Failure Configuring Windows Updates. Reverting Changes - How to Fix

Failure configuring Windows updates reverting changes is a standard Windows problem while updating. A screen contains the message and won't let you turn off your PC. Although the system reverts the changes after 30 minutes, if the issue reconciles, it can lead to various problems. Let us see how we can fix the "Failure configuring Windows updates reverting changes" problem.

Preview of Windows Update Failure Configuring Reverting Changes

If the Windows update keeps reverting, there can be some issues with the Windows Update files. Some talk about disconnecting external media; sometimes, it can be due to other reasons.

The issue concerns old Windows versions like Windows 8, 7, and Vista. When you try to download a bunch of updates simultaneously, the system may get into the  'Failure Configuring Windows Updates; Reverting changes' error loop. Generally, after 20-30 minutes, the error screen disappears and navigates to the Windows login screen only to trouble again.

How to Fix Failure Configuring Windows Update Reverting Changes

Now, we will troubleshoot the potential reasons for the problem. You can try the six fixes below to fix the Windows Update failure.

Fix 1. Remove all external media from your computer 

When external media is connected to your device, it may interfere with the OS when restarting Windows after the update. So, it is recommended that all devices be unplugged and Windows updates downloaded.

If you have any external media connected to your device, disconnect it. This includes removable devices like CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, memory cards, digital cards, and sticks. 

Fix 2. Perform Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter scans the update files for issues and retrieves the required data. If you have faulty or obsolete Windows update files, they may halt the download process and cause update failures. We will install the Windows Update Troubleshooter and fix the issue.

For Windows 8 or Windows 7

1. Download Windows Update Troubleshooter and install the software using the instructions.

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is built into the Windows PC. However, the feature performs poorly compared to the Windows Update troubleshooter.

2. Launch the Windows Update Troubleshooter on the PC. Tap on Search. If you have a mouse, move the mouse pointer down from the upper-right corner and click on Search.

3. Enter Troubleshooting and click on Settings. Now, open the Troubleshooting section.

4. Find the Fix problems with Windows Update under the System and Security option and run it by selecting next.

For Windows Vista

1. Get Windows Update Troubleshooter on the PC and open it in the pop-up window.

2. Install the software with the help of on-screen instructions, find the troubleshooting, and fix the Windows update.

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Fix 3. Clear Windows Update Cache

Windows Update Cache can be a potential reason for the failure to configure Windows updates and reverting changes problem. Let's learn how to clear the Windows Update Cache and fix the Failing Windows update issue. This method works for all Windows versions, from 8 and 7 to Vista.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog. Type services.msc and hit OK.

2. The window displays all the Windows services. Find the Windows Update service and open it.

3. Click on Stop at the bottom to stop the service and click OK.

4. Similarly, find the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and stop it.

5. Open the Windows File Explorer, navigate to the given location, and delete all the files in this folder.

• C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

6. Open the Services window again. Find the "Windows Update" and "Background Intelligent Transfer Service." Double-click on them, and click on Start.

The Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Services are Windows update components. They play a significant role in updating the Windows OS. The process above resets the update components and tries to fix the issues.

Fix 4. Install Windows update in a clean boot state

Clean Boot is a state where Windows runs only essential services, drivers, and startup programs. We will now set the clean boot state and install the Windows update to fix the failure configuring Windows updates reverting changes. 

1. Launch the PC with admin privileges.

2. Open the Run dialog box (Windows + R). Enter msconfig and click OK.

3. In the System Configuration, navigate to the Services tab. Check the Hide all Microsoft services option at the bottom, select Disable All, and click Apply.

4. Select the Selective Startup option from the General section and check the Load startup items.

5. Open the Startup tab, click on Open Task Manager, and Disable all the items one after the other. (keep track of disabled items for later use.)

6. Close the Task Manager, click OK in the startup tab, and restart the computer. The PC will now reboot into a clean boot state. 

