FIX: Windows 10 Update 1809 fails to install (Solved)
Microsoft re-released on Tuesday (13/11/2018) the latest Feature update to Windows 10 version 1809, known as "Windows 10 October 2018 Update". But, some users reported that the update 1809 cannot be installed because the system freezes or reverts to the previous Windows 10 version without the upgrade.
When the installation of Windows 10 v1809 update failed, the users faces one of the following symptoms on their systems:
Symptom No1: During the installation of the Feature Update to Windows 10 v1809, the system freezes or stuck at Windows Logo and the only method to get the PC back, is to force shutdown the machine using the Power switch.
Symptom No2: During the installation of the Windows 10 October 1809 update, the computer reboots and then – after "Undoing Changes" – goes to the previous version of Windows 10 (v1803). When the previous version is restored, the system starts to download again the latest update for Windows 10 v1809, but the installation of the update, always fails with the same symptoms or gives the error 0x800F081F: The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during INSTALL_UPDATES operation.
This tutorial contains instructions to resolve the following problem: Feature Update to Windows 10 v1809 fails to install.
How to fix: Windows 10 October 2018 Update 1809 Failed to install.
Important Suggestions: Before proceeding to update Windows 10 to version 1809:
1. Temporarily uninstall any 3rd party (non-Microsoft) antivirus or security program from your system, before installing the update.
2. Disconnect any USB connected devices that you don't need. (e.g. USB disks, USB Wireless Mouse or Keyboard Receiver, USB Wireless Network Card, etc.).
3. Make Sure that you have enough free disk space (at least 20GB) before installing the update. How to Free Up Disk Space with Disk Cleanup.
4. If you have enabled the Developer Mode on your system, then proceed and uninstall the Windows Developer Mode. To do that:
- Go to Settings -> Update and Security -> For developers -> Select Sideload apps and then click Yes to confirm.
- Then, navigate to Settings –> Apps -> Manage optional features -> Windows Developer Mode –> click Uninstall.
- Restart your PC and try to update.
5. Before applying the methods mentioned below, run the 'Windows Update Troubleshooter' from Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update.
Method 1. Force Windows 10 to Download the Update v1809 from Scratch.
Method 2. Download the Latest Servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system.
Method 3. Download & Install the Windows 10 October 2018 Update Manually.
Method 4. FIX Windows corruption errors with DISM & SFC tools.
Method 5. Install Windows 10 v1809 Update with an IN-Place Upgrade.
Method 6. Stop Windows 10 Automatic Update.
General troubleshooting guide for Windows 10 updates.
Method 1. Force Windows 10 to Download the Update v1809 from Scratch.
Step 1. Delete the Windows Update folder.
The Windows Update folder (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution), is the location where Windows stores the new updates after downloading them. In many cases, the "SoftwareDistribution" folder's contents become corrupted and cause problems during downloading or installing updates. At these cases all these problems can be easily bypassed if you delete the "SoftwareDistribution" folder and its contents in order to force Windows to re-download the update(s).
To delete the Windows Update folder:
1. Simultaneously press the Win 
+ R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type the following command and press OK.
- services.msc
3. From the list of services, at the right pane locate the Windows Update service.
4. Right click on "Windows Update" service and choose Stop. *
5. Close "Services" window.
* Note: If you cannot stop the Windows Update service, then:
a. Double click on it to open its Properties.
b. Set the Startup type to Disabled and click OK.
c. Restart your computer.
d. After restart, continue below.
6. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows folder.
7. Locate and then Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder. *
* Notes:
1. If you cannot delete the folder with error "Folder in use – try again", then restart Windows in "Safe Mode" and repeat the procedure.
2. After the deletion of the "SoftwareDistribution" folder, then go to services again and Start the Windows Update service or set the 'Startup type' to Automatic.
8. Restart your computer.
Step 2. Download and try to install the Update v1809.
1. After the restart, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Finally let Windows to download and install the update again.
Method 2. Download & Install the Latest Servicing stack update (SSU).
1. Download and install the latest Servicing stack update for Windows 10 version 1803.
2. Proceed and run the downloaded file to install the SSU.
3. When the installation is completed, try to install the update again.
Method 3. Download & Install the Windows 10 v1809 Update Manually.
