How to Fix “Something Didn’t Go as Planned” Error in Windows 11

If only we could do it in real life

Windows displays the “Something didn’t go as planned. No need to worry—undoing changes.” message when it hits a roadblock updating your computer’s operating system. System file corruption and interference from conflicting software are some causative factors.

Luckily, theWindows Update issueis relatively easy to fix. Wait for your computer to boot, and take the troubleshooting steps below.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the Windows Update troubleshooter should be your first action tofix Windows Update errors. The troubleshooter can diagnose and resolve issues causing the “Something didn’t go as planned.” error.

Microsoft recommends restarting your computer when the troubleshooter completes its diagnosis and applies any fixes.

You can also rerun the troubleshooter when your PC comes back on to check for additional errors. Try reinstalling the update after rerunning the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC) can repair or restore corrupt system files interrupting Windows Updates processes. Connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network and follow the steps below to run an SFC scan.

Wait 10-15 minutes for the scan results. Reinstall the update if you receive a “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.” message.

“Windows Resource Protection doesn’t find any integrity violations.” means your PC has no corrupt system file—take the next troubleshooting step if you receive this message.

Reset Windows Update Components

Windows Update components are files and services that help your computer detect, download, and install Windows and app updates. Follow the steps below to reset Windows Update components on your computer manually.

The commands terminate the Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Cryptographic services.

You should get a success message pop-up after running each command. The next step is to reset the Windows Socket (Winsock). That’ll fix issues preventing your device from connecting to the internet or downloading Windows Updates.

Reboot your computer when you see a “Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog” message, and try installing the Windows Update.

Clear Windows Update Cache

Files in the SoftwareDistribution folder help your computer update its operating system. Windows downloads the files automatically from Microsoft’s servers to swiftly execute the installation of Windows Update.

You might encounter Windows Update errors if the cache files in the SoftwareDistribution folder get corrupted. DeleteWindows Update cachefiles if the “Something didn’t go as planned” error persists.

We recommend you stop the Windows Update service before clearing the Windows Update files.

Manually Install the Update Package File

The Microsoft Windows Update Catalog is a repository or database of all Windows Updates. If you can’t install an update through Windows Settings, download and install it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

If there are two versions of an update, download the one with the most recent “Last Updated” date.

Double-click the file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Windows Update.

Update Windows in Clean Boot State

Performing a clean bootstarts Windows without non-essential startup programs and drivers. It’s a diagnostic state similar tobooting Windows into Safe Mode. The clean boot environment temporarily hibernates software and services that could conflict with software or app updates.

TheCtrl+Shift+Esckeyboard shortcut can also launch Task Manager. Select “Startup apps” on the sidebar and proceed to the next step.

Reset your computer to exit the clean boot environment when the installation succeeds.

Uninstall Third-Party Security Software

Third-party security apps can interfere with OS update processes in Windows.Uninstall third-party security apps(antivirus, firewall, anti-malware, cleaner apps, etc.) on your PC and reinstall the update.

Uninstalling Malwarebytes resolved the Windows Update failure for some Windows 11 users in thisMicrosoft Community forum.

Before uninstalling any application, ensure you know how to reinstall it and have its product key. Also, verify that it is compatible with the new Windows Update you’re applying to your PC.

Reset Windows if Things Still Don’t Go as Planned

Resetting Windows orperforming a clean reinstall of Windows 11can resolve the issue if all troubleshooting fixes prove abortive.Contact Windows Supportfor assistance if the installation error persists.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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