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How to troubleshoot Windows 10 October 2020 Update

          Windows 10 October 2020 Update Problems And Fixes

As we have already discussed and see what the new Windows 10 October 2020 update holds in store for us. It has a mix of old and new and some modifications to the way we use windows. 

The Windows 10 October 2020 Update (version 20H2) is now available for compatible devices with some new features and changes to complement the May 2020 Update (version 2004). This is the tenth major update after the original release, and it’s the second semi-annual refresh that comes out in 2020.

Since both version 20H2 and 2004 share the same core file system, the new version will be offered as a cumulative update for computers already running the May 2020 Update that won’t require reinstallation. On devices running an older release, such as the November 2019 Update, the upgrade process won’t change, meaning that complete reinstallation will be required.

Usually, the update process to a newer version of Windows 10 happens without glitches, but there is always a chance of problems, even more, if you’re coming from a relatively old release. Sometimes the issues are related to changes in the new feature update. However, more often than not, update failures occur due to custom configurations, outdated drivers, incompatible programs, and hardware-related problems.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll highlight the most common problems you’re likely to encounter as you upgrade to the October 2020 Update and the instructions to resolve them.

How to fix problems upgrading to the October 2020 Update

When it comes to the time to upgrade to a newer release of Windows 10, you may see two types of problems. The first type is those common issues, such as activation, storage, and Windows Update, which are not necessarily problems with the October 2020 Update.

The second type is those issues that happen because of bugs with the feature update. Typically, these problems occur during the installation due to compatibility problems with drivers or applications. But new releases are also known to cause issues after the upgrade and with follow up quality updates.

In this guide, we’ll look into the different instructions to resolve both types of problems, whether you’ll be applying the update to the May 2020 Update or an older release using Windows Update, Media Creation Tool, or Update Assistant.

    How to fix errors with Windows Update installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix error 0x800F0922 with Windows Update downloading October 2020 Update

    How to fix error 0x80073712 with Windows Update installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix Update Assistant stuck downloading Windows 10 October 2020 Update

    How to fix errors with Media Creation Tool installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix issues using USB media installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix error 0x8007042B or 0x800700B7 using Windows Setup installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix error 0xC1900107 upgrading to Windows 10 October 2020 Update

    How to fix storage error 0x80070070 installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix error 0x80070002 0x20009 installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix driver error 0xC1900101 installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix hardware error 0xC1900200, 0xC1900202, or 0x80300024 installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix driver compatibility error 0x800F0923 installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix app compatibility error 0xC1900208 installing October 2020 Update

    How to fix install completion problem with the October 2020 Update

    How to fix black screen problem with October 2020 Update

    How to fix networking problems with October 2020 Update

    How to fix activation error 0x803F7001 with October 2020 Update

    How to minimize problems upgrading to Windows 10 October 2020 Update

How to fix errors with Windows Update installing October 2020 Update

Microsoft always recommends to perform an upgrade using Windows Update, but this feature can also present unwanted issues.

Typically, Windows Update errors are not easy to identify, but you can use the troubleshooter to fix most common problems.

To fix problems downloading the October 2020 Update with Windows Update, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Troubleshoot.
  4. Click the Advanced troubleshooters option.
Advanced Troubleshooters
  1. Under the “Get up and running” section, select the Windows Update option.
  2. Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
Run troubleshooter
  1. Click the Apply this fix option (if applicable).

Quick note: If the “Apply this fix” option is not available, it doesn’t mean that it didn’t work. The tool will run an automated script to fix common problems, and if there’s something else, you’ll see the option to apply the fix.

  1. Continue with the on-screen directions.
  2. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, you can use the Windows Update settings again to install the new feature update.

In the case that you see the error 0xc1900223, then there’s a problem downloading the update, but there is nothing you need to do. Windows Update will try to download the files at a later time.

How to fix error 0x800F0922 with Windows Update downloading October 2020 Update

If you clicked the “Download and install” button and you receive error 0x800F0922, it could indicate that Windows Update cannot connect to the server to download the files the System Reserved partition doesn’t have enough space.

Close VPN connection

Usually, if there’s a connection problem trying to download version 20H2, a VPN connection is likely active.

To proceed with the upgrade, disconnect from the VPN server using these steps:

  1. Click the network icon in the taskbar.
  2. Select the VPN connection.
Windows 10 VPN disconnect
  1. Click the Disconnect button.

