Managing a fleet of Windows PCs, both physical and virtual, often leads to encounters with the quirks of pre-release software. Among the half-dozen machines I oversee, a significant portion is dedicated to testing the latest Insider preview releases of Windows 11. However, navigating this cutting-edge landscape is not without its challenges. Recently, while operating an Insider build from the Release Preview channel, I faced a frustrating issue: a cumulative update repeatedly failed to install, presenting me with the cryptic error code 0x800f0990.
In the face of this obstacle, I employed a classic troubleshooting technique that has proven effective over time. For those who may find themselves in a similar predicament, I recommend utilizing the Windows repair installation—a powerful remedy for such digital dilemmas. This method essentially performs an in-place upgrade using the same version of Windows already installed on your machine, applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The beauty of a repair installation lies in its gentleness compared to a full Windows reset, which would erase your current setup, requiring a complete reinstallation of applications and restoration of settings. Instead, a repair installation refreshes your Windows environment, reverting settings to their default state and addressing the minor changes that may have led to the current issue.
How to perform a Windows repair installation
To initiate a Windows repair installation, you will need an ISO file—a single compressed file that serves as the digital equivalent of a Windows installation DVD, eliminating the need for physical media. You can download the appropriate ISO file for your version of Windows from various sources. Keep in mind that these files can be substantial, often exceeding 6 GB, so ensure you have sufficient disk space available.
- Double-click the ISO file to mount it as a virtual drive in Windows. This mounted drive will appear in File Explorer just like a physical DVD drive, complete with its own drive letter.
- Navigate to the mounted virtual drive and double-click on Setup. The Windows installer will then check for updates, specifically downloading the next-to-last cumulative update as a precaution against potential issues with the most recent update.
- Select the option to keep all your personal files, applications, and settings, then click Next to proceed.
Upon completion of the installation process, which typically takes around 20 minutes, restart your PC and check