How to fix
Windows update error 0xc1900104
on Windows

Good day. I was wondering if you could help me with Windows update error 0xc1900104. I got it yesterday when I tried to install the latest feature updates on Windows 11.

Windows updates play an important role in fixing system security, stability, and compatibility. These include patches, performance enhancements, and sometimes new features to keep your system running. Issues, however, may arise concerning the process of updating, an example of which is Windows update error 0xc1900104. It usually occurs during the installation phase of a Windows update, wherein it prevents the installation from being successful.

There are a plethora of factors that cause error 0xc1900104. Usually, this kind of error occurs due to low disk space or compatibility with hardware and drivers. Sometimes system settings are also an influencing factor. Sometimes, network interruptions or problems within the Windows Update service contribute to this error.

It can also be triggered by incompatibilities in system settings or a failure to meet specific update requirements, like system readiness for new features. Users report seeing this error frequently after trying multiple updates, which may point to underlying issues with Windows Update itself or certain configurations.

To troubleshoot the 0xc1900104 error, basic checks, like ensuring enough disk space and verifying a stable internet connection, are often helpful starting points. Additionally, advanced methods, such as resetting Windows Update components or running the Update Troubleshooter, can resolve more persistent issues. In some cases, temporarily disabling security software or using the Media Creation Tool to manually install updates may also help bypass the error.

For automatic assistance with error 0xc1900104 and related Windows issues, using [d1] PC repair tool can streamline the process by detecting and resolving common system problems efficiently.

Fix 1. Check relevant services

• Type in Services in Windows search and press Enter.
• Find Windows Update.
• If it is already running, right-click and pick Restart.
• If the service is not running, double-click it, and select Automatic under the Startup type from the drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Repeat this process for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic services.

Fix 2. Run the troubleshooter

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list and select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Wait till the scan is finished - you will be provided with potential causes so you can proceed with fixes.

Fix 3. Perform a disk cleanup

• 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 - these typically include Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, and others.
• Click OK - the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 4. Repair system file corruption

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• The User Account Control (UAC) window will ask whether you want to allow changes to your computer - click Yes.
• Copy and paste this command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Wait for the scan to finish.
• As soon as it finishes, Windows will report whether integrity violations were found and if they could be fixed. Regardless of the outcome, use these commands next, pressing Enter after each:
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Close down the Command Prompt and restart your device.

Fix 5. Reset Windows update components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Stop the Windows Update-related services by running the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each one:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
• Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by running the following commands:
  ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  Note: If your Windows installation is not on the C drive, replace "C" with the appropriate drive letter.
• Restart the Windows Update-related services by running the following commands:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Reboot your system.

Fix 6. Try installing in Clean Boot

• Type msconfig inWindows Search and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
• Click on the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft Services box.
• Click Disable all to disable non-Microsoft services, then click the Startup tab.
• Open the Task Manager, disable all startup items, and close the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab and mark the Safe boot option.
• Click OK on the System Configuration window and reboot your computer.
• Try installing the update again.

Fix 7. Use Media Creation Tool

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media (Windows 11 version).
• Double-click the installer, select Yes when UAC shows up, and agree to the terms.
• Select the ISO file and click Next, then follow the instructions to finish the process.
• Right-click on ISO and click Mount.
• Open the location of the ISO, right-click on it, and select Mount.
• Launch the installer.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
• Windows will start downloading the needed files.
• 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).
• Finally, click Install to begin the upgrade process.

Fix 8. Install manually

• Type in Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select View update history.
• Find the update that failed with the 0xc1900104 error and copy its KB number.
• Open your browser and go to Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Within the search bar, type in the KB number and clicks Search.
• Find the correct version of the update for your operating system (to check this, right-click on Start and pick System. Under Device specifications and check the System type) and click Download.
• Use on-screen guidelines to finish the installation process and restart your system.