If you’re experiencing issues with installing Cumulative Updates KB5053656 or KB5054979 on your Windows 11 system, you’re not alone. These updates can sometimes fail due to various reasons, including service configurations, corrupt files, or improper settings. This guide will walk you through a series of detailed steps to troubleshoot and resolve these issues effectively, ensuring your system is up to date and functioning properly.

Before you start, ensure that your Windows 11 version is up to date and that you have access to administrative privileges. Familiarity with basic troubleshooting techniques will also be helpful. Prepare to follow along closely as we address each potential cause of the issue.

Step 1: Start the App Readiness Service

The App Readiness service is crucial for ensuring that Windows updates are applied correctly. To start this service:

  1. Press Windows + S to open the search box.
  2. Type services and select Services from the results.
  3. In the Services window, scroll to find App Readiness.
  4. Double-click on it, set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Start if it’s not already running. Then click OK.

Step 2: Move the $WinREAgent Folder

Sometimes, the presence of the $WinREAgent folder can cause update issues. Follow these steps to relocate it:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to This PC > C:.
  2. Check for the $WinREAgent folder. If it’s not visible, click on the View tab, select Show, and then Hidden items.
  3. If found, copy the folder to your desktop as a backup and then delete it from the original location.

After this step, check for updates again to see if the issue persists.

Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in Windows Update troubleshooter can help identify and resolve issues automatically:

  1. Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Update and click Run. Follow the prompts to allow it to diagnose and fix any issues.

Step 4: Restart Windows Update Services

Restarting the Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services can resolve issues due to service interruptions:

  1. Return to the Services window.
  2. Locate Windows Update, double-click it, set it to Automatic, and click Start.
  3. Repeat for Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

Step 5: Utilize Windows 11 Installation Assistant

If updates are not installing after performing the previous steps, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to force an update:

  1. Visit the Windows 11 Download Page.
  2. Download the Installation Assistant and run the application. Follow the prompts to proceed with the update.

Step 6: Access Microsoft Update Catalog

For direct downloads of the updates, you can manually search for them through the Microsoft Update Catalog:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  2. Search for KB5053656 or KB5054979 and download the appropriate version for your system.
  3. Install the downloaded update manually and restart your computer.

Step 7: Reset Windows Update Components

If the updates still fail, resetting the Windows Update components can often resolve deeper issues. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Notepad and paste the following commands:

  2. SC config trustedinstaller start=auto
    net stop bits
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop msiserver
    net stop cryptsvc
    net stop appidsvc
    Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
    regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
    regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
    regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
    netsh winsock reset
    netsh winsock reset proxy
    rundll32.exe pnpclean.dll,RunDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN
    dism /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth
    dism /Online /Cleanup-image /CheckHealth
    dism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
    dism /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup
    Sfc /ScanNow
    net start bits
    net start wuauserv
    net start msiserver
    net start cryptsvc
    net start appidsvc

  3. Save the file as Wufix.bat on your desktop.
  4. Right-click on the file and choose Run as administrator to execute the commands.

Step 8: Use the Media Creation Tool

If all else fails, using the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade can ensure your installation is repaired and updated:

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
  2. Run the tool and select the option to upgrade your PC now. Follow the prompts and ensure to keep your files and applications during the process.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

While following these steps, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the update process.
  • Temporarily disable any antivirus or third-party firewall that may block the update process.
  • Check for sufficient disk space on your system drive.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issues preventing the installation of updates KB5053656 and KB5054979 on your Windows 11 system. Keeping your system updated is crucial for security and performance, so it’s important to address these errors promptly. If you need further assistance, consider exploring additional resources or reaching out to Microsoft Support for specialized help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the updates still fail after trying all the steps?

If the updates continue to fail, consider performing a system restore to revert your system to a previous point or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Can I uninstall these updates once they are installed?

Yes, you can uninstall updates through Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Click on Uninstall updates to remove any problematic updates.

Is it safe to reset Windows Update components?

Yes, resetting Windows Update components is a common troubleshooting step and is safe to perform. It does not affect your personal files but may require reinstallation of certain updates.

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