How to fix
KB5036893 fails to install
on Windows

Hello, I can't install KB5036893 - the latest Windows 11 update. Is there something wrong with Microsoft servers? I've been trying all day but I keep getting a message that the installation has failed and I should try again later.

KB5036893 is a recent Windows 11 update that targets versions 22H2 and 23H2 and launched on April 9, 2024. A KB, or Knowledge Base update, is a component of Microsoft's ongoing attempt to improve the operating system's functionality and security. This update contains a variety of improvements, including increased security measures and new features for Voice Access, Windows Share, Nearby Share, Snap Layouts, Windows 365 Switch, and more.

Despite the numerous changes KB5036893 delivers, some users have reported issues installing this update. This failure can show as an error during the installation process, resulting in the system lacking the most recent security measures and features.

There could be many reasons why KB5036893 fails to install, but one common cause is broken update caches, which are temporary files that might become defective or outdated. Corrupted system files can also prevent updates from being installed properly. Additionally, problems with other software or programs already installed on your PC may impede the update process.

If you can't install KB5036893, you could start by deleting your update cache or repairing corrupted system files. It's also a good idea to check for any software that may interfere with the upgrade (usually, security or similar software). These steps will most likely help you to resolve issues that prevent system updates from being installed successfully.

If these methods seem intimidating, try employing a professional PC repair tool [d1]. An app like this is intended to automatically find and resolve underlying Windows issues that may be preventing system updates.

Fix 1. Perform Disk Cleanup

Clearing temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data can free up space and prevent conflicts during the installation process of an update.

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and hit Enter.
• If your Windows is installed on drive C, pick it from the list (it should be by default) and press OK.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select your main disk again and click OK.
• Here, select the largest portions of the data used, including Windows Update, Temporary Internet Files, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, and others.
• Click OK - the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 2. Run Windows update troubleshooter

Windows Update troubleshooter is designed to detect and fix common issues that can prevent updates from installing properly. This tool automatically diagnoses and resolves any problems found.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list and click Run.
• The troubleshooter will automatically scan your system for potential problems and display any issues it finds.
• If the troubleshooter finds any issues, it will provide recommended solutions.

Fix 3. Check for relevant services

Certain services must be running for Windows Update to function correctly. Ensuring these services are active can help resolve installation issues.

• In Windows search, type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
• In the Services window, locate and double-click on the following services one by one (if these are already running, right-click and hit Restart):
  • Windows Update
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Cryptographic Services
• For each service, ensure that the Startup type is set to Automatic. If it's not, select Automatic from the drop-down menu.
• Check the Service status. If the service is not running, click the Start button to start it.
• Click Apply and then OK for each service.
• Close the Services window and restart your computer.

Fix 4. Check for system file corruption

To fix corrupted system files, run SFC and DISM

• 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 Command Prompt window, paste the following command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Once the scan is complete, use the following commands and press Enter after each:
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  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 5. Disable security or similar software

Security applications, firewalls, or VPNs can occasionally block the Windows update process by mistakenly identifying update actions as threats. Temporarily disabling these programs can eliminate this potential blockage, enabling the update process to proceed without interference.

It's advisable, however, to ensure that you're disconnected from the internet while these security services are disabled to prevent exposure to online threats. After the update is installed, remember to re-enable your security software to maintain your system's protection.

Fix 6. Install the update manually

If automatic updates fail, you can manually download and install the update package from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

• Open your browser and go to Microsoft Update Catalog.
• In the search box, type in KB5036893 and press Search.
• Find the correct version of the update for your operating system (to check this, right-click on Start and pick System. Under Windows specifications, check the Version) and click Download.
• Follow on-screen guidelines to finish the installation process and restart your computer.

Fix 7. Reset Windows update components

Resetting Windows update components involves restarting the services associated with Windows Update and clearing the cache where update files are stored.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Then, copy and paste the following command, pressing Enter after:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
  Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
• When these commands are executed, the last thing to do is to re-enable relevant services:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Restart your system.