Windows 11 October Updates: Troubleshooting KB5044284 & KB5044285 Errors

As the leaves turn red and gold this October, it seems our beloved Windows 11 is caught in the autumnal chill of update struggles. The recent Windows 11 KB5044284 update—heralded as the first major patch for the 24H2 version—has emerged with its fair share of hiccups. While most users have seen a smooth rollout, numerous reports indicate installation failures that have christened their systems with frustrating error codes and endless loops of despair. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the issues plaguing these updates, what they entail, and how users can navigate the turbulent waters of Windows updates.

Installation Challenges with KB5044284​

KB5044284 is deemed a mandatory security update, essential for anyone running the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2). If you think you’re safe just because your update bar said “installing,” think again. Many users have encountered an array of error messages, notably:

• 0x800736b3: A generic installation failure.
• 0x80070005: An access denied error commonly faced during manual install attempts.
• 0x800f0838: Related to the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA).
• 0x8007371b: Another error label indicating update failure.

These codes are not just a series of annoying digits; they represent real roadblocks that leave users stuck, sometimes indefinitely. Picture this: the update progresses to 40%, then freezes like your uncle at a family barbecue after another "When I was your age..." story.

The User Experience​

One frustrated user summarized the experience vividly in the Feedback Hub, stating, “Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5044284) is downloading but fails to install—always stuck at 90-95%.” Others echoed this same sentiment, describing their systems rolling back the update and trying to install it again—a loop that could drive anyone mad.

Other Noteworthy Bugs​

Adding salt to the wound, KB5044284 also affects the often-overlooked OpenSSH server (sshd), leading it to fail to start post-update. In the IT world, that’s akin to finding out that your car won’t start right before a big road trip. Users have tried various troubleshooting steps with little success, until one savvy system admin on Reddit took a bold move: deleting or renaming the C:\ProgramData\ssh\logs directory, which magically revived the sshd service.

KB5044285: More of the Same?​

Not to be outdone, the subsequent KB5044285 update has also shown its own share of troubles for the 23H2 crowd. While it’s supposed to build on the fixes from KB5044284, it seems that many users are finding that their systems are less than compliant when trying to install this update.

Mitigating the Fallout​

For those who find themselves on the receiving end of these update issues, here’s a step-by-step guide to mitigate the fallout:

1. Uninstall the Problem Update:
   • Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates. Remove KB5044284 and KB5044285 as necessary.
2. Pause Future Updates:
   • Use the same Update settings to pause updates temporarily. Sometimes, you just need a breather!
3. Download the Update Manually:
   • Head over to the Microsoft Update Catalog and download the .msu file for KB5044284 or KB5044285. A manual install may side-step the automatic update traps.
4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:
   • From Settings, select Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
5. Media Creation Tool:
   • If all else fails, consider using the Media Creation Tool to create installation media or repair your existing system.

Conclusion​

Ultimately, the October updates for Windows 11 have not unfolded as smoothly as many had hoped. As users grapple with installation snafus, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. Keeping your system healthy is not just about applying the latest updates; it’s about understanding how to troubleshoot and maintain functionality along the way.
For the Windows community, knowledge shared is knowledge gained—so if you’ve got tips, tricks, or woes from your own experiences, our forums are a great place to share them. Don’t let these updates bog you down—stay on top of the latest fixes and keep your digital life running smoothly!

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Happy updating, and may your installations be swift and seamless! If you encounter more bumps in the road, the forum is here for you. Let’s navigate these rocky paths of Windows 11 together!
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 KB5044284 issues, update fails. KB5044285 also have issues for some users