For build 26220.9022 in the Beta Channel, the desktop watermark is normal and this build is part of Windows 11, version 25H2.
For repeated install failures, use this order:
- Try a clean boot, then run the update again. A clean boot can help if third-party apps or services are blocking the upgrade. This was the accepted resolution in a similar Insider update failure case.
- Temporarily remove third-party antivirus or security software before retrying the update. Microsoft notes that third-party security software can cause update errors. Reinstall it after the device is updated.
- Reset Windows Update components.
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands one at a time:
Then restart the PC and try the update again.net stop bits net stop wuauserv ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak net start bits net start wuauserv - Check and repair disk errors.
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
Restart when prompted.chkdsk /f C: - If the update still fails, use a repair install / reinstall now path. In a similar Windows Insider update failure case, the accepted answer was: Settings > System > Recovery > Reinstall now.
- If needed, use the latest Insider ISO for the channel and run Setup.exe. In a similar Insider preview update case, the accepted guidance was to download the latest ISO for the Insider channel, mount it, and run Setup.exe. Back up files first before proceeding.
Notes:
- The command-line steps require administrator permissions.
- Renaming SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 is a standard troubleshooting step, but it resets the local Windows Update cache.
- Uninstalling security software and reinstall/repair actions can affect apps or settings, so a backup is recommended first.
- Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.9022
- Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
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- Unable to update Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A