How to fix
“Something didn’t go as planned” error
on Windows

Hello. I tried to install Windows updates but I received an error - “Something didn’t go as planned". Is there a way to fix this?

Users may experience the Windows "Something didn't go as planned" error during the update process, which results in the display of the message "No need to worry - undoing changes." This error message usually displays when the update procedure tries to update the computer's operating system and runs across an unforeseen issue or barrier. Conflicting software and corrupted system files are frequently the primary reasons for this issue.

Malware infections, unexpected power interruptions during the update process, and incomplete updates are only a few of the causes of system file corruption. The update procedure may not complete, resulting in the "Something didn't go as planned" error when crucial system files are damaged. Conflicting software might also cause unanticipated problems during the update process. Examples of such software include third-party antivirus products and system optimization tools.

Because it may cause the system to become inconsistent and disturb the regular update flow, this problem could have a major negative effect on users. Missed security patches, bug fixes, and new features due to unsuccessful upgrades might expose the system to security risks and performance problems. When this problem prevents users from keeping the operating system updated, they may also feel irritated and inconvenienced.

Users frequently need to troubleshoot and rectify the underlying issues causing the update failure to handle the "Something didn't go as planned" message. This could be finding and fixing faulty system files, temporarily turning off incompatible software, or making sure the system satisfies the update's requirements. Resolving the root reasons is essential to guaranteeing a seamless update process and preserving the security and functionality of the Windows operating system, even if remedies may differ depending on the particular situation.

In this guide, you will find 5 steps that should help you fix “Something didn’t go as planned" error in Windows. You can also run a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs, corrupted files, and registry issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. 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 2. Fix 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 3. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open the Start menu.
• In the search bar, type cmd.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• In the Command Prompt console, run the following commands consecutively:

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

net stop cryptsvc

• (These commands terminate the Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Cryptographic services.)
• Type or paste cd /d %windir%\system32 in the console and press Enter.
• Run the following commands to reregister the BITS and Windows Update DLL files in the Windows Registry:

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

• Type or paste netsh winsock reset in the Command Prompt console and press Enter.
• Reboot your computer when you see a "Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog" message.

Solution 4. Clear Windows Update Cache

• Press the Windows key + R.
• Type services.msc in the Windows Run box and select OK.
• Right-click on Windows Update in the Services Manager and choose Stop.
• Press the Windows key + E to open Windows File Explorer.

• In the navigation pane, paste C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and press Enter.
• Delete all files and sub-folders in the SoftwareDistribution folder or relocate them to another location on your computer.
• Restart the Windows Update service by returning to the Services Manager, right-clicking on Windows Update, and selecting Start.
• Try reinstalling the update.

Solution 5. 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.