Windows 10 KB5073724 fails to install [Windows Update Error Solved]

Microsoft recently released KB5073724 for Windows 10, a crucial update that brings important bug fixes, performance improvements, and security enhancements. However, some users have reported issues where the Windows 10 KB5073724 update gets stuck during download or fails to install with errors such as 0x800f0922, 0x8000ffff, and 0x800f0826. (2026-01 Cumulative updates for Windows 10 version 22H2 for x64-based systems (KB5073724) failed to install). This issue can occur for several reasons, including slow or unstable internet connectivity, corrupted system files, or a damaged Windows Update cache. Since Windows updates are essential to maintaining system security and stability, here is how to fix and install the Windows 10 KB5073724 update right way.

What Causes Windows Update Failure

Windows update may get stuck in download or fail to install due to various reasons, including corrupted update files, software conflicts, insufficient disk space, or issues with the network connection. Additionally, damaged or missing system files can prevent updates from installing correctly.

• Internet Connectivity: A poor or unstable internet connection can interrupt the download process.
• Software Conflicts: Antivirus software or other background applications might interfere with the update.
• Corrupted system files: Missing or damaged system files can prevent the update from installing correctly.
• Insufficient Disk Space: Updates require free space to download, extract, and install.

Restart Your PC and Try Again

Sometimes, a simple restart clears pending updates or system glitches that might block installation. Click Start > Power > Restart. In addition:

• Check and make sure you have a working internet connection to download Windows Update files from the Microsoft server.
• Disconnect from VPN (if configured on your PC),  and security software such as third-party antivirus.
• Make Sure that you have enough free disk space before installing the update.
• Remove all external storage media, such as USB drives and SD cards.

After reboot, try installing the update again via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Run Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and resolve common update issues that may prevent Windows Update installation.

• Open the Settings app using the Windows + I keyboard shortcut.
• Click on Update & Security, then select Troubleshoot
• Click on Additional troubleshooters
• Select Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter
• This will start the diagnostic process and resolve any issues preventing Windows updates from downloading and installing.
• Once the diagnosis process is complete, restart your PC

Clear Windows Update cache Files

If the Windows 10 update KB5073724 gets stuck at 0% or 99% during download, or fails to install, it may be due to a problem with the file itself. Clearing the folder where all of the update files are stored will force Windows Update to download fresh files.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
• Locate the Windows update service. Right-click on it and select stop.
• Do the same with its related service BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service)

• Now, press Windows + E and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
• Here, delete everything inside the download folder, but do not delete the folder itself.
• To do so, press Ctrl+A to select everything, then press Delete to remove the files.

• Again, open Windows services and restart the services (Windows Update, BITS) that you previously stopped. Try installing the update again

Disable Security Software & perform a clean boot

Also, Disable Any security software or antivirus protection (if installed), search for updates, install the available updates, and then turn on your antivirus protection.

Performing a clean boot may also help if any third-party software causes a conflict during Windows update installation. Here’s how to do this:

1. Go to the search box > type msconfig
2. Select System Configuration > go to the Services tab
3. Select Hide all Microsoft services > Disable all

Go to the Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all unnecessary services.  Restart your computer and check for updates. Hope this time Windows updates download and install without any error.

Switch to Google DNS

Here is another workaround you can use if Windows updates fail to download or install.

• Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and click ok
• This will open the network connections window, locate your active network adapter, right-click on it, select properties,
• Locate and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
• Finally, change the preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and the Alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4.
• Checkmark Validate settings, open Exit, click OK, then apply.
• Now, open Windows Update and click the Check for updates button.

Run the DISM command

Corrupted or missing system files may prevent you from installing the latest Windows updates. Run the DISM RestoreHealth command with the System File Checker utility to scan for and repair corrupted system files.

• Open the command prompt as administrator,
• Type the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press the Enter key.
• Once the scanning process completes 100% run the system file checker utility command sfc /scannow.
• Wait until the scan completes 100%, then reboot your computer.
• Let’s again open the update & security settings and check for Windows updates.

Manually Download and Install KB5073724

If the update won’t install via Windows Update, try downloading the standalone package from Microsoft Update Catalog.

• Visit https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com and search for KB5073724
• Download the correct version for your system (x64 or x86)
• You can get offline download links for these updates from here
• Open the downloaded file to install the update.

In addition, some applications may be interfering with the update process. Try closing all running applications, then install the update again. Sometimes, Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues with the update. Try updating your drivers to the latest version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)