How to fix
KB5037768 fails to install
on Windows

Hi, I can't install KB5037768, as it fails every time. Is there any solution for this?

Windows updates are crucial for maintaining system security and performance, and Microsoft distributes these updates regularly, often identified by KB (Knowledge Base) numbers. These updates address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and enhance system features.

One such update, KB5037768, released in May 2024 as part of Microsoft's Patch Tuesday routine, is experiencing installation issues for some users. This update aimed to resolve several problems that arose from previous updates, including VPN connection failures and domain controller issues. Additionally, it provided quality improvements for the Windows 10 servicing stack.

There are several reasons why KB5037768 might fail to install, with common causes including insufficient disk space, corrupted system files, or conflicts with other installed software. Network issues during the download process can also lead to incomplete or corrupt update files, and in some cases, specific hardware incompatibilities may prevent the update from installing correctly.

If KB5037768 fails to install for you, consider the numerous solutions. Ensure that your system has enough free disk space for the update to download and install, and check for and repair any corrupted system files that could be interfering with the update process. This can often be done using built-in Windows utilities or third-party tools.

Additionally, make sure that no conflicting software is running during the update. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it. The instructions for these and several other methods can be found below.

The [d1] maintenance and repair tool is very helpful for fixing issues with corrupted system files, DLLs, broken registry, BSODs, and more, especially when determining the root cause is difficult. 

Fix 1. Run Windows update troubleshooter

A troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help you find issues with Windows update automatically.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• Click Additional troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to find the Windows Update option.
• Click and select Run the troubleshooter.
• Apply the offered changes and close down the troubleshooter - see if that helps solve your problem.

Fix 2. Repair file corruption

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• In the User Account Control window, click Yes.
• In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Next, use the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  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).
• Reboot your PC.

Fix 3. Try Clean Boot

• Type msconfig in Windows search, then press Enter.
• Select the Services tab and tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
• Pick 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.
• Try updating again.

Fix 4. Perform Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup removes unnecessary files and frees up space on your hard drive, which can resolve installation issues.

• Initiate the Windows search bar, enter Disk Cleanup, and press Enter to launch the utility.
• Pick the main drive (C: by default) and select the option for Clean up system files.
• Choose the drive once more and press OK.
• From the array of files that can be cleaned, choose those taking up the most space, for example, Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, and Temporary Files, among others.
• Hit OK to begin the cleanup process.

Fix 5. Install the update manually

If automatic updates fail, manually downloading and installing the update can often resolve the issue.

• Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website - a database of all available updates for Windows.
• In the search box, type KB5037768 and hit 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).
• Right-click on Start and pick System.
• Under Device specifications, check the System type section: it should either be 64-bit or 32-bit.
• Scroll down to Windows specifications and check the Version section.
• Return to the Microsoft Update catalog, download the correct version, and install it.
• Restart your device.

Fix 6. Reset Windows update components

Resetting Windows update components can resolve issues with corrupted or misconfigured update settings.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Stop the Windows Update Services by entering the following commands, one at a time, and pressing Enter after each:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop msiserver
  net stop bits
• Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders with the following commands:
  ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• Restart the services you stopped earlier with these commands:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start msiserver
  net start bits
• Close the Command Prompt window and try running the Windows Update again.

Fix 7. Employ Media Creation Tool

Media Creation Tool can upgrade your system to the latest version of Windows 10, which includes the KB5037768 update, potentially bypassing installation issues.

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media.
• Double-click the installer and select Yes when UAC shows up.
• Agree to terms.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and select Next.
• Windows will now download all the necessary files – it might take a while.
• Agree to the terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, ensure you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click the Change what to keep option).
• Click Install to begin the upgrade process.

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