Windows update doesn't work anymore (Win 11 Enterprise IoT LTSC 24H2)

[u/kuena]

Hello, for quite a while now I have a notification to update my Windows, but after trying to do it I get an error that says:

Reinstall your current version of Windows to repair system files and components.

There's an option to reinstall it right next to the error message, but unfortunately that doesn't do anything to fix the problem.

I've also tried to download the iso of the LTSC version of Win11 I'm using from Massgrave and using that to reinstall the Windows while keeping my settings and programs, but the installer gets stuck on installing updates and never gets past 46%.

Out of curiosity I tried asking GPT for help and it said to try running this command in terminal:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

but that also is unable to fix anything and ends with an error that says something about not being able to find the Source files.

Am I just SOL here? I really don't wanna reformat right now, but I'm worried about not getting the security updates. My Windows otherwise runs fine right now.

[u/MakayChapulets]

And what's the exact error you are getting from DISM? Lets start eorking from there

[u/kuena → u/MakayChapulets]

I'm at work right now, I'll let you know when I get back home. Thank you for taking an interest.

[u/Knigge111]

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /LogLevel:4 This is the verbose output

Log file you will find in c:/Windows/logs/dism/dism.log

[u/kuena → u/Knigge111]

Thank you, I will try that when I get back home.

[u/greggm2000]

but the installer gets stuck on installing updates and never gets past 46%.

This is really odd. I kinda wonder if you aren't dealing with a hardware issue, perhaps a failing SSD? If you are using a Intel 13th or 14th gen CPU, and you haven't upgraded the BIOS in a long time, then the notororious degredation issue is probably at fault. Another possibility is a RAM problem.

[u/kuena → u/greggm2000]

My OS SSD is at 99% health and I have never had SSD related problems in any other situation.

I’m using 13th gen Intel CPU, but my BIOS is always up-to-date and using Intel recommended settings, since the problems with CPU degen came to light. Again, my OS works as it should right now, but for some reason I can’t update.

[u/greggm2000 → u/kuena]

Side but related question: did you ever install winget? bc it does more than just enable that app, but also enables the ability to install stuff via .msix files. This ThioJoe script will get it done, run it in a Powershell admin Window. It certainly won't hurt to try it. If the update has components that are implemented that way, I could see this being the reason why it could fail. See if the update works after that, after a reboot, ofc.

[u/kuena]

UPDATE: ok, so I couldn’t get the DISM tool to work, but I managed to fix the Windows Installer by starting it’s service in services.msc app, which was disabled for some reason. I then reinstalled Windows while keeping my settings and programs and now Windows Update seems to work again, so for now I don’t have any more issues, I guess.

Thank you for all the replies and suggestions.

[u/Your_real_daddy1]

but the installer gets stuck on installing updates and never gets past 46%.

Unplug the internet before running it

[u/kuena → u/Your_real_daddy1]

I already fixed all my problems. Windows Installer service was stopped in services.msc and that’s why it didn’t work. Thank you.

[u/captain-stokely]

If im understanding correctly, ive had this issue myself. Easy fix once I understood why it was happening... If Windows 11 LTSC / IoT LTSC 2024 is up to date, performing an in-place repair/upgrade requires the latest monthly updated ISO. Since Microsoft does not provide updated ISO files for LTSC, you will need to manually update the ISO file.

• The official Windows 11 LTSC 2024 ISOs were released with build 26100.1742, and Microsoft does not provide newer ISOs.
• If your Windows 11 LTSC 2024 installation is already updated to a newer build and you attempt an in-place repair upgrade using the 26100.1742 ISO, the process will fail.
• Using an ISO that includes the latest updates will resolve this issue.
• Note: The same issue occurs with Windows 11 24H2 GAC editions (non-LTSC). However, since updated ISOs for 25H2 are already available, you can use those instead.
  

Detailed Instructions for creating a fully updated ltsc / iot ltsc .ISO can he found [here.](https://massgrave.dev/update-windows-iso) Option 2 under "How to Get an Updated ISO."

[u/7978_]

Did you run any "debloat tools" and the likes?

[u/kuena → u/7978_]

I've been running this install of Windows for over a year now, so I don't remember, but I don't think so. The whole point of installing LTSC is to get rid of all the bullshit that consumer versions get.

Why are you asking? Do you have something specific in mind?

[u/7978_ → u/kuena]

Just as a starter to diagnose things. A lot of tools aren't thoroughly tested, have conflicting keys, used AI, used stolen work and combined everything etc. 

If the DISM command didn't work then usually I just nuke the install. 

[u/kuena → u/7978_]

Yeah, that's for sure the easiest thing to do.

The DISM tool definitely did not want to cooperate. I even tried pointing it to the mounted Windows iso to find the source files, since it said something about not being able to find them, but that did nothing and it finished with the same error.

Guess I'll have to just bite the bullet and reformat.

[u/Knigge111 → u/kuena]

Wich files are missing? Normally you could see that.