Windows 11 update wants me to install 25H2 again?

Question

Windows 11 update wants me to install 25H2 again?

Philip 0

Hi, I already have windows pro 11 25H2 installed since last year and everything has been fine cut to this week with the new update KB5124008 and now it shows in windows update windows 11 25H2 the same exact version I use as you can see in the picture. I don't know how to get rid of this could someone help on what I should do since I cannot update as it fails to install. Started happening right after the new security update should I uninstall the update?? can someone help?

Screenshot 2026-09-09 195927

Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T02:00:51.6666667+00:00

I don't know how to get rid of this could someone help on what I should do since I cannot update as it fails to install.

Please upload the following log file:

[code] C:$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log [/code]

Note: C:\$WINDOWS.~BT is a hidden folder. To access it, press Win + R, type C:\$WINDOWS.~BT and click OK.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T02:32:27.29+00:00

It only shows DUDownload folder no Sources folder or the others you mentioned
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T02:34:11.48+00:00

Ok. Is there any error code/message when the Windows 11 version 25H2 installation fails?
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:07:14.0233333+00:00

It just installs and at like 50% it stays there for hours nothing else.. I'm worried it will delete my data like a fresh install, then I pause the updates.
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T03:08:13.14+00:00
Please reset the Windows Update cache using this batch file to see if that fixes the issue:

https://gist.github.com/winhelponline/af9296c106448a664a6229d8146a85fd

Download the zip file and extract the batch file to the desktop.

Right-click on the batch file, click Properties, click "Unblock" (if present), and OK.

Double-click the batch file to run it.

After it completes execution, don't close it yet.

Right-click on that Command Prompt window, click "Edit" and click "Select all"

Right-click on that Command Prompt window, click "Edit" and click "Copy" (This copies the output to the clipboard.)

Paste the info (Ctrl + V) into your reply window.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:23:42.8333333+00:00

I had to send it as a txt file since it's so large it errors out on here.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:24:28.3+00:00

here it is sorry about that
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T03:25:18.7433333+00:00

Ok. Upload the text file.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:26:03.5966667+00:00

Here it is windows update report.txt
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T03:28:07.76+00:00

Where?
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:32:15.42+00:00

Sorry it was being fiddly with me
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T03:34:53.0666667+00:00

Some files in the C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download couldn't be deleted.

Can you try running that batch file in Safe mode?
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T04:23:31.4333333+00:00

Can't it doesn't work without network and I'm on wifi so I can't really use it in safe mode
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T04:44:41.76+00:00

The batch file can be run in Safe mode with or without network.

5 answers

Your answer

Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T02:00:51.6666667+00:00

I don't know how to get rid of this could someone help on what I should do since I cannot update as it fails to install.

Please upload the following log file:

[code] C:$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log [/code]

Note: C:\$WINDOWS.~BT is a hidden folder. To access it, press Win + R, type C:\$WINDOWS.~BT and click OK.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T02:32:27.29+00:00

It only shows DUDownload folder no Sources folder or the others you mentioned
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T02:34:11.48+00:00

Ok. Is there any error code/message when the Windows 11 version 25H2 installation fails?
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:07:14.0233333+00:00

It just installs and at like 50% it stays there for hours nothing else.. I'm worried it will delete my data like a fresh install, then I pause the updates.
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T03:08:13.14+00:00

Please reset the Windows Update cache using this batch file to see if that fixes the issue:

https://gist.github.com/winhelponline/af9296c106448a664a6229d8146a85fd

Download the zip file and extract the batch file to the desktop.

Right-click on the batch file, click Properties, click "Unblock" (if present), and OK.

Double-click the batch file to run it.

After it completes execution, don't close it yet.

Right-click on that Command Prompt window, click "Edit" and click "Select all"

Right-click on that Command Prompt window, click "Edit" and click "Copy" (This copies the output to the clipboard.)

