A Solution to the “Failure Configuring Windows Updates” Windows 8 Problem

We waited a few months to grab Windows 8, just to let the bugs work themselves out. Apparently we didn’t wait long enough! So the issue we’re discussing today is the message received at the end of update installation that reads “Failure configuring Windows updates. Reverting changes. Do not turn off your computer.” Have you had this problem? We’d like to hear from you.

Note: The solution below only seems to work for some people, but it’s probably worth a try.

The Problem

When Windows 8 installs updates, it goes through the entire installation process, only to fail at the very end. At that point it will then “revert” the updates. We had the problem for a couple of weeks, and each reboot took about 15 minutes to completely cycle through the updates and reverting process. Every solution we tried would consist of at least 15 minutes of waiting.

Microsoft’s Solution

At least Microsoft has acknowledged the problem here, and they suggest these solutions:

• Restart your computer (Windows 8)
• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Use the System Restore feature
• Use the In Place Upgrade feature

Obviously a mere reboot isn’t likely to make the problem magically disappear, and the Windows Update Troubleshooter didn’t work for us. We didn’t really want to go through a System Restore or In Place Upgrade, so we scoured the net a little further.

What Worked

Again, this only works for some people, but perhaps you’ll be one of the lucky ones. And it’s certainly easier than other suggestions out there. We don’t take credit for this solution, which we found here.

• Type Windows key + R
• Type in msconfig.exe and hit enter
• Select the Services tab on the top
• Check the box on the bottom that says Hide all Microsoft services
• Click Disable all
• Do an “Update and Restart” of the computer

 

At this point, the updates installed fine upon reboot. It should be noted that after rebooting, those services you unchecked may all be running again, which is fine.

Bottom Line

The solution above is a solution, but not the only solution. Have you had this problem? Did the solution above work for you? If not, what did? Let us hear from you in the comments below!