How to fix
KB5026372 fails to install
on Windows

Hello. I've been trying to install the KB5026372 update on my Windows 11 PC for the last couple of days but it is not working. What can I do?

Windows updates are critical because they provide users with new features, bug fixes, and security patches that improve overall device performance and security. These updates ensure that users are running the most recent and secure version of Windows, which helps protect their devices from potential threats.

KB5026372[ref en-1] is a critical Windows 11 security update that includes a new toggle control on the Settings > Windows Update page. This toggle control directs the device to receive the most recent non-security updates and enhancements as soon as they become available. The update also addresses security concerns by correcting a race condition in Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS). By resetting the local administrator password, unauthorized users may be able to gain access to sensitive information.

The failure of KB5026372 to install on Windows 11 could be caused by a number of factors, including compatibility issues, corrupted system files, insufficient disk space, or other conflicting applications. If users are having trouble installing KB5026372, they can troubleshoot the issue by checking their system requirements, making sure their device has enough disk space, running a virus scan, and disabling any conflicting applications.

In this guide, you will find 8 steps that should help you fix KB5026372 failing to install in Windows 11. You can also try a maintenance tool like [d1]. It can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Click the Windows button and select Settings.
• Select System from the left pane, then scroll down on the right pane, and click on Troubleshoot.
• Click on Other troubleshooters.
• Locate the Windows Update troubleshooter and hit the Run button.

Solution 3. Restart Windows Services

• Type services in the search bar and launch the Services utility.
• Find Windows Update in the list.
• Double-click on it, set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Apply.
• Now click on Restart the Service.

• Do the same with Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

Solution 4. Use the Microsoft Update Catalog

• Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
• Type the KB number KB5026372 into the search bar, and press Enter or click Search.

• You will find many different versions on the update – you need to find the one that matches your PC specs and Windows version (as a home user, ignore Windows server versions).
• After picking the correct version, click the Download button and proceed with the on-screen instructions.
• Restart your system once done.

Solution 5. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator
• Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:

net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptsvc

Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat”

Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore DataStore.bak

Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Download.bak

Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.bak

sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)

sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)

cd /d %windir%\system32

regsvr32.exe atl.dll

regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll

regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll

regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll

regsvr32.exe browseui.dll

regsvr32.exe jscript.dll

regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll

regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll

regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll

regsvr32.exe softpub.dll

regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll

regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll

regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll

regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll

regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll

regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll

regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll

regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll

regsvr32.exe ole32.dll

regsvr32.exe shell32.dll

regsvr32.exe initpki.dll

regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll

regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll

regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll

regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll

regsvr32.exe wups.dll

regsvr32.exe wups2.dll

regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll

regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll

regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll

regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll

regsvr32.exe muweb.dll

regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll

netsh winsock reset

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start cryptsvc

• Wait for the process to finish and restart your PC

Solution 6. Try Clean Boot

• Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter.
• Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box.
• Click on Disable all button.

• Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
• Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top.
• Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.
• Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists.
• If the issue disappeared in the clean boot state, then you can be certain that a third-party app is causing it.
• Go through all recently installed apps or programs and remove them one by one.

Solution 7. Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Disabling a third-party antivirus can help fix the issue with KB5026372 failing to install on Windows 11, as antivirus programs can sometimes interfere with the Windows update process. Antivirus software often uses deep system hooks to monitor and protect the system, and these hooks can sometimes interfere with the Windows Update process, preventing updates from being installed correctly.

By disabling the antivirus temporarily, users can ensure that the update installation process is not being blocked or interrupted by the antivirus software. Once the update has been successfully installed, users can re-enable the antivirus software to ensure continued protection of their device.

Solution 8. Use Installation Media

If none of the previous steps helped you resolve the issue, your current installation of Windows may be corrupt. Perform a repair installation and see if it fixes the issue of updates not installing.

• Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 11 Installation Media.

• Run the Media Creation Tool and select Create Installation Media for another PC.
• Select your USB drive.
• Let the Process complete of writing the Installation files to the USB drive.
• Click Finish.
• On the PC you wish to upgrade, Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer.
• Open the Removable drive and click Setup.exe.
• Accept the license terms on the next screen.
• Confirm the Upgrade options – Files, apps and Settings are kept.
• Click Install, and the upgrade should start.