PthDe

New Member
Joined
Feb 29, 2024
Messages
2
New member here, first post. Would like some help/advice with the above.

The update downloads, and installs to the restart required.
Restart first displays the "working on updates" blue-screen, but at 6% progress, commences to close and reboot. (Normally this reaches the 30% progress point??)

Windows reboots normal, but a blue-screen reports the update "could not complete and is being removed". Windows returns and runs. Tried this at least three times.

Tried troubleshooting-updates, took some 15-20 minutes (SSD-drive). Found problems. (See PDF attached). Again attempted install but failed as before.

My use and knowledge of Windows is very low. I use Linux (Manjaro).

n.b. Windows 10 Pro 22H2 on external-SSD 512Gb (non-GPT) via via SATA III umbelical to a cast-iron ThinkPad T420.

Some help would be deeply appreciated.

PS. In an urgent repair to a friend's Windows system with a drive-loss, I supplied him my original ext-Windows SSD to restore his system on it. My Windows image had been cloned/imaged (Linux dd-command) and appears to be fully, reliably returned. There seems to be no data/system-file loss or corruption.
 


Attachments

Solution
Hello, and welcome to the forum. I see that you've encountered an issue while updating to Windows 10 KB5034763, and I'm here to help you. Here are some steps you may try:
  1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software : Antivirus software could sometimes interfere with the process of updating. You could try temporarily disabling it, perform the update and then re-enable it again.
  2. Use the Windows 10 Update Assistant : You could also attempt to install the update via the Windows 10 Update Assistant, which can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. This tool can help you in applying the latest updates.
  3. Update using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool : With this approach, you'd have to create a bootable media...
Hello, and welcome to the forum. I see that you've encountered an issue while updating to Windows 10 KB5034763, and I'm here to help you. Here are some steps you may try:
  1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software : Antivirus software could sometimes interfere with the process of updating. You could try temporarily disabling it, perform the update and then re-enable it again.
  2. Use the Windows 10 Update Assistant : You could also attempt to install the update via the Windows 10 Update Assistant, which can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. This tool can help you in applying the latest updates.
  3. Update using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool : With this approach, you'd have to create a bootable media using the tool which can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. With the media created, you can use it to update your Windows.
  4. Use Windows Troubleshooter : Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter. The Troubleshooter can find and fix problems with Windows Update.
  5. Manually Reset the Windows Update Components : Here is a general guidance on how to do it :
    • Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services. To do this, type the following commands at a Command Prompt(CMD). You need to press ENTER after you type each command.
      Code:
      net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
    • Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folder. You can do this with the following commands in the CMD.
      Code:
      ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
    • Now, let's restart the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services. Typing the following commands in the CMD.
      Code:
      net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
      I hope these solutions are helpful to you. Please remember to backup all your important data before doing anything significant, as it could potentially lead to data loss. Do get back to us in case you face any challenges. Good luck!
 


Solution
mystery solved... you need internal drives for booting Windows updates
Many thanks! (Sorry for late reply)

I had a quick response from Chat GPT, which I tried following... and found myself up some garden path somewhere.
A change of plan has alleviated further work on this and now indeed solved.
 


You’re absolutely correct—trying to run a Windows 10 Pro (or any Windows OS) update while booted from an external SSD is a known limitation and often results in failed updates. Windows is designed to expect the OS to reside on an internal drive, especially for critical system tasks like updates.

Why External Drives Cause Problems with Updates

  1. Windows To Go (WTG) Assumptions:
    • Microsoft previously supported booting Windows from external drives with Windows To Go, but updates were restricted for security and stability reasons. Although WTG is now deprecated, these limitations sometimes still apply to external drives in general.
  2. Dynamic Environment Detection:
    • Windows Updates rely on certain disk policies and partition configurations. External drives may fail to meet these requirements, especially if the update service detects the external drive as "removable" rather than a fixed disk.
  3. Performance and Stability Risks:
    • External drives, especially those connected via USB, have higher chances of disconnection during long-running updates, which could corrupt the Windows installation.
  4. Boot Configuration Challenges:
    • Updates that need to modify the bootloader (like KB5034763) may fail if the boot partition resides on an external drive, as certain commands (like bcdedit changes) expect internal drive paths.

The Solution: Boot from Internal Drives

To apply updates like KB5034763 reliably, follow these steps:

1. Transfer the OS to an Internal Drive

If you have an available internal SSD or HDD, migrate the OS installation:
  1. Use a cloning tool like Macrium Reflect or EaseUS Todo Backup to clone the external SSD to an internal drive.
  2. Boot from the internal drive after the transfer.
  3. Rerun Windows Update (Settings > Update & Security) to complete the update process.

2. Temporary Workaround: Detach and Attach for Updates

If you must use the external SSD:
  • Detach Other Drives:
    • Disconnect all other internal and external drives temporarily when running the update to avoid conflicts.
  • Force Reboot Handling:
    • Keep the external SSD securely connected during reboots to minimize disconnection risks.

3. Convert the External SSD to a "Fixed Disk" (Advanced)

Some tools can trick Windows into recognizing an external SSD as a fixed disk:
  1. Use tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant to convert the external drive type.
  2. Reattempt the update process.
    Warning: This approach can cause compatibility issues with some USB controllers.

4. Use a Clean Boot Environment for Updates

Boot into a minimal environment to avoid external-device conflicts:
  1. Disable non-essential services:
    • Open msconfig > Go to the Services tab > Hide Microsoft services > Disable all.
  2. Retry the update after rebooting into this clean state.

5. Alternative: Perform the Update on Another Machine

If none of the above works:
  • Connect the external SSD to another system as the boot drive.
  • Run the update in that environment with the SSD treated as the active Windows boot drive.
  • Connect it back to the original machine after successful updating.

Prevent Future Issues

  • Wherever possible, keep Windows installations on internal drives. External SSDs are better suited for data storage or as additional drives for portable use.
  • If using a system without available internal slots (e.g., netbooks or ultrabooks), consider using a dock or internal upgrade options like M.2 SSD expansions.

Let me know if you'd like detailed steps for any specific method mentioned above. But the TL;DR here? Updates like KB5034763 expect internal drives to ensure a smooth and secure process! 😊
 


Back
Top