For Windows 8:

1. Open Settings on the computer and click on Change PC Settings.

2. Navigate to Update and Recovery> Windows Update.

3. Install the Windows Updates.

For Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

1. Select Start and type Update. From the list, select Windows Update.

2. Install the new Windows Update.

Fix 5. Perform a System Restore with the Windows installation disc

If Windows Update keeps failing, a system restore can help you update the PC. A restore point reverts the changes on your PC to working condition. Make sure you have a restore point on a Windows 8/7/Vista installation disc to perform the system recovery.

For Windows 8:

1. Insert the Windows 8 installation disc into the drive and restart the PC.

2. The OS prompts you to start from the disc and press any key.

3. Go to Repair your computer >Troubleshoot. Select Advanced options from the list.

4. Choose the Windows 8 version you want to restore, click System Restore, choose the restore point, and click Next.

5. Now, the OS will display prompts on the screen. Follow the prompts to complete the process.

For Windows Vista or Windows 7:

1. Insert the Windows 7 or Vista installation disc into the drive and restart.

2. Press any key and configure details like Language, Time, Currency, Keyboard, or Input method.

3. Navigate to Repair your computer > System Recovery Options. Select the OS and click Next.

4. Select System Restore and select Next. Now, choose the restore point. The restore point should be a date before you start experiencing the error. Click on Choose a different restore point to select a date.

5. Specify the disk to restore, confirm the restore point, and click Finish.

6. Once the PC recovers the restore point, restart the computer.

Fix 6. Perform an in-place upgrade

An in-place update will reinstall the current Windows version to that of the installation DVD and all the updates not included in the installation DVD. If your PC has Windows pre-installed, learn how to do an in-place upgrade through documentation or Google. With this, the OS forcefully installs all the new updates on the PC.

For Windows 7 and Vista:

1. Inset the Windows 7 or Windows Vista DVD in the computer.

2. In the Setup window, click Install Now.

Note: If Windows fails to detect the DVD, follow these options:

• Select Start, type Drive:\setup.exe. The Drive placeholder is the Computer's DVD drive letter. Generally, it is D:\
• Select Setup.exe in the Programs list.

3. Choose Go Online to obtain the latest updates for the installation (recommended) option.

4. Type CD, and select the OS you want to upgrade.

5. Accept the License terms, select Upgrade as the type of installation, and restart your PC as soon as the installation is complete.

Bonus: Create a System Image Before Any Windows Update

Windows Updates are crazy, and you often face failures like Failing to configure Windows updates, which reverse changes. Such scenarios put your data at risk. If the update problem persists, you may have to reset your PC, resulting in data loss. 

A viable solution to this issue is creating a system image with powerful software like EaseUS Todo Backup. The EaseUS Todo Backup's system image can retrieve the PC's previous state in accidents. Additional features like cloning and data backup ensure that the PC and data are always safe. 

Features like EaseUS Cloud and Encryption aim to provide more security to system images and backup files. Download EaseUS Todo Backup and create a system image before you troubleshoot Windows Update failures.

Written In the End

Windows Updates are bad sometimes. Issues like "Failure configuring Windows updates reverting changes" can be fixed with simple solutions. I hope our solutions resolved the issue and updated the Windows. Creating backups like system images is always handy to save yourself from data loss. EaseUS Todo Backup helps you create system images with a few clicks to add security to data.

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FAQs About Failure configuring Windows updates reverting changes

1. What to do when Windows Update keeps failing?

If the Windows update keeps failing:

• 1. Check the Network connection.
• 2. Disable Antivirus software.
• 3. Restart Windows Update components.
• 4. Run Windows Troubleshooter.

2. How do I get rid of a Windows Update that is failing?

If the Windows update does not work, revert the update from Windows Update. If the Windows update halts you from accessing the screen, perform a system restore.

3. What to do if Windows Update keeps turning itself back on?

If Windows Update keeps turning back on:

• 1. Uninstall Windows Update Assistant.
• 2. Disable Windows Update Service
• 3. Delete wuauserv from the registry.