If you’re using a VPN client other than the built-in one available on Windows 10, check your software support website for more specific details.

Resizing System Reserved partition

Sometimes antivirus and other third-party security software can store data in the System Reserved partition blocking the installation of a new version of Windows 10.

You can quickly get around this problem using a third-party tool to resize the partition to make it equal or larger than 500MB. Alternatively, you could use a Clean Installation, which will not only fix the problem, but you’ll start with a new fresh installation of Windows 10 that can improve performance and may resolve other issues.

How to fix error 0x80073712 with Windows Update installing October 2020 Update

When installing the October 2020 Update, the error 0x80073712 indicates that the required files are either missing or damaged.

To fix the problem, delete the Windows Update temporary files using these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on Storage.
  4. Under the “Storage” section, click the Temporary files option for the main drive.
Windows 10 Storage Temporary Files option
  1. Clear the current item selections.
  2. Check the Temporary Windows Installation files or Windows Setup temporary files item.
Windows 10 delete temporary files
  1. Click the Remove files button.

After you complete the steps, use the Windows Update settings to apply version 20H2 one more time.

If you keep getting the same error, use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade the system.

How to fix Update Assistant stuck downloading Windows 10 October 2020 Update

The Update Assistant is a tool to install feature updates when Windows Update does not work, but sometimes, this tool can also experience some issues.

Update Assistant stuck downloading Windows 10 October 2020 Update

Issues with the Update Assistant are usually related to networking, which you can fix with these two methods:

  • Disconnect the network cable from the computer, or disconnect from the wireless connection using the network flyout on the taskbar. Wait an entire minute, reconnect to the network, and restart the Update Assistant.
  • Restart your computer, and then reopen the Update Assistant.

If the problem persists, use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade your device to the October 2020 Update.

How to fix errors with Media Creation Tool installing October 2020 Update

The Media Creation Tool is a utility that allows you to perform an in-place upgrade as well as a clean installation of Windows 10, but it’s not flawless, and you may run into issues.

Resolve Media Creation Tool stuck downloading updates

The Media Creation Tool downloads the installation files and any available cumulative updates to ensure the most up-to-date version of Windows 10 is applied to the device. However, sometimes, the tool might get up stuck downloading updates, which will prevent the installation from continuing.

If the tool is stuck on the “Getting updates” stage, use these steps to fix the problem:

  1. Close the Media Creation Tool.
  2. Open the Media Creation Tool again.
  3. As soon as the installation files finish downloading, unplug the network cable from your computer or disconnect from the wireless network.
Disconnect Media Creation Tools stuck on updates

Once you complete the steps, the utility will time out the connection and continue with the setup process.

Resolve Media Creation Tool won’t start setup

If the Media Creation Tool is stuck downloading the October 2020 Update install files, you may need to start the upgrade process manually.

To start the upgrade process manually, use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Browse to the following path:

C:\ESD\Windows\sources

  1. Double-click the Setupprep.exe file to launch the setup wizard.

Media Creation Tool manual launchSource: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, you can continue with the upgrade process of the Windows 10 version 20H2.

In the case that the steps don’t resolve the issue, then you should try upgrading with the Update Assistant.

How to fix issues using USB media installing October 2020 Update

If the Windows 10 October 2020 Update fails to install using a USB bootable media, some of the required files might be missing or damaged. You can resolve this problem using the Media Creation Tool to create the bootable media one more time.

To create a Windows 10 USB bootable media, use these steps:

  1. Open the Microsoft Support Website
  2. Under the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section, click the Download tool now button.
  3. Save the installer on your computer.
  4. Double-click the MediaCreationTool20H2.exe to start the setup.
  5. Click the Accept button.
  6. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option.
Media Creation Tool create USB option
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Click the Next button again.
Windows 10 select language setup
  1. Select the USB flash drive option.
Media Creation Tool USB option
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Select a removable drive from the list.
Media Creation Tool select USB flash drive
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Click the Finish button.

After you complete the steps, the tool will create a new installation media with the files to install the October 2020 Update. If the bootable media fails again, then use another device to make the USB bootable media.

