How do I fix Windows Update Version 10 version 21H1 failed to install?

Summary: If you’re unable to install Windows 10 Version 21H2 update on your Windows 10 system, there could be many possible reasons. Read this blog to learn the reasons behind this feature update failure and the possible fixes. Moreover, be ready with data recovery software to retrieve lost/deleted data (if required).

Contents

• The reason behind the Windows10 21h2 update installation error
• How to fix Windows 10 version 21H2 update failed to install?

Microsoft consistently delivers updates for Windows, and it started rolling out Windows 10 version 21H2 for everyone, commonly known as the November 2021 Update. Meant for devices running on Windows 10 2004 or later, the Windows 10 21H2 Update is a relatively minor update distributed via an enablement package.

Meanwhile, for Windows 10 1909 or 1903 devices, a complete update package is being rolled out. Unfortunately, many users are reporting errors in downloading and installing the latest update. If you’re one of those users looking for a solution, continue reading for some quick fixes for the Windows 10 21h2 download and installation issue.

The reason behind the Windows10 21h2 update installation error

Few people claim that the Windows 10 21H2 update is stuck downloading or that it fails to install. A Windows 10 feature update might not install due to a firewall, internet connectivity issues, corrupted system files, a bug in an earlier version, and other factors.

There are numerous ways to fix this issue. In this post, we’ll discuss all possible solutions to see what works in your case.

How to fix Windows 10 version 21H2 update failed to install?

1. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows 10 features a built-in troubleshooter that can handle a variety of issues. Follow the instructions below to locate and launch the Windows Update Troubleshooter and let Windows address any issues preventing updates from downloading or installing.

• Press the Windows key and X together and select Settings from the pop-up menu.

• In the Settings menu, go to Update & Security and select the Troubleshoot tab on the left pane.
• Next, click Additional Troubleshooters option in the Troubleshoot tab.

• Next, locate and choose Windows Update by scrolling down. Finally, select Run the troubleshooter and then follow the on-screen directions.

This will identify any issues preventing Windows 10 from installing or applying the most recent updates to your machine and attempt to fix them on its own.

• Restart your computer after finishing the diagnosis, then try to install the update again.

2. Restart your PC

The simplest and quickest fix is to restart your computer. This action will update system files and remove any unwanted issues or minor bugs.

• Open the Start menu at the bottom, click on the Power button, and select Restart.

• After the PC reboots, go to Settings from the search bar.

• In the Update and Security section, click the Check for updates button.

3. Check your connection

You need a steady internet connection to download and install Windows update files from the Microsoft server. If your internet connection is poor, this could cause Windows updates to take a long time to download or fail to download altogether. Checking and troubleshooting your internet connection first lets you look for other interferences if any. Here’s how to check the speed and troubleshoot internet issues:

• Visit any website using your computer’s web browser.
• Press Windows key + R, type ping google.com -t, and press Enter.

• Check your computer’s Ping (Packet Internet or Inter-Network Groper) and make sure that it is below 100ms.
• Make sure to disconnect from VPN and temporarily disable or uninstall any third-party antivirus software as they can interfere with your internet connection and stop data transmission.

4. Check Windows compatibility with PC

 Make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements to download the latest update. Microsoft suggests the following system requirements to install the Windows 10 21H2 upgrade:

• Processor: 1GHz or faster CPU or System on a Chip (SoC)
• Memory: 1GB for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit
• Hard drive space: 32GB for 64-bit or 32-bit
• Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
• Display: 800×600

5. Make enough disk space for installation

Before installing the Windows 10 feature update, make sure you have enough free storage space on your device to download and install it. 21H2 is a lightweight enablement package for Windows 10 2004 or later. However, if you are upgrading from Windows 10 1909 or 1903, this is going to be a large package for you. Make sure you have at least 30GB of free storage space to install feature updates without any issues or errors.

• Check the system drive, often the C: drive, to see if there is enough free disc space.
• You can use the Disk Clean-up tool to make some room on your drive.

