Fix: Something Didn’t Go As Planned in Windows 10/11

When encountering the message “Something didn’t go as planned,” it typically signifies a failure in the Windows update installation, often causing the system to revert to a previous state. This occurrence suggests that corrupted system files are obstructing the installation process of the Windows update.

Corrupted files may not be the sole cause of this issue; other contributing factors include a corrupted Windows software distribution folder or halted Windows update services. These are primary reasons for the installation failure.

Windows Update initially downloads files to the Software Distribution folder and subsequently installs them during a system restart. If these files become corrupted during the download, it can result in the “Something didn’t go as planned” error.

Let us now look into solutions proven effective for users facing this issue.

1. Repair Windows via the Windows Update Utility

Repairing Windows using the Windows Update utility is an efficient approach to addressing this issue. This method is akin to reinstalling Windows but without deleting apps, files, or settings. Consequently, all corrupted files hindering Windows updates will be restored. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Win + S keys to open Windows Search.
2. Search for Reset this PC and hit Enter to access the settings.
   
3. Locate the option Fix problems using the Windows Update and click Reinstall now to proceed.
   

2. Perform an In-Place Upgrade

An in-place upgrade involves downloading and executing a Windows setup to reinstall Windows without removing apps, files, or settings. This process reinstalls missing or corrupted system components, potentially resolving the issue.

1. Download an ISO file for Windows 10 or 11.
2. Visit the official Microsoft Website to download and install the Windows ISO file.
   
3. After downloading, double-click the ISO file to explore its contents.
   
4. Run Setup.exe and follow the on-screen instructions to update Windows.

3. Run the DISM Commands

The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) command-line utility allows for the repair of corrupted system files crucial to Windows updates, facilitating a smooth updating process.

1. Press the Win key and type Command Prompt in the Windows Search Bar.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   
3. Enter the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter to execute it.
   
4. After completion, check if Windows can be updated.

4. Reset the Windows Update Component

Resetting the Windows update component removes corruption from the Windows Software Distribution and Catroot folders, which store update files. Additionally, it restarts essential Windows update services that might have stopped during the process, contributing to this issue.

To verify that Windows update services are active and files within the Software Distribution and Catroot folders are not corrupted, consider resetting the Windows update component, particularly if previous solutions have been ineffective.

1. Download the Windows Update Reset batch file via this link.
2. Upon download, right-click the file and select Run as administrator.
   
3. After execution, check if the Windows update can proceed.

If these solutions have been followed, no further steps should be necessary. However, if the issue remains unresolved, consider utilizing a system restore utility to revert Windows to a previous state or explore resetting Windows without data loss.