How to fix error 0x8007042B or 0x800700B7 using Windows Setup installing October 2020 Update

During the Windows 10 October 2020 Update installation using the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant, the process may stop with error 0x8007042B 0x4000D or 0x800700B7 0x2000A.

These errors happen because another process (usually from a third-party antivirus) in the background is interfering with the upgrade.

To resolve this issue, terminate the process in question, and proceed with the update again. Alternatively, you can perform a Clean Boot Of Windows 10 to start the upgrade, or you can temporarily remove the conflicting program.

To uninstall an app on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Select the app.
  5. Click the Uninstall button.
Uninstall app on Windows 10
  1. Click the Uninstall button again.
  2. Continue with the on-screen directions.

Once you complete the steps, the upgrade process should complete successfully.

How to fix error 0xC1900107 upgrading to Windows 10 October 2020 Update

The error 0xC1900107 message indicates that the device was recently upgraded, but the previous installation files are still pending for deletion.

Usually, you can fix this problem by restarting your device. However, if the error continues, you can use Storage Sense to remove the previous version manually.

To delete a previous installation of Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on Storage.
  4. Under the “Storage” section, click the Configure Storage Sense or run in now option.
Configure Storage Sense or run it now option
  1. Under the “Free up space now” section, check the Delete previous versions of Windows option.

Windows 10 delete previous version in StorageClick the Clean now button.

After you complete the steps, the previous installation will be deleted from the device, and you should now be able to proceed with the update.

How to fix storage error 0x80070070 installing October 2020 Update

Windows 10 now includes a Reserved Storage feature that sets aside part of the drive space for updates and temporary files. However, it’s not always enabled on every installation, and you may still run into storage-related errors, including 0x80070070 – 0x50011, 0x80070070 – 0x50012, or 0x80070070 – 0x60000.

To fix the problem, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on Storage.
  4. Under the “Storage” section, click the Temporary files option for the main drive.

Windows 10 Storage Temporary Files optionCheck the items to remove.

Free up space fix install of Windows 10 version 20H2

Quick tip: Avoid selecting the “Windows Setup temporary files” or “Windows ESD installation files” options, because these are the files required to update the computer.

  1. Click the Remove files button.

Once you complete the steps, proceed with the installation of version 20H2.

If the newly available space is not enough, connect an external storage device (such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive) with at least 16GB of space that the setup can use as temporary storage to continue with the upgrade.

How to fix error 0x80070002 0x20009 installing October 2020 Update

The error 0x80070002 0x20009 message can also occur during the upgrade to version 20H2, and it indicates that the setup can’t find the specified files.

To resolve this issue, remove any drive connected to the computer, including USB flash drives (except the one with the setup files) and external hard drive to continue.

How to fix driver error 0xC1900101 installing October 2020 Update

If there’s a driver problem upgrading to version 20H2, you’re likely to see errors starting with 0xC1900101 or 0x80090011.

This is the list of the different “0xC1900101” error codes:

  • 0xC1900101 – 0x2000c
  • 0xC1900101 – 0x20017
  • 0xC1900101 – 0x30017
  • 0xC1900101 – 0x30018
  • 0xC1900101 – 0x3000D
  • 0xC1900101 – 0x4000D
  • 0xC1900101 – 0x40017

To get around any other these errors, you can use the following tips:

Optimize storage space

According to the hardware requirements, the device needs at least 20GB of available space to install Windows 10 version 20H2. This means that if you see one of the 0xC1900101 errors, you may need to use the Storage settings, uninstall non-essential apps and games, and migrate personal files to another location to free up space.

Disconnect devices

If you want to minimize the chances of errors during the Windows 10 October 2020 Update installation, disconnect all the peripherals, including external drives, printers, Bluetooth devices, USB devices, cameras, and other devices.

After the upgrade, you can reconnect them back.

Update drivers

Also, if you see an error message that starts with 0xC1900101 or 0x80090011, you need to make sure the device isn’t missing driver updates.

Important: If you’re downloading the update from your device manufacturer support website, make sure to follow their instructions, and skip the steps below.

To check for device driver updates, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the View optional updates option.
Windows 10 Optional Updates

Quick note: This option is only available if the system detects any driver that can be updated through Windows Update.

  1. Click the Driver updates list to expand.
  2. Select the driver to update.

Windows 10 update driversClick the Download and install option.

Once you complete the steps, you can try to install the October 2020 Update without result in an 0xC1900101 or 0x80090011 error message.

