Forum Discussion
"Something went wrong" on Windows 11 update
Hello,
I've been getting this error message when trying to run Windows update on Win 11 25H2 64bit
"Something went wrong. Try to reopen settings later"
I have searched for solutions and have various steps I have followed with the results below
Make sure the windows update processes are running, and restart them if needed
Result - They were always running
No change
Clear-out the Windows Update cache and restart
Result - My Anti-Virus stopped BITS from shutting down. After removing my Anti-Virus I was able to clear the cache and restart the PC
No change
Run "Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and "sfc /scannow"
These actually produce errors and won't run
DISM - Error 87 with the message "The Cleanup-Image option is unknown"
SFC - error message "Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service"
Run CHKDSK on the C:\ drive
Result - Complete
No Change
Reset Windows
OK, I haven't done this yet as it wipes out my applications and data (more on that below)
What I did do was get my Windows installation media and run setup hoping it would reinstall windows while keeping my applications and data.
I got a generic Windows Installation Failed message
Why I don't want to do a reset
I have Viso Professional 2016 on the PC (legitimate, activated with a licence key and not using an account).
I actually want to move this Visio to a different device. But when I install it; both the online activation and phone activation fail. Doing a reset means I lose the application completely
Any other suggestions where I get to keep my applications would be appreciated.
Thank You
4 Replies
Thank you for the suggestions
When using System Recovery it says the option is currently unavailable
The DISM version is 10.0.26100.5074
DISM /? shows that "Cleanup-Image" is a valid option even though running with it produces the error.
I apologise for my unclear wording, when I said I ran setup from my installation media; I did mean that I tried an in-place installation. This did offer the option of keeping applications and data, but it was the one that failed with the generic error message.
I will see if I can find SetupDiag results for more information.
You can try Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems with Windows Update > Reinstall now.
Let us know if this helps!
Your failed DISM and SFC commands mean those repairs never completed, so they should not be treated as having ruled out Windows servicing problems. First run an administrator Command Prompt and invoke the Windows-installed DISM explicitly from C:\Windows\System32, checking its version and supported options; the unknown Cleanup-Image option needs investigation before another repair attempt. Since setup already failed, collect its SetupDiag result and the underlying installation error rather than repeating cache resets. Preserve a full backup and your Visio installation media and licence details before proceeding. An in-place installation started from within Windows can offer Keep personal files and apps; Reset this PC is different and removes applications even when keeping personal files. Stop if Setup does not offer the required keep option. Visio activation transfer is a separate licensing issue, and preserving the installed application does not guarantee successful activation on another device.
The SFC error is actually a useful clue here, because it usually means the Windows Modules Installer service is not running, so try setting that service to Manual, starting it, and then running SFC and DISM again from an elevated Command Prompt. While you are there, also check that the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Windows Update services are set to start properly rather than just showing as running. For the Settings crash itself, try signing into a fresh local administrator account and opening Windows Update there, since that quickly tells you whether your user profile is part of the problem. If that still fails, I would try the in-place upgrade again from installation media with the internet disconnected and any third-party security software fully removed first, as that is the step most likely to repair the system while keeping your apps in place. Before you do anything drastic, make a full backup and a note of your existing product key, so you are not relying on the old installation to keep it safe.
