Fixed: Failure Configuring Windows Updates Reverting Changes [9 Ways]

Are you encountering the Windows upgrade problem ‘failure configuring windows updates reverting changes? This is not an uncommon Windows problem. Many old and new Windows users have encountered this several times. The good news is that you can easily get rid of it if you follow the right steps.

Not only in Windows 10, but this update problem appears in other Windows versions as well. For example. Windows Vista users face this error quite often. Worry not, I have got solutions for the same.

What Causes failure configuring windows updates

While you are trying to update your Windows, various situations can occur. Sometimes, those situations lead your Windows computer to freeze. On the earlier Windows versions, every time this happened, the version of Windows tried to restore itself back to the days before the update. However, there can be various reasons why this update error occurs on your computer. Some of the reasons are as below-

  1. Maybe you have installed an application that is not compatible with your Windows version
  2. Maybe there is an issue in the update that didn’t come before while testing the update
  3. There is an external device attached to your computer that is interfering with your update
  4. Maybe there are so many updates your computer is trying to download at the same time

Whatever the reason is, the most common error message at this time is Failure configuring Windows updates Reverting changes. This error forces your computer to restart more than once which leads to a reboot loop. Though the error is not an uncommon one, most people face a hard time to get rid of the issue.

While this error frequently occurs when users are trying to install a new update to their system, this can also happen when you are running Windows 8. Windows 8 is an outdated Windows version which Microsoft does not support anymore. But don’t worry. Even if you are using Windows 8, I have some easy-peasy solutions for you here.

What Should You Do Before Updating Windows?

Before you go to update your Windows, I recommend you to create a backup of your system files. Also, try to create a system image to protect your data and restore your system to its previous state where the error didn’t happen. If you want to back up your system completely and properly, then you should use the Windows backup software.

There are plenty of backup software applications out there and you can choose the most popular one among them. Here I have given tips about the MiniTool ShadowMaker. It is a popular system backup software that helps you backup your important system data, files, discs, etc. It also works as a file sync software that helps you transfer data from one device to another. At the same time, it protects your data and keeps them safe.

Moreover, when a problem occurs with your system, you can restore your data and take it back to its previous situation. All of these are possible when using the MiniTool ShadowMaker application. If you don’t know how to create a system image, here are the steps-

  1. After purchasing or downloading the backup tool, install it on your computer.
  2. Launch the tool on your Windows system
  3. Then, click on Keep Trial and Connect afterward
  4. You are now on the homepage of the tool
  5. If the tool does not start to create a backup on its own, then you will have to use the SETUP BACKUP button
  6. By default, the backup location will be selected automatically.
  7. You can also click on the Backup button to find the backup page.
  8. The Source and Destination option will help you select the backups and location
  9. If you want to start the backup right away, then click on Back up Now button
  10. Or, click on Back up Later to start it later
  11. If you want to see its progress, you can do that from the Manage page
  12. After the backing up progress is over, go to the Tools page where you will have to create a bootable disc or a USB flash drive.
  13. Then you can reboot your computer and perform system recovery from the tool

After creating the system image, you are free to update your Windows again. And that’s where you encounter the Failure Configuring Windows Updates Reverting Changes error. I got you covered in the next section of the post.

Fix The Failure Configuring Windows Updates Error In 9 Different Ways

There are several ways you can get out of this difficult situation. Here I have demonstrated all of them one by one. Depending on your situation and where it leads, you can perform them on your own.

1. Wait and See What Happens

Don’t start to panic right away when you encounter the ‘Failure configuring Windows updates’ error. If there are more than one update is pending, then your system will take some time to download all of them. So, better give your system sometimes before restarting it. Your system will need at least 30 minutes to finish updating Windows.

2. Use an Advanced Repair Tool

Due to damaged or missing Windows files, your system goes through various problems that include the Failure configuring Windows updates error as well. So, I would recommend you to use an advanced repair tool that will help you fix those files.

There are various tools like that. One of them is Restoro. You will just have to install and launch the tool and scan your computer with it. The rest of the actions will be taken care of by the tool itself.

3. Remove all External Devices

If you are using an SD card or disk flash drive, that can be a distraction to your Windows update. Though it is not directly related to your Windows update system, it can cause problems with your system restart process. First, remove all the external devices and shut down your system. After removing all these devices, restart your computer and try to update your Windows again. The issue of Failure configuring Windows updates that you were encountering earlier, won’t appear again.

4. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is an in-built feature that finds problems with your update and resolves it automatically. If your Windows version does not already have it, then you should download it from its official website. Windows Vista or Windows 7,8 versions do not have this feature. So if you are running one of the system version, you can download it on your own.