Uninstall security apps

Also, it’s possible to run into the 0xC1900101 0x20017 and 0xC1900101 0x30017 when there’s a problem with third-party security software.

You can get around these errors by temporarily removing third-party antivirus, anti-spyware, and any other kind of anti-malware software with these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Select the security app.
  5. Click the Uninstall button.

Uninstall antivirus fix upgrade of Windows 10 version 20H2Click the Uninstall button again.

  1. Continue with the on-screen directions.

After you complete the steps, continue upgrading to version 20H2, then reinstall the security software again.

Repair current installation

An 0xC1900101 error message could mean a problem with the current installation. When this happens, you can use the Deployment Servicing and Management (DISM) and the System File Checker (SFC) utilities to repair the installation to continue with the upgrade process to version 20H2.

Repair hard drive

You can also use the CHKDSK command tool to check and repair logical and some physical errors with the system’s hard drive.

To use the CHKDSK command tool on Windows 10, close any app, and then use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk/f c:

Repair Windows 10 with chkdsk to install version 20H2Type Y and press Enter to schedule a scan.

  1. Restart your device.

After the computer reboots, the tool will start automatically and scan and repair any drive errors.

Clean installation

If you’re still getting the 0xC1900101 error message, you should use the Media Creation Tool to perform a fresh installation of Windows 10 version 20H2.

How to fix hardware error 0xC1900200, 0xC1900202, or 0x80300024 installing October 2020 Update

The errors 0xC1900200 – 0x20008, and 0xC1900202 – 0x20008 mean that the device doesn’t have enough memory. Also, the error 0x80300024 indicates that there’s a problem with the target drive.

To check the device hardware specifications, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on About.
  4. Confirm the hardware specifications.
Windows 10 check hardware specifications

These are the minimum hardware that you need to install Windows 10:

  • CPU: 1GHz or faster CPU or System on a Chip (SoC).
  • RAM: 1GB for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit.
  • Hard drive: 16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit existing installs, or 32GB clean install or new devices. 
  • Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver.
  • Display: 800×600.

Typically, these errors will be an issue on older or low-end devices, and you can resolve them by upgrading the system memory or internal drive.

How to fix driver compatibility error 0x800F0923 installing October 2020 Update

During the Windows 10 October 2020 Update installation process, you may also get the error 0x800F0923, indicating a compatibility issue with a driver or app already installed on the computer.

Traditionally, this error happens as a result of an issue with the graphics driver. However, it can also be triggered by an old program, third-party antivirus, outdated drivers for specific hardware.

If you use the Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool, you might understand in more detail the root of the problem.

Windows 10 Setup what needs your attention message

In the case that it’s a driver problem, you should download and install the latest version from the manufacturer support website using their instructions. Also, look for beta versions of the driver. Sometimes, there’s a bug with the current version, which has been fixed in the driver’s upcoming release.

In the case that you’re running the latest device driver, you can uninstall it and continue with the upgrade process. Then, after the installation, you can install the driver again.

Fix driver compatibility

To uninstall a device driver on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Expand the branch with the device having issues.
  4. Right-click the component and select the Uninstall device option.

Remove Incompatible driver to upgrade to Windows 10 version 20H2Click the Uninstall button again.

After you complete the steps, you should be able to complete the upgrade of the October 2020 Update.

Fix app compatibility

If the issue is an incompatible app, either update the app or remove it before proceeding with the upgrade process.

To uninstall an app, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Select the incompatible app.
  5. Click the Uninstall button.

Uninstall app on Windows 10Click the Uninstall button again.

  1. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, continue with the installation of version 20H2. After the upgrade, you can install the apps again.

How to fix app compatibility error 0xC1900208 installing October 2020 Update

When installing the Fall 2020 update, you may also see the error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C that indicates an app is conflicting.

You can always get around this issue by removing the app in question with these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Select the incompatible application.

Quick tip: If you’re not sure the app is causing the problem, it’s usually a third-party antivirus or an older piece of software.

  1. Click the Uninstall button.

Uninstall app on Windows 10Click the Uninstall button again.

  1. Continue with the on-screen direction to remove the app.

Once the conflicting apps have been removed, you can continue with the update to version 20H2.

