Blog

How to Fix Windows 11 Update Error 0xc1900104-0x800f0922: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Windows 11 updates are essential for keeping your system secure and running smoothly. However, sometimes errors like 0xc1900104-0x800f0922 can interrupt the update process. This error may appear during installation and prevent your PC from updating successfully.

Understanding how to fix this error helps ensure your system stays up-to-date and protected. In this guide, we will walk you through simple and detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.

Whether you are a beginner or have some technical experience, these instructions will be easy to follow and clearly explained. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into fixes.

By following these steps carefully, you can fix the update error without needing advanced technical skills.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Check your internet connection: A stable and fast connection is necessary for downloading updates.
  • Ensure enough disk space: Updates need free space to install. Aim for at least 10 GB free on your system drive.
  • Backup important files: Although these steps are safe, it’s good to back up your important data before making system changes.
  • Close all running programs: This prevents interference during the update process.

Step 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to detect and fix common update problems automatically. This is the easiest first step to try.

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to System and then click on Troubleshoot.
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Windows Update and click Run.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will scan and attempt to fix detected issues.

Why this step matters: The troubleshooter can automatically resolve simple problems like corrupted update files or incorrect settings, saving you time and effort.

Step 2: Check and Repair System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can cause update errors. Using built-in tools like SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) can repair these files.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait while the tool scans and repairs system files. This may take several minutes.

Run DISM Tool

  1. After SFC finishes, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
    2. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  2. These commands check the health of your Windows image and repair any problems.

Why this step matters: Repairing system files ensures that Windows components needed for updates are intact and functional.

Step 3: Disable VPN and Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes VPNs or antivirus software can interfere with Windows Update, causing errors like 0xc1900104-0x800f0922.

  1. If you use a VPN, disconnect it temporarily.
  2. To disable antivirus, look for its icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner), right-click it, and select an option like Disable or Pause protection.
  3. Try running the update again after disabling these services.

Why this step matters: VPNs can block update servers, and antivirus programs might mistakenly block update files.

Step 4: Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If the above steps don’t work, resetting the Windows Update components can fix corrupted files or settings that block updates.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator as explained in Step 2.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    3. net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
  3. These commands stop update services, rename folders where update data is stored (forcing Windows to create fresh folders), and restart the services.
  4. Restart your PC and try the update again.

Why this step matters: Sometimes update folders get corrupted. Resetting them ensures fresh update data can be downloaded and installed.

Step 5: Check Your System Drive for Errors

Disk errors on your system drive (usually C:) can cause update failures. Running a disk check is an easy way to fix these errors.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
  3. You will be asked if you want to schedule the check on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
  4. Restart your PC. The disk check will run before Windows loads and fix any found errors.

Why this step matters: Fixing disk errors prevents corrupted files from blocking the update process.

Step 6: Free Up Space on Your System Drive

Windows updates need sufficient free space to download and install. Lack of space can cause errors like 0x800f0922.

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Storage.
  2. Click on Temporary files and select files you can safely delete, such as System cache and Recycle Bin.
  3. Click Remove files to free up space.
  4. You can also uninstall unused programs or move large files to an external drive.

Why this step matters: Enough free space is required to unpack and apply updates successfully.

Step 7: Use Media Creation Tool to Update Windows

If all else fails, you can update Windows 11 using the official Media Creation Tool. This creates installation media or upgrades your PC directly.

  1. Visit the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
  2. Download and run the Media Creation Tool.
  3. Follow the prompts to upgrade your PC. This method often bypasses update errors.

Why this step matters: The Media Creation Tool uses a fresh copy of Windows files for installation, which can fix errors caused by corrupted update files.

FAQs

What causes the error 0xc1900104-0x800f0922?

This error usually occurs due to corrupted update files, insufficient disk space, network issues, or interference by third-party programs like VPNs or antivirus.

Will resetting Windows Update components delete my personal files?

No, resetting update components only affects Windows update data. Your personal files remain safe.

Can I continue using my PC without updating?

It’s possible, but not recommended. Updates include important security patches and bug fixes that protect and improve your system.

Do I need technical skills to follow these steps?

No. The guide is designed for users of all skill levels, with detailed instructions for each step.

Is it safe to disable antivirus and VPN?

Yes, but only temporarily while updating. Remember to re-enable them after the update completes.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the update error persists, consider the following options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support for personalized assistance: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus
  • Use the built-in System Restore feature to revert your PC to a previous state when updates worked fine.
  • Perform a clean installation of Windows 11, but only after backing up your important files.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 update error 0xc1900104-0x800f0922 can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable with the right steps. Start by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter and checking your system files. Disable any VPN or antivirus temporarily and reset update components if needed. Make sure you have enough disk space and your drive is error-free.

If these solutions don’t work, using the Media Creation Tool is a reliable alternative for updating your system. Remember to always keep backups and stay patient during troubleshooting.

Following this guide carefully will help you resolve the update error and keep your Windows 11 PC running smoothly and securely.

Leave a Reply