bf76cb94.msu

Let me know if that works.

3] Zip the following folder and share it on OneDrive and post the link here.

C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther

Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-13T04:19:47.63+00:00

Post has been edited. Please refresh the page to see the changes.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-13T15:40:22.9866667+00:00

The first link you posted worked, but the second one did not work. The second link just took me back to the top of this page.
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-13T15:41:48.14+00:00

Try this link. It was hyperlinked incorrectly.

https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/software/secu/2023/05/windows10.0-kb5026361-x64_961f439d6b20735f067af766e1813936bf76cb94.msu
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-13T16:06:50.7833333+00:00

After installing that update, restart Windows and check your OS Build number by running winver.exe. Post the OS build number here so that I can post further instructions.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-13T19:19:00.39+00:00

The second link worked now. Thanks.

I tried installing the file from the second link. It looks like it fully installed, but then it seems to have gotten stuck. See this screenshot.

After a significant amount of time, I pressed the cancel button. Then the following message came up, and it was stuck on this for a significant amount of time. I had to use task manager to make it go away:

After restarting my computer, here is a copy of what I saw after running winver.exe:

Answer 3

Ramesh 181K Volunteer Moderator

Unfortunately, it didn't install correctly. Did it fully complete?

Let's examine the logs now.

Please open PowerShell admin and run this command:

GCI -Path 'c:\windows\logs\cbs', 'C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log' | Compress-Archive -destination (join-path ([environment]::GetFolderPath('Desktop')) \Logs.zip)

It saves the CBS and the setup logs to a zip file on your desktop. Share it on OneDrive or GoFile.io and post the link here.

Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-14T04:49:14.4833333+00:00

It looked like it had fully installed, but I said above, it seems to have gotten stuck after the green bar went all the way across.

The command didn't work in the PowerShell. This was the result:
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T04:52:14.3166667+00:00

It's because you pasted the command twice.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-14T04:56:13+00:00

I tried again, and it seems to still not have worked:
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T04:57:28.59+00:00

The screenshot shows you're not running it in admin PowerShell.
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T05:00:03.4066667+00:00

Here's how to start PowerShell admin.

If an error appears, restart Windows and try again.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-14T05:02:33.7766667+00:00

Thank you. Here is the log: https://1drv.ms/u/c/f13e02987d8547b4/EV7ZftJkMtxJhdJEPu1OXn4BPxOpVF_Up6v20OnJnKFqmQ?e=H5qhd9

Answer 4

Ramesh 181K Volunteer Moderator

Ok. I have narrowed down the issue.

Please see my post in the following thread. Try the steps under "Option 2".

Windows update 22H2 - been trying to upgrade for 6 months - Microsoft Q&A

Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T05:15:38.27+00:00

Note: The 3rd command can be skipped. Run only the 1st and 2nd commands.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-14T16:52:54.2733333+00:00
I tried option two, but haven't yet been able to successfully complete the windows update. It seems I was able to make a bit of progress though. Here are the details:

I used Advanced Run to run the commands, and they were both successful.

I restarted my computer and ran the Windows Update again via Settings. It finished successfully and I had the option to restart my computer. This is more progress than I had made previously.

I restarted my computer. The bluescreen ran for about 45 min indicating it was installing.

I believe it restarted again, but then a black screen came up with this message: "Undoing changes made to your computer..." (that is all that was showing on the screen.)

Eventually I was able to log back into windows. Once in, I checked my windows version, and it has not changed:

Also, I again have an error message on my Windows Update screen:

I will note, however, that I don't have the same error code as previously, but I have a NEW error code on this screen: "contact support for information, this may help: (0x8007007f)."
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T16:59:14.13+00:00
Looks like there has been good progress. We need to determine why the setup roled back.

Please share your setup logs for analysis. The following batch file collects the setup logs and saves the zip file to your desktop.

Download setuplogscollect.bat (GitHub) and save it to the desktop.

Right-click on the downloaded file and click Properties. Click "Unblock" (if exists) and click OK.

Extract the batch file to the desktop.

Right-click on the file and choose "Run as administrator". It runs multiple commands to collect various logs. Let it complete. It outputs a SetupLogs.zip file on your desktop.

Share SetupLogs.zip on OneDrive or GoFile.io and post the download link here.

(The batch file contains plain text code. You can read its contents using Notepad before running it. It collects the setup logs, msinfo32.exe log, drivers list, boot configuration info, and the compatibility appraiser results from your system.)
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-14T17:48:12.35+00:00

Here is the log: https://1drv.ms/u/c/f13e02987d8547b4/EdrHmVd4vkxFma8-gwx1Os8Bu3ixm25y9oMwBO8qlBwi1Q?e=JIrvuJ
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T18:07:08.46+00:00
Looks like some DLLs are missing. Open admin PowerShell and run these commands:

ls C:\Windows\system32\oobe\winsetup.dll iwr 'https://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols/winsetup.dll/456AF9E5388000/winsetup.dll' -OutFile C:\Windows\system32\oobe\winsetup.dll -verbose gci -recurse 'C:\Windows\System32\oobe' dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Post the output here in code block formatting. Or paste them into Notepad and upload the text file to OneDrive.

Upload the following file as well:

c:\windows\logs\cbs\cbs.log
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T18:09:06.52+00:00

Suggest copying each command and pasting it into the admin PowerShell instead of typing the commands.

The last command (DISM) might take 10 minutes to complete.
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Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T18:21:40.18+00:00
The output looks fine.

Run this command from admin Command Prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Once done, upload the following file:

c:\windows\logs\cbs\cbs.log
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-14T18:22:58.0566667+00:00

Here are the results from the PowerShell: https://1drv.ms/t/c/f13e02987d8547b4/EQp8TWHOjNFPrU36DxjRErsB0VnXiICwcuSHP3ei0JTfkw?e=RDomrr

And here is the CBS log: https://1drv.ms/u/c/f13e02987d8547b4/EcCuJ093f5JFsouvNjEcHWwBXceGGxKPQ-CclejjZDSXsg?e=YvwBVK
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-14T18:26:14.5666667+00:00

It's not the latest one.

Share the CBS.log file after running that DISM command.
Andrew Gabriel 20 Reputation points

2025-08-14T18:45:21.9833333+00:00

I didn't see your added comment until I had already uploaded the previous links. I went ahead an did the PowerShell step over again. Here are the results: https://1drv.ms/t/c/f13e02987d8547b4/EYZ-LyGCHIdDjZG3oiynqvIBdkGVo_Yvmv-cmA6UCQPPJA?e=UcuIpR

I then ran the dsim command. Here are the results:

https://1drv.ms/t/c/f13e02987d8547b4/EbTnoDw7IuZNm5EL0Ky9Wh4BD-NUVvaZJ2Hbr0vvlecioA?e=OVZfkH

After that finished, I copied the CBS log, which is here: https://1drv.ms/u/c/f13e02987d8547b4/ESj-IcjBJe9Lu4d-aaVrtvYBrb-I9txgcMGJyQO8ZUdVgg?e=7Gpf6Y