How to fix install completion problem with the October 2020 Update

When trying to apply version 20H2 or a cumulative update, you may run into these errors:

  • Error: We couldn’t complete the updates. Undoing changes. Don’t turn off your computer.
  • Error: Failure configuring Windows Updates. Reverting changes.

These messages are general errors that will block the installation. In this case, determine the exact error code and research online to find a possible solution.

To find out the error code message blocking version 20H2, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the View your update history option.
  5. Check the error code next to the failed update.

Once you complete the steps, research the error code online to determine a solution. Usually, you may be able to find a solution at the Windows Central Forums or the official Microsoft Forums.

How to fix black screen problem with October 2020 Update

A black screen is a common problem that can appear during or after installing the Windows 10 version 20H2. When this happens, the issue is likely the graphics driver, or it could mean that a previous update didn’t apply correctly.

In the case that the problem persists, then the feature update isn’t fully compatible with your device yet, and it’s recommended to roll back to the previous version.

Roll back to Windows 10 version 1909

If you recently upgraded a device running the October 2018 Update or an earlier release, then to remove the October 2020 Update, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Recovery.
  4. Under the “Go back to a previous version of Windows 10” section, click the Get started button.

Windows 10 version 20H2 rollback to version 2004Check any of the reasons available.

  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Click the No, thanks button.
  3. Click the Next button.
Windows 10 version 20H2 remove option
  1. Click the Next button again.

Windows 10 rollback password alertClick the Go back to earlier build button.

Windows 10 uninstall version 20H2

After you complete the steps, it’s best not to upgrade until a new update becomes available that fixes the particular problem.

Roll back to Windows 10 version 2004

If you recently upgraded a device running the May 2019 Update, then to remove the October 2020 Update, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the View update history option.

Windows Update History OptionClick the Uninstall updates option at the top of the page.

Uninstall Update Option on Windows 10 version 2004Select the Feature Update to Windows 10 20H2 item from the list.

Uninstall Windows 10 version 20H2 from version 2004
  1. Click the Uninstall button. 
  2. Click the Yes button.
  3. Click the Restart now button.

While these steps will return the device to the previous version, if the current set up is nearing the end of service, eventually, Windows 10 will try to install the update again.

If you’re dealing with a known issue with the feature update, Microsoft often lists the problem along with its status and workaround (if applicable) in the Windows 10 health dashboard page. 

How to fix networking problems with October 2020 Update

Sometimes, the upgrade process can cause networking problems. For example, lose of connectivity with Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections, inconsistent connectivity, or the network adapter may break entirely.

In the case that the device is experiencing network related issues, consider that a lot of reasons can affect connectivity, including drivers, settings, signal, cable, switch, router, and Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, there’s always a chance that a problem happens because of a bug with version 20H2.

If the issue happens immediately after applying the October 2020 Update, it’s likely this is a driver or configuration related problem.

Network troubleshooter

To fix network adapter problems after upgrading to version 20H2, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Network & Security.
  3. Click on Status.
  4. Under the “Advanced network settings” section, click the Network Troubleshoot button.

Windows 10 version 20H2 fix networking issuesContinue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the device should reconnect to the network.

Network reset

If the previous steps didn’t resolve the issue, then resetting the network adapters to their factory defaults might fix it.

To reset all network adapters on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Network & Security.
  3. Click on Status.
  4. Under the “Change your network settings” section, click the Network reset button.
Windows 10 October 2020 Update reset network adapter
  1. Click the Reset now button.
Windows 10 Reset Networks option
  1. Click the Yes button.

After you complete the steps, the tool will remove and reinstall all the network adapters and set the configurations to their defaults.

In the case that the instructions don’t fix the problem, it could be a bug with the Windows 10 October 2020 Update. 

How to fix activation error 0x803F7001 with October 2020 Update

Once the copy of Windows 10 is activated, it’s not required to type the product key during upgrades or clean installations. However, there’s a chance that you may run the “Windows not activated” message along with the 0x803F7001 error after installing version 20H2.

Windows 10 activation problem

If this happens, there’s nothing else you need to do, since Windows 10 will keep trying to reactivate later. However, you can use the Activation Troubleshooter to reactivate the installation.

How to minimize problems upgrading to Windows 10 October 2020 Update

Although the Windows 10 October 2020 Update is relatively small, there’s always a chance of running into unexpected issues during and after an upgrade. However, if you prepare accordingly, you can significantly reduce the chances of problems.

