How to Fix KB5037768 Update Fails to Install in Windows?

When users attempt to install Windows update KB5037768, they either encounter the error code 0x800f0922, or the installation process gets stuck at 20%. This error indicates a problem with the system’s ability to access the necessary installation files or services, mostly occurring due to insufficient disk space on the system reserved partition.

Other issues, such as network problems or corrupted Windows update components, can also cause this issue.

1. Run SFC and DISM

The problem can occur due to corrupted system files; running SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) utilities will scan for corrupted files, perform repairs, and restore system integrity.

1. Open the Search menu, type cmd, and run the Command Prompt as an Administrator.
   
2. Enter the following commands:

   sfc /scannow
   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

3. Restart your PC once the processes are completed.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter that can scan and fix potential issues within the update components.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to the System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters section.
   
3. Click on the Windows Update troubleshooter and wait for it to complete the process.
   

3. Reset Windows Update Components

If the components required for the update process malfunction, the process may not complete correctly. 

1. Right-click on the Desktop, choose New, and click on Text Document.
   
2. Open the newly created text document.
3. Enter the following commands into the document:

   SC config trustedinstaller start=auto
   net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   net stop msiserver
   net stop cryptsvc
   net stop appidsvc
   Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
   regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh winsock reset proxy
   rundll32.exe pnpclean.dll,RunDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
   net start msiserver
   net start cryptsvc
   net start appidsvc

   

4. Go to File > Save As…
   
5. Name the file ‘Wufix.bat‘, change the Save as type to All Files, and save it on the Desktop.
   
6. Right-click on the file and select Run as Administrator.
7. All commands will execute, resetting the Windows Update Components.
   

4. Delete the $WinREAgent folder

WinREAgent is a folder in the Windows operating system that is automatically created during updates or upgrades. This folder corresponds to the Windows Recovery Environment and contains temporary files that can be used to load the last version or checkpoint in case of an emergency during the update process. Sometimes it can contain corrupted data which can lead to problems. Deleting this folder might fix your issue.

If your hidden files are not shown, follow these steps.

1. Press Windows + R, type “C:/” and hit Enter.
   
2. Right-click on the $WinREAgent folder and hit the delete button.
   

5. Enable App Readiness Service

App Readiness is a service in Windows that gets apps ready for use when users sign into Windows. If it fails to load, it can cause issues with the Windows update process. Changing its Startup mode to automatic will start it every time, which can help in solving this issue.

1. Press Windows + R, type “services.msc” and press Enter.
   
2. Locate the “App Readiness” service, right-click on it, and hit Properties.
   
3. Change the startup type to Automatic and press OK.
   
4. Restart your PC afterward.

5. Use Media Creation Tool

Sometimes, the default Windows updater may encounter bugs that prevent updates from installing correctly. In these cases, the Microsoft Windows 10 Update Assistant is a reliable alternative. This tool is specifically designed to download and install Windows updates.

You can read our article on how to use the Windows 10 Update Assistant.

If the Update Assistant does not resolve your issue, you can use the Media Creation Tool to install updates. This tool bypasses the normal update installation process, forcing the installation process without interruptions.

To learn how to use the Media Creation Tool, check out our detailed article.