The third method, to resolve the installations issues of Windows 10 Update v1809, is to download and install the update using the "Windows Update Assistant": To do that:
1. Follow the instructions at Step-1 from Method-2 above and delete the "SoftwareDistribution" folder.
2. Navigate to Windows 10 download site and click the Update now button.
3. When asked, click to Run the "Windows10Upgrade9252.exe" file to start the installation immediately, or click the Save button to run the installer later.
4. Finally click the Update Now button and follow the on screen prompts to install the Update.
Method 4. FIX Windows corruption errors with DISM & SFC tools.
1. Open command prompt as administrator. To do that:
1. In the Search box type: cmd or command prompt
2. Right click on the command prompt (result) and select Run as Administrator.
2. At the command prompt window, type the following command & press Enter:
- Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
3. Be patient until DISM repairs component store. When the operation is completed, (you should be informed that the component store corruption was repaired), give this command and press Enter:
- SFC /SCANNOW
4. When SFC scan is completed, restart your computer.
5. Try to update your system again.
Method 5. Install Windows 10 v1809 Update with an in-place Upgrade.
Another method that usually works, to fix Windows 10 update problems, is to perform a Windows 10 Repair-Upgrade, by using the Media Creation tool to create an ISO or USB Windows 10 install media. For that task follow the detailed instructions on this article: How to repair Windows 10.
That's it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
We're hiring
We're looking for part-time or full-time technical writers to join our team! It's about a remote position that qualified tech writers from anywhere in the world can apply. Click here for more details.
- How to Disable or Remove BitLocker from Windows RE. - April 24, 2024
- FIX: Error 0x8007025d in Windows 10 Update. - April 22, 2024
- How to Disable Device Encryption in Windows 11/10. - April 17, 2024
October 11, 2019 @ 6:02 pm
I tried a lot of other web pages and this is the only one that worked (Method 3). Thanks so much!!
September 27, 2019 @ 5:59 pm
Method 3 worked for me, been trying to get past this for months through lots of different methods. At last something that worked, can only think could have been Bitdefender AV keeping rolling back the update as they seem to run outside the full windows 10 and hence no AV running although could be wrong. Either way, it worked and my PC is back up to date and working. Very pleased!
September 2, 2019 @ 7:53 am
I had struggled with the update for several weeks (tens of hours, but methods 1-4 did not help. Only method 5 helped. It is a clean installation of windows 10 and it required me to install all the applications again and define each one with the appropriate settings. After 3 days I still did not finish to arrange everything. Some of the applications do not function correctly for some reason, so it is really a huge pain to go through such an upgrade. This is a shame to Microsoft.
August 17, 2019 @ 12:07 am
The method 3 "Windows Update Assistant" and method 4 fixed my problem installing the update. Thank you very much!
June 12, 2019 @ 11:33 pm
I usually don't comment on anything like this..but this is something unusual..thanks a lot for this ..method 3 works for me..thanks a lot you are savior
May 31, 2019 @ 2:38 pm
Thanks for the help. I've tried every single step here at least 3 times, and nothing has worked. Trying to fix this has taken 4 full days (and nights) of waiting for updates to attempt to install – well over a dozen times and hours each. I am going to reformat and start from scratch, which will be a pain, since I have about 60 apps installed. Sigh. I blame Microsoft.
June 10, 2019 @ 1:14 pm
Hi Paul,
If its not too late, try using windows 10 update assistant. It might help.
May 25, 2019 @ 2:29 pm
Hello, I just "upgraded" to win 10 64 bit from win 7. I already have some compatibility issues and need to go back to 1803.
I found the file on microsoft but when trying to install it, it tells me the update is not needed, and i dont have a previous version to fall back on!
How can i go back to a previous version , 1803 from 1903 on a brand new install?
May 26, 2019 @ 7:52 am
@Someones Name Here: You cannot.
April 23, 2019 @ 11:52 am
Just figured out that the whole installation problem could be due to the wrong time and date settings when you go into the boot menu set the time and date right.. this worked for me when i was in the spinning circle mode.