• Transfer specific files to a separate disc or external drive from the desktop or the downloads folder.

6. Make sure the time and location are set correctly

Windows automatically adjusts your clock to match various time zones. Incorrect time zone settings might lead to issues like failed Windows update installations.

• Right-click the date and time in the taskbar’s lower right corner and select Adjust Date and Time.

• Make sure to turn on the set time automatically and set time zone automatically options.
• If the problem persists, try using English United Kingdom/US from the region and language.

7. Perform a clean boot

Perform a clean boot and check for updates. If a third-party application or service is to blame for the windows update getting stuck during download or failing to install, this may fix the issue.

• Input msconfig using Windows key + R, then hit Enter.

• Under the General tab, select Selective startup in the System Configuration window.

• Then select the option to Hide all Microsoft services under the Services menu. By doing this, you will remove the list of third-party services and hide all Microsoft-related services.
• Select Disable all, then click Apply and OK before restarting your computer. Your machine will start with the bare minimal drivers and services.

• Select Startup tab and click Open task Manager.

• Right-click on each startup process and select Disable.

After the clean boot, open Windows Settings once more. Select Update and Security and click Check for Updates. Click the Download and install button under the feature update to Windows 10 version 21H2.

8. Run the System File Checker

There is a possibility that corrupted, missing system files will create a Windows update installation problem or that Windows update will become stuck for hours. Use the system file checker utility to scan for missing system files and update them.

• Type in Command Prompt in the search box and run it as administrator.

• Type in sfc /scannow and press Enter to start the scanning.

• After the machine finishes scanning, restart the PC and see if the problem persists.

9. Use Stellar Data Recovery for Windows

Reinstalling the OS from scratch is the final option. Even if you call a specialist to work on your PC, they might advise a clean installation of your device’s OS. All your data will be deleted from your machine after the clean install, but don’t worry—Stellar Data Recovery for Windows has you covered.

The software can quickly and effortlessly recover all your deleted and lost files.

• Install the software by visiting the official website.
• Open the application, choose the type of data you want to recover, and click Next.

• Click Scan after choosing the folder location or drive volume.

• After the Scan, select files and click Recover to save the restored data.

What are the Windows 10 21h2 new features?

• Below are some noteworthy features of the Windows 10 21h2 update. Supporting WPA3 H2E standards for improved Wi-Fi security.
• Windows Hello for Business offers simplified password-less deployment models that enable quick deployment to run.
• Machine learning and other computationally intensive workflows are supported by GPU computing in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Azure IoT Edge for Linux on Windows (EFLOW) deployments.

These are helpful features, but it’s unlikely that they will significantly change how you use your Windows 10 computer daily.

Fix update issues on your Windows!

While it appears that the only way to update Windows is through the settings, there are other options. To download Windows 10 21h2 iso, use the official Windows 10 update assistant or Media creation tool.

Windows 10 can be upgraded to version 20H2 using the Media Creation Tool; the application allows you to downgrade or upgrade your operating system. However, the methods above should fix your problem in the first place. Before trying these solutions, create a backup of your most important data to prevent any data loss in the process.

Even if you don’t create a backup and your files get deleted, use Stellar Data Recovery software to recover your files.

FAQ

• Should I install Windows 10, version 20H2?

The October 2020 Update is stable enough for installation. However, Microsoft is now limiting availability, indicating that the feature upgrade is still incompatible with numerous hardware setups.

• Is 20H2 better than 1909?

Windows 10 version 20H2 is a small refinement of its predecessor, with six months of bug and security updates and only a few feature additions.

• Is 21H2 the last Windows 10 update?

It is for now. Microsoft has stated the precise date that version 21H2 will be phased out by June 13, 2023. That corresponds to the typical 18-month period of support.

About The Author

Farhad Pashaei

As a technophile, Farhad has spent the last decade getting hands-on experience with a variety of electronic devices, including smartphones, accessories, laptops, wearables, printers, and so on. When he isn't writing, you can bet he's devouring information on products making their market foray, demonstrating his unquenchable thirst for technology.

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