Windows Update Corrupts Laptop

Ian L-C 20 Reputation points
2026-09-04T10:59:38.1133333+00:00

Hi All,

Whenever windows update (XXXNumber here after resetXXX) is installed(either automatically or manually), my laptop becomes unusable. After installation, I can no longer access settings, my icons grey out (as pictured) and become unclickable and half of my programs won't load.

I did raise a help request with Microsoft, but, My remote access won't load so advisors can't connect to my pc to have a look at it.

I've created system restore points prior to the update but can't access them post update. Only solution is to hold shift whilst shutting down, reset machine in troubleshoot state and uninstall feature update. I have been pausing the update for as long as I can, but, it'll auto update eventually and the same cycle continues. Any advice on how to troubleshoot/report this?

Windows for home | Other | Windows update
Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 932.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-04T12:35:16.8466667+00:00

Thank you for the screenshots, your Windows version has not been updated since January, the 25H2 update is in the list of updates waiting to be installed, even though it is already installed, did you use some Windows recovery to get that update there, or did that update appear automatically, and does that update fail to install?

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-04T11:00:02.04+00:00

    Since uninstalling the feature update is the only recovery path working, the most practical next step is to repair Windows Update components before allowing the update to install again, then use the built-in recovery option if the issue returns.

    1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Windows Update and select Run.
      • Complete the prompts.
    2. Repair system files
      • In the taskbar search box, type command prompt.
      • Select Run as administrator.
      • Run: 
             DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      • Wait for the success message.
      • Then run: 
             sfc /scannow
      • Wait until verification reaches 100%.
      • Try Windows Update again.
    3. Reset the Windows Update cache
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
      • Run these commands one at a time: 
             net stop bits
     net stop wuauserv
     ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
     ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
     net start bits
     net start wuauserv
      • Restart the PC after the commands complete.
    4. Check for software conflicts
      • Temporarily uninstall third-party antivirus or security software before retrying the update. Reinstall it after the device is updated.
      • Perform a clean restart into Windows to rule out startup software conflicts. A clean restart starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
    5. If the update installs but the system becomes unstable again
      • Open Settings > System > Recovery.
      • In Fix problems with Windows Updates, select Reinstall now. This reinstalls Windows update components without affecting files, settings, or installed apps.
    6. If Windows becomes unbootable or unusable after the update
      • Boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
      • Try Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore and choose a restore point created before the update.
      • If System Restore is unavailable or fails, reinstalling Windows may be required.

    Caution: renaming the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders and uninstalling security software are administrative actions. Follow the commands exactly.

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  2. DaveM121 932.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-04T11:35:48.07+00:00

    Please provide some information about your current Windows Build No. and the update KB number that is causing the problem.

    1

    Click your Start Button, type winver and press Enter

    Please provide a screenshot of the resulting dialog.

    2

    Open the Settings App

    Go to Windows Updates

    Please provide a screenshot of that window

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