5 Fixes for the “Something Didn’t Go as Planned” Error in Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Running the Windows troubleshooter can help fix all updates-related errors, including this one.
• Try installing Windows updates in a clean boot mode and see if that helps.
• If nothing works, consider downloading the Windows update package from Microsoft’s website and installing it manually.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

When you encounter any issues with Windows updates, the first thing to do is run the built-in troubleshooter. This tool can scan your system for any common issues and fix them automatically.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and head to System > Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Click on Other troubleshooters.

Step 3: Click the Run button next to Windows Update.

Wait for the troubleshooter to find and fix any issues. After that, try installing the update again.

Fix 2: Set the Correct ID for Your System Partition

Several Microsoft Community users reported fixing this particular issue by correcting the system partition’s ID. You can also give it a try.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Terminal (Admin) from the Power User menu.

Step 2: In the console, type the following commands and press Enter after each one. Then, note down the disk number where you’ve installed Windows from the first column.

diskpart

list disk

Step 3: Type the following command and press Enter to select your primary drive.

select disk N

Replace N in the above command with the number noted in the previous step.

Step 4: Run the following command to view your disk partitions.

list partition

Step 5: Locate the partition whose Type column reads System and note down the number associated with it from the first column.

Step 6: Run the following command to select the system partition:

select partition X

Replace X in the above command with the partition number noted earlier.

Step 7: Run the command given below to assign the correct ID to your system partition.

SET ID=c12a7328-f81f-11d2-ba4b-00a0c93ec93b

Restart your PC after this and check if Windows can install the updates.

Fix 3: Delete the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Folder

The downloaded update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder may have become inaccessible, which is why the installation didn’t go as planned on your Windows 11 PC. To fix this, empty the SoftwareDistrubiton folder and download the update again.

While you’re at it, reset the Catroot2 folder, which stores signatures for Windows Update packages and aids in their installation.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar > type Windows powershell in the search box > select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Run the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

After completing the above steps, your Windows 11 PC shouldn’t get stuck on the “Something didn’t go as planned” screen.

Fix 4: Install Windows Updates in Clean Boot Mode

One of the third-party programs or services on your PC might trigger this error. If that’s the case, booting Windows in a clean boot state should help you install the update.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type msconfig in the search box, and press Enter.

Step 2: Tick the Hide all Microsoft services box and click on Disable all.

Step 3: Switch to the Startup tab > click on Open Task Manager.

Step 4: Select a third-party app or program > click the Disable button at the top. Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.

Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and try installing the update as usual.

Fix 5: Download the Update Package and Install It Manually

If you still see the “Something didn’t go as planned” screen, download the update package from the Microsoft Update Catalog online and install it manually. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select the Windows Update tab from the left sidebar. Note the knowledge base number of the update you want to download, such as KB5015814.

Step 2: Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website in your browser. Type the KB number in the search box and press Enter.

Step 3: Download the relevant update package meant for your system.

Step 4: Double-click the downloaded MSU file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the update.