Will not install Update 2023-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems.

[SnugglyJ]

2023-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5029263) would not install and I've tried every quick fix I could find. I do not know what could possibly be giving it issues but it constantly gives me Install error - 0x80070002.
Please help.

[NonSequitur777]

@SnugglyJ,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

Been there, done that.  Yea, having trouble installing Windows updates can be exceedingly frustrating -and are often time consuming, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve your issues. You mentioned "I've tried every quick fix I could find", so let's see if you have tried any of these steps:

[DISCLAIMER:] Please proceed at your own risk/volition: even though these steps are A-OK to the best of my knowledge, they are preferably carried out under the supervision of an IT expert or qualified PC technician.

1. Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix update installation issues.

2. Check for Internet Connectivity: Make sure you have a stable and active internet connection. Poor connectivity can cause update failures.

3. Check Windows Update Troubleshooter:

   • Type "Troubleshoot settings" in the Windows search bar and open it.
   • Click on "Additional troubleshooters."
   • Find and run the "Windows Update" troubleshooter.

4. Free Up Disk Space:

   • Updates require sufficient disk space. Make sure you have enough free space on your system drive.
   • You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and free up space.

5. Disable Third-Party Antivirus: Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with updates. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus and then attempt the update.

6. Pause and Resume Updates:

   • Go to "Settings" > "Windows Update."
   • Click on "Pause updates for 7 days" and then resume updates. Sometimes, this can help resolve issues.

7. Manually Download and Install the Update:

   • Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog (https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx) using a web browser.
   • Search for the specific update KB number (e.g., "KB1234567") you're trying to install.
   • Download the appropriate version for your system and install it manually.

8. Use Windows Update Assistant:

   • Visit the official Windows Update Assistant page (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11) and download the Update Assistant.
   • Run the tool and follow the instructions to update your system.

9. Check for System Errors:

   • Run a system file checker scan to check for and repair any corrupted system files.
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: sfc /scannow

10. Reset Windows Update Components:

    • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    • Run the following commands one by one, hitting Enter after each:

      net stop wuauserv
      net stop cryptSvc
      net stop bits
      net stop msiserver

      ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
      ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

      net start wuauserv
      net start cryptSvc
      net start bits
      net start msiserver

11. Perform In-Place Upgrade:

    • Download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
    • Mount the ISO or create a bootable USB drive.
    • Run the setup.exe from the mounted ISO/USB and choose the "Upgrade" option.
    • This will essentially reinstall Windows 11 while keeping your files and settings.

Separately, Error Code 0x80070002 typically indicates that Windows Update has encountered a problem locating or accessing the necessary files for the update. If you are up to it, here are a few additional steps you can try to resolve this specific error:

1. Check Date and Time Settings:

   • Make sure your computer's date and time settings are accurate. Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes cause update issues.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:

   • Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot."
   • Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and follow any recommended fixes.

3. Reset Windows Update Components (Again):

   • This step can sometimes help resolve the issue even if you've already tried it. Follow the steps provided in my previous response to reset the Windows Update components.

4. Check for Disk Errors:

   • Run a disk check to identify and repair any potential disk errors that might be affecting the update process.
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run: chkdsk C: /f

5. Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder:

   • This step is similar to resetting Windows Update components but focuses on removing the SoftwareDistribution folder.
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:
     net stop wuauserv
     rd /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
     net start wuauserv

6. Perform a Clean Boot:

   • A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, which can help eliminate software conflicts that might be causing the update error.
   • Type "msconfig" in the Windows search bar, press Enter.
   • Go to the "Services" tab and check "Hide all Microsoft services," then click "Disable all."
   • Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager."
   • Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
   • Close Task Manager and click "OK" in the System Configuration window.
   • Restart your computer and try the update again.

7. Temporary Deactivation of Windows Firewall and Antivirus:

   • Temporarily disable Windows Firewall and any third-party antivirus software before attempting the update.

8. Check Storage Availability:

   • Ensure that you have sufficient free storage space available on your system drive for the update to install.

9. Perform a System Restore:

   • If the error started occurring after certain changes or software installations, consider performing a system restore to a point before the issue began.

If none of these steps work, you might want to consider seeking help from any of the Microsoft Support Community Forums for more specific assistance with the update issue.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777