  1. Visit Microsoft’s official website or visit this link https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027322/windows-update-troubleshooter
  2. Click on Fix it under the suitable version of your Windows
  3. A pop-up will open up where you will have to select “Run”
  4. Now the troubleshooter will be displayed on your screen
  5. Go through the on-screen prompts to run the troubleshooter and it will help you fix any Windows problem automatically.

Sometimes users complain that running the update troubleshooter does not work in this case. So, if you are still experiencing the same Failure configuring Windows updates error, let’s perform the following method.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

If you have recently installed third-party software, that may have something to do with the Failure configuring Windows updates error. In that case, you can try to restart your computer without running these apps. This should solve the problem. Follow the steps below.

  1. Log in with the admin access and press Win + R together
  2. Type msconfig in the Run box and press enter
  3. Here you will find yourself in the System Configuration window where you will have to navigate to the services tab.
  4. Make sure that the “Hide all Microsoft services” box is checked and click on “Disable all.”
  5. If you are using Windows Vista or 7, directly click on Startup from the System Configuration window and then click on “Open Task Manager.”
  6. When the task manager opens up, you will have to click on “Startup” from that.
  7. Select every item and if they are not disabled, click on Disable
  8. After performing the process, close Task Manager

After performing the process, restart your computer. When you Windows starts again, simply install the pending updates and see if the problem still persists or not. In most cases, performing a clean boot closes all applications that can prevent your system from installing updates. Hence, this solution might be helpful in the case.

6. Update Your System in Safe Mode

Updating your system in safe mode means you are only letting the necessary apps running in the background.

  1. Press F8 on your keyboard when your computer enters into a restart loop
  2. Then select Safe Mode with Networking
  3. Press Win + R together to open the run box
  4. In the run box, type “msconfig” and click OK
  5. The system configuration window will open up where you will have to navigate to the boot tab
  6. Mark the box next to the “Safe Boot” option and choose “Minimal” then click on Apply and finally OK
  7. Now restart your computer
  8. Once restarted, try to update your Windows again.

By updating your system in safe mode, you should not encounter the problem again. However, if the same issue appears, you will have to move to the next solution.

7. Break the Updates into Smaller Groups

Sometimes your system gets stuck in a restart loop when there are so many updates pending in the line. In that case, you can separate the updates in smaller groups to prevent the issue.

  1. When your computer enters into restart loop continuously, you will need to enter into safe mode. Press F8 and follow the on-screen instructions for the same.
  2. Once in the safe mode, go to Control Panel to open Settings
  3. From there, click on “System and Security” and click on “Windows Update.”
  4. A drop-down menu will appear where you will have to click on “Important Updates,”
  5. Select “Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them.”
  6. Check the box next to “Recommended Updates” option
  7. Click OK
  8. Now return to the main update page and select new significant updates from them
  9. It will be better if you choose the updates with the lowest numbers
  10. You will need to install the significant updates first. Go on with the process until it is completed.
  11. When the process is done, you can reset your Windows update settings to automatic and restart your computer in normal mode.

After the method is over, you won’t have to deal with the “Failure configuring Windows updates reverting changes” update error anymore. However, if you are still struggling with the same, let’s find out another solution below.

8. Perform a System Restore

If you have completed all the above-mentioned steps properly but still encountering the issue, this is another solution you need to try. Here I have mentioned how to perform a system restore with the restore point you have or haven’t already created.

  1. Hit the Windows button and search ‘create a restore point’
  2. Select the appropriate option and continue
  3. Visit the System Protection tab and then click on System Restore
  4. Click Next from the pop-up window
  5. Here you will find the previously restored points. Select the points and click on Next
  6. After confirming the point, click Finish

After this method, you can restart your computer and check if that solved your issue or not. If not, there is another solution you can try.

9. Delete Windows Update Cache

Windows update caches can cause various problems with your Windows system and that can also include updating problems. That’s why you need to clear them out first and check if that solves the issue or not. Here I have included the steps-

  1. Open the Run box by pressing Win+R together
  2. Type services.MSc in the Run box and then hit Enter
  3. Here you will find a list of services where you will have to find out Windows Update
  4. Once found, double click on it
  5. Now you will have to stop this service by clicking on the Stop button
  6. And then click OK
  7. Go back to the Services window and locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service
  8. Double-click on it and stop the service
  9. From now on, minimize the window and open Windows File Explorer
  10. Then go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
  11. You bow have to delete all files under this folder name
  12. Go back to service
  13. Click on Windows Update twice then restart the service by clicking on Start

You can follow the same way to restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and then restart your computer. Now you should be able to update your system again.

Bottom Line

These methods are proven and effective in eliminating Windows error. If you perform them correctly as I said, you will be able to get rid of this error in no time. Again, when you know what is causing this problem frequently, with the help of these steps, you can prevent that as well.

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