Paste the info (Ctrl + V) into your reply window.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:23:42.8333333+00:00

I had to send it as a txt file since it's so large it errors out on here.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:24:28.3+00:00

here it is sorry about that
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T03:25:18.7433333+00:00

Ok. Upload the text file.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:26:03.5966667+00:00

Here it is windows update report.txt
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T03:28:07.76+00:00

Where?
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:32:15.42+00:00

Sorry it was being fiddly with me
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T03:34:53.0666667+00:00

Some files in the C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download couldn't be deleted.

Can you try running that batch file in Safe mode?
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T04:23:31.4333333+00:00

Can't it doesn't work without network and I'm on wifi so I can't really use it in safe mode
Ramesh 181K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-11T04:44:41.76+00:00

The batch file can be run in Safe mode with or without network.

Answer 1

John DeV 169.7K Independent Advisor

Hi, good day!

Since you are already running Windows 11 25H2, Windows Update should not normally be asking you to install the same feature version again. Since this started immediately after KB5124008, it may be related to Windows Update detecting the feature update incorrectly rather than actually requiring another 25H2 upgrade.

Please try pausing Windows Update first, then restart your computer. After the restart, go back to Settings > Windows Update, resume updates, and check if Windows Update still offers Windows 11 25H2 again.

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T01:20:10.0966667+00:00

Hello thanks for your reply back quickly, I did as you said restarted and it's still showing up :( download and install windows 11 version 25H2 in the update screen.

Answer 2

Please try the additional methods below.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run troubleshooter
Make sure Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services are available and running. Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: services.msc Press Enter to open Services app Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart Double-click Windows Update. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart
Please try to run SFC and DISM to check for any system errors and corrupted files. https://support.microsoft.com/windows/using-system-file-checker-in-windows-365e0031-36b1-6031-f804-8fd86e0ef4ca Restart your computer

Reset Windows Update components manually Press Windows key+X then select either Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin) Copy each command line into PowerShell or Terminal, and then press Enter (one line at a time).

            net stop bits
            net stop wuauserv
            net stop appidsvc
            net stop cryptsvc
            Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"
            rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
            rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
            regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
            regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
            regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
            netsh winsock reset
            netsh winsock reset proxy
            net start bits
            net start wuauserv
            net start appidsvc
            net start cryptsvc

If the issue persists, open Settings > System > Recovery.

Few things to check on the PC

Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting
Disable or uninstall any third-party Antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade

Under Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall Now

Once completed, your system will restart.

Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T01:58:20.1566667+00:00

Okay so I did try the commands like you listed and ran sfc /scannow, it came back with no problems. Still showing the same message, I did try to Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall Now but it's grayed out saying this option is unavailable.

Answer 3

If the issue persists, please try performing an In-place Upgrade. It will definitely help in resolving update errors. Performing this can repair broken operating system files while your personal files, settings and installed applications will not be removed.

Few things to check

Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting

Disable or uninstall any third-party antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4252110/how-to-run-in-place-upgrade-in-windows-11?forum=windows-all&referrer=answers

Answer 4

CrazyKats 19,245 Volunteer Moderator

Hi Philip,

The build you're on only came out on Tues.

Don't go by the 25H2, go by the build # 26200.9445.

Is there a fail error showing in Windows

Update History for the update you say is failing?

I ask because there was a 26200.9539 that

came out today.

Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T02:29:55.2066667+00:00

No there is nothing saying that.
Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T02:33:38.9666667+00:00

What I mean is if I try to install that 25H2 update, it fails installing since I'm already on 25H2.

Answer 5

CrazyKats 19,245 Volunteer Moderator

Hi Philip,

Build 26200.9539 is also 25H2.

If it's failing is it giving you a message why?

Try delete this Registry Key, restart the PC

and try the update again

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost.

Philip 0 Reputation points

2026-09-11T03:08:01.48+00:00

It won't install just says installing for hours on end.