Create temporary backup

Although the Windows Setup process has a safety mechanism to undo the changes if the upgrade can’t continue for any reason, it’s not guaranteed that it’ll work every time. Also, the upgrade might work, but as we have seen in previous releases, the process may cause data loss, which is why it’s always recommended to create a full backup before proceeding.

Windows 10 image backup before 20H2 upgrade

You can use any backup software of your choice, or you can create a temporary backup using the imaging tool available on Windows 10. It’s also recommended to create a backup of your files to an external drive or Cloud using OneDrive.

Configure System Restore point

If the device is using the May 2020 Update, it’s a good idea to enable and configure System Restore to create a restore point, which can help you to undo the changes if something goes wrong.

To enable System Restore on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Create a restore point, and click the top result to open the System Properties app.
  3. Click the System Protection tab.
  4. Under the “Protection Settings” section, select the main “System” drive.
  5. Click the Configure button.

Restore Point configure optionSelect the Turn on system protection option.

Turn on System Protection
  1. Click the Apply button.
  2. Click the Create button.
Restore Point create option
  1. Specify a name for the restore point. For instance, Restore point before installing the October 2020 Update.
Create restore point before Windows 10 version 20H2 install
  1. Click the Create button.
  2. Click the Close button.
  3. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, you can continue with the update process through Windows Update. If the update is causing problems, you can use the Restore Point to undo changes.

Disconnect non-essential peripherals

On Windows 10, non-essential peripherals (USB flash drive, SD cards, external hard drives, printers, scanners, dongles, and Bluetooth devices) are sometimes responsible for installation failures.

If you’re about to upgrade to version 20H2, disconnect all peripherals from the device. You only need a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and internet connection. (After the installation, you can connect those peripherals again.)

Uninstall non-essential apps

On Windows 10, older or poorly designed apps can cause compatibility problems causing the feature update to fail. You can minimize problems by removing apps that may conflict with the installation. For example, legacy desktop apps and third-party antivirus.

To uninstall apps on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Select the app you want to remove, and click the Uninstall button.
Uninstall app on Windows 10
  1. Click the Uninstall button again.
  2. Continue with the on-screen direction (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, repeat the instructions to uninstall other apps before proceeding with the 20H2 update.

If you have a third-party antivirus or firewall, you should check your software vendor support page for specific details on how to disable or remove the solutions during the upgrade progress.

Disable metered connection

If you’re using a metered connection, the October 2020 Update won’t download through Windows Update. In the case that you have a capped internet connection, connect to another network or disable the metered connection (assuming that you have enough data) to download the update.

To disable a metered connection on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Network & Security.
  3. Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  4. Select the active network connection.

Windows 10 select active networkUnder the “Metered connection” section, turn off the Set as metered connection toggle switch.

Disable metered connection on Windows 10

After you complete the steps, Windows Update should be able to download the October 2020 Update on the computer.

Perform clean installation

If you have tried every possible solution and nothing seems to work, either wait a little longer or consider performing a clean installation to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10.

A clean installation is the recommended method to start fresh with a copy of Windows 10, and it’ll even help performance and other issues.

To perform a clean installation, you need to create a USB media using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool, which you can then use to start the computer to proceed with the setup. 

Wrapping things app

The October 2020 Update for Windows 10 is a minor refresh that doesn’t require reinstallation for devices already running the May 2020 Update, which means that the risk of running into problems should be minimal to none. However, for computers that are still on an older release, the upgrade experience won’t change, so unwanted upgrade problems are expected to happen.

In this guide, we outlined a slew of problems and their solutions to help anyone upgrade to Windows 10 version 20H2, whether you’re using Windows Update, Media Creation Tool, or Update Assistant.

As a rule of thumb, it’s never commended to install a new version of Windows 10 as soon as it becomes available since it hasn’t been fully tested on every hardware and software combination. Usually, you want to wait for several quality updates releases before triggering the upgrade process manually to minimize problems.

Did you encounter problems installing the October 2020 Update on your device? Let us know in the comments and the steps to fix the issue (if any). Please share your views, share, and comment on this article and tell us how we did. 

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Michael

    Oh yes you saved my life from formatting my PC and reinstalling Windows.

    Great write-up. Thanks for all the details and hard work.

    You’re amazing

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