The most recent security update (KB5094126) failed for me, telling me it was an “Install error 0x80074101”. My machine:
Edition: Windows 11 Home
Version: 25H2
Installed on: 2/1/2025
OS build: 26200.8457
Experience: Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.304.0
I googled the error code and got some advice from AI, and followed this script:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start msiserver
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
net start wuauserv
I then tried updating via Windows Settings –> Windows Update as well as the (downloaded from Microsoft) stand-alone MSU file; both failed, Windows Update with same error repeatedly (0x80074101), and stand-alone install with — of course, Microsoft! — no meaningful information at all, just a note in the install progress dialog box indicating “updates were not installed”.
Along with set of commands above, I have also run “sfc /scannow” and “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”, all in a PowerShell window with elevated (i.e. admin) rights, with no meaningful issues identified, and then tried reinstalling update…no luck.
So here I am asking for some help or insight. If there is any other info or technical detail, e.g. system logs or whatever, I can provide, I am happy to do so.
