How to fix
KB5037849 fails to install
on Windows

I was about to install the latest Preview build KB5037849 but, unfortunately, it failed. What should I do now? Should I just wait? I tried numerous times yesterday and today but to no avail.

KB5037849 is a Preview build released on May 29, 2024, for Windows 10 version 22H2. This update includes a new feature added to the Snipping Tool that allows its use on a connected Android phone. Additionally, it addresses a couple of bug fixes to enhance system performance and reliability. Despite these improvements, some users have encountered issues with installing this update.

Unfortunately, for some users, KB5037849 fails to install in Windows 10. This failure can manifest in several ways, such as error messages, the update getting stuck during the installation process, or repeated attempts to install the update without success. These issues can occur due to various reasons, including corrupted update files, software conflicts, insufficient disk space, or problems with the Windows Update service itself.

If you can't install KB5037849, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem. First, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common problems with Windows Update. Another solution is to clear the Windows Update cache, which involves removing corrupted update files that might be causing the installation issue.

You can also try using the Microsoft Update Catalog to manually download and install the update, which can sometimes bypass issues with the automatic update process. Ensuring sufficient disk space is also important, as a lack of space can prevent updates from installing. Finally, performing a clean boot can eliminate software conflicts that might be interfering with the update installation.

Additionally, using the [d1] maintenance and repair utility can be particularly useful when dealing with broken registries or DLLs, corrupted system files, BSODs, and more. This tool is especially helpful when it's difficult to identify the exact cause of the problem.

Fix 1. Run the Windows update troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common problems with Windows Update, helping resolve installation issues.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• On the right side of the window, click Additional troubleshooters.
• Scroll down and select Windows update.
• Click Run the troubleshooter.
• Wait for the troubleshooter to finish.
• Restart your system when done.

Fix 2. Check relevant services

For an update to be completed successfully, several services need to be running.

• Type in Services in Windows search and press Enter.
• Scroll down to locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
• If it is already running, right-click and pick Restart.
• If the service is not running, double-click it, select Automatic under the Startup type from the drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Perform the same steps with Windows update and Cryptographic services.

Fix 3. Use the Microsoft Update Catalog

Manually downloading and installing the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog can sometimes bypass issues with the automatic update process.

• Open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
• In the search box, type in KB5037849 and click Search.
• Locate the correct version of the update for your operating system by checking your System type (Right-click on Start and pick System. Under Windows specifications, check the Version).
• Click on Download and follow the prompts to complete the process.
• Once the update is installed, restart your device.

Fix 4. Ensure sufficient disk space

Lack of disk space can prevent updates from installing. Freeing up space can resolve this issue.

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select your main drive (C: by default).
• Select appropriate fields (Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.) and click OK.
• If you want a more thorough cleanup and require even more space, select Clean system files in the Disk Cleanup window.
• Select your main drive again - Windows will compute how much space can be retrieved.
• The largest data dumps are usually accumulated in Windows Update and Delivery Optimization sections, although Temp files can also take a lot if it hasn't been cleaned.
• Select appropriate fields and click OK - Windows will remove all these files from your device and free up space.

Fix 5. Perform a clean boot

A clean boot can eliminate software conflicts that might be interfering with the update installation.

• Disable your anti-malware software temporarily and try the update again.
• If the problem persists, press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• Go to the Services tab and tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
• Select Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Here, right-click on each of the non-Windows entries and select Disable.
• Close down the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab and tick the Safe boot option.
• Restart your computer and try installing the update again.

Fix 6. Repair corrupted system files

Using SFC and DISM tools can fix corrupted system files that might be causing update issues.

• Type cmd in Widnows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• Type in the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• When done, run the following commands as well:
  dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
  dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
  dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  (Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again).
• Restart your computer.

Fix 7. Reset Windows update components

Resetting Windows Update components can resolve issues with the update service itself.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• The User Account Control window will ask whether you want to allow changes - click Yes.
• In the new window, use the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”
  rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc 
• Restart your computer.