April 17, 2019 @ 6:41 pm
Method 4 worked. Thank you very much.
April 5, 2019 @ 7:17 pm
I was having the same problem as everyone else was. I tried method 3, Windows was successfully updated to the latest version. My problem was that I was getting a feature update for an incompatible version of Windows.
March 26, 2019 @ 10:01 am
Thank you for this very comprehensive guide. Unfortunately none of the stated 5 ways helped me. I may have some hardware that Microsoft coders don't like. Or may be it is something else… Any way I'll have to stay with 1803.
Thanks again.
March 21, 2019 @ 4:27 pm
Method 4 worked to install remaining 1803 updates which were consistently failing (unnecessary to install 1809, but I didn't have time to install it yet). Started the update at the end of the day using the Update Assistant as Matt suggested below. When I came in the next morning I had the "working" circle moving at the bottom of my screen. I then unplugged all USB's as suggested by Lakonst below. As soon as I unplugged the last one (which may have been my Logitech receiver) the "Working on Udates 75%" screen came on and it continued to s-l-o-w-l-y work (it took probably 5-10 minutes to change to 76%). About 30 minutes later, it completed and came up with the "Ctrl-Alt-Del" page.
Just don't forget to plug the keyboard back in like I did, otherwise you'll hit Ctrl-Alt-Del several times and wonder why it's not working – LOL!
March 16, 2019 @ 4:09 pm
Thank you for posting the solution. I was so troubled with the update problem in windows 10. Fixing the DISM errors worked for me. Thanks again…
March 6, 2019 @ 12:51 am
Method 4. worked for me (And I even didn't have any major system changes or failures before)
March 1, 2019 @ 3:49 pm
Method 4 resolved my issues. All other methods failed.
February 24, 2019 @ 10:21 pm
I had to come and update this thread… I tried EVERYTHING on here and several other remedies – NOTHING WORKED. Until I found one thread on the Windows 10 forums where a guy mentioned about a wireless network card. He removed it and it worked.
THIS WORKED A TREAT FOR ME WHEN NOTHING ELSE WOULD. I have a desktop PC with a wireless PCI express adaptor in the back. Once this was removed – BAM. All worked. Worth a shot if you are struggling!!!!!!
April 14, 2019 @ 5:24 am
Thx, it WORKED!!!. Just removed wireless card from PCI and update is installed correctly.
February 21, 2019 @ 10:12 pm
Alex,
Tried all your steps. found out that my hard drive was corrupting files. replaced the hard drive and the problem went away
February 7, 2019 @ 5:35 pm
I read dozens of articles where people reported the update failures and how they finally got past them. Every suggestion in this article is a collection from those first hand experiences. And still, I am betting none of them are the actual problem
The problem is likely on Microsoft's end. The software update is written by programmers who work for Microsoft and the code controls what is happening, not our hardware. Update failures are their fault. A Windows 10 system connecting to several thousand IP addresses on a daily basis, passing personal information to all Microsoft's affiliates. Microsoft is an information broker, and we are a product for sale. That's their agenda. Security protocols could be preventing Microsoft from fulfilling that agenda. Many of us knowingly use security software that is locking down our systems from would be information hackers or thieves. The better 3rd part security software out there actually considers Microsoft one of those thieves. This is one of the reasons Microsoft is telling us to disable any 3rd party security software. Microsoft has already made provisions in their built in security platform and it permits them to gain access to explicit personal data.
The error I get is stating "failed to load module, update failed, restoring previous version" Even if I am only speculating, I tested one of the versions of Windows 10 several months ago and saw it was facilitating connections and sending data from my PC to over 7000 different IP addresses in one day. This behavior varied slightly but was rather consistent on a daily basis. The French Government filed legal complaints against Microsoft and nearly banned Windows 10 from the country of France due to blatant privacy infractions.
Major version updates and those requiring reboot are times when Microsoft has more exclusive control. Updates where we wait for the % to go from 0%-100% is enough time for Microsoft to really probe our system. Granted they have to so they ensure compatibility and what not. But you can bet they are using this time to pick and choose collected data that some of us, like me, effectively locked down from their dirty paws. You want to know what I had to do in order to successfully update Windows to 1803? I had to remove all the registry edits that blocked the thousands of IP connections that were taking place on a daily basis. That alone is enough to tell me that if my update failed because I wasn't letting Microsoft collect the data I locked down. None of this data should be relevant to updating my software. Whether we do not like to admit this, we are being exploited and sold.
Best solution is to use the media creation tool from a computer that has a clean installation with no personal data present. I always backup all my data which is usually in the main library folders anyway. My drive can be hot swapped so I keep a fresh install on a backup drive just for this purpose. I boot from this drive, which has version 1709, and I use it to create the USB installation with media creation tool. I swap back to my main drive again and use the USB stick to do a fresh install of the latest version of Windows 10. Once complete, I re-install the programs I need or want and also restore the respective data files. This always works. No unplugging USB devices, no removing 3rd party security software or any of the unreasonable options some people claim worked. I might be very cautious how I approach this but it preserves my system from being raided by Microsoft or any of their affiliates. This is not a drill. This is really what is going on. If a fresh install from USB stick is something you are willing to do, and you understand the way to back up relevant data and are willing to re-install some programs, It is really the best way to go.
February 12, 2019 @ 9:01 pm
How would I learn to monitor this sending of data to thousands of IP addresses? Thanks.
February 16, 2019 @ 12:44 am
you are absolutely right. Tried all methods above, none of them work. Probably because I locked out Microsoft exploiting our data with the W10 privacy tool
February 4, 2019 @ 3:21 pm
Method 4 worked for me too. Thanks.
January 30, 2019 @ 6:00 pm
Developer Mode -> uninstall!
And update went through.
Thanks!
January 26, 2019 @ 9:55 am
So far, no good, not even a clean install works, error 0x8007025D-0x2000C. "The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during APPLY_IMAGE operation".
Until Windows 10 1809 Pro 64 bit, all other versions upgraded or clean installed w/out issue. I don't have an AMD GPU anymore, have uninstalled that card using DDU in Safe Mode & now running a MSI GTX 960. The rest of the system is AMD based, an ASRock 970M Pro3 motherboard & FX-6300 CPU, along with a 16GB kit of Kingston Hyper Fury 1866 MHz RAM kit (8GB x2).
Have tried & tried, upgrade & clean install, same result. Also rest the UEFI to defaults, left CSM enabled (this has caused no trouble with other Win 10 versions). As a last resort, disabled CSM & the error was same with clean install.
Am fresh out of ideas, have other computers happily running Win 10 1809, even an AM2 based system that was distributed with Vista. Clean installed Windows 7 & upgraded to 10 (1809), slower due to having a legacy NVIDIA MB & it's max of 4GB DDR2 RAM, yet at least it runs. This hardware is years newer, a 2015 MB & FX CPU's while a bit old, aren't anywhere near as ancient as an AMD Athlon 6000+ (the system referenced above).
My thinking it's either the NVMe SSD installed in the 2nd GPU slot, or a MB setting.
Thanks for any assistance.
Cat
January 26, 2019 @ 11:36 am
@cat1092: Try the following procedure:
1. Remove all USB drives or other USB devices that you don't need.
2. If you 're using a Non-Microsoft antivirus program, then temporarily uninstall it.
3. Follow the steps in method-3 to install the update manually
4. Finally, before rebooting the PC to install the Update, disconnect from the network. (e.g. Unplug the Ethernet cable or disable the Wi-Fi) adapter).
February 2, 2019 @ 9:30 pm
Hey Cat were you cable to get it fixed, I'm in the same whole as you
January 23, 2019 @ 1:45 pm
method 4 worked ..after that used windows update assistant
thanks a ton
January 16, 2019 @ 10:45 am
Method 4 has worked as a charm. Thank you.
December 23, 2018 @ 12:51 am
Hi, I would (very strongly) recommend that anyone having a problem installing the Windows 10 "1809" update should first (before trying anything else) , first try getting and running the " Windows 10 Update Assistant " utility program. This little utility program is provided by Microsoft, and worked like a charm for me.
It's found here:
https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=799445