5 Fixes for the “Something Didn’t Go as Planned” Error in Windows 11

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

When you encounter any issues with Windows updates, the first thing to do is run the built-in troubleshooter. This tool can scan your system for any common issues and fix them automatically.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app and head toSystem > Troubleshoot.

Step 2:Click onOther troubleshooters.

Step 3:Click theRunbutton next to Windows Update.

Wait for the troubleshooter to find and fix any issues. After that, try installing the update again.

Fix 2: Set the Correct ID for Your System Partition

SeveralMicrosoft Community users reportedfixing this particular issue by correcting the system partition’s ID. You can also give it a try.

Step 1:Right-click on theStart icon> selectTerminal (Admin)from the Power User menu.

Step 2:In the console, type the following commands and pressEnterafter each one. Then, note down the disk number where you’ve installed Windows from the first column.

Step 3:Type the following command and pressEnterto select your primary drive.

ReplaceNin the above command with the number noted in the previous step.

Step 4:Run the following command to view your disk partitions.

Step 5:Locate the partition whoseTypecolumn readsSystemand note down the number associated with it from the first column.

Step 6:Run the following command to select the system partition:

ReplaceXin the above command with the partition number noted earlier.

Step 7:Run the command given below to assign the correct ID to your system partition.

Restart your PC after this and check if Windows can install the updates.

Fix 3: Delete the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Folder

Thedownloaded update filesin the SoftwareDistribution folder may have become inaccessible, which is why the installation didn’t go as planned on your Windows 11 PC. To fix this, empty the SoftwareDistrubiton folder and download the update again.

While you’re at it, reset the Catroot2 folder, which stores signatures for Windows Update packages and aids in their installation.

Step 1:Click thesearch iconon the taskbar > typeWindows powershellin the search box > selectRun as Administrator.

Step 2:Run the following commands one by one and pressEnterafter each command:

After completing the above steps, your Windows 11 PC shouldn’t get stuck on the “Something didn’t go as planned” screen.

Fix 4: Install Windows Updates in Clean Boot Mode

One of the third-party programs or services on your PC might trigger this error. If that’s the case, booting Windows in a clean boot state should help you install the update.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Rto open the Run dialog box, typemsconfigin the search box, and pressEnter.

Step 2:Tick theHide all Microsoft servicesbox and click onDisable all.

Step 3:Switch to theStartuptab > click onOpen Task Manager.

Step 4:Select a third-party app or program > click theDisablebutton at the top. Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.

Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and try installing the update as usual.

Fix 5: Download the Update Package and Install It Manually

If you still see the “Something didn’t go as planned” screen, download the update package from the Microsoft Update Catalog online and install it manually. Here’s how.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app and select theWindows Updatetab from the left sidebar. Note the knowledge base number of the update you want to download, such as KB5015814.

Step 2:Open theMicrosoft Update Catalog websitein your browser. Type theKB numberin the search box and pressEnter.

Step 3:Download therelevant update packagemeant for your system.

Step 4:Double-click the downloadedMSU fileand follow theon-screen promptsto install the update.

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Last updated on 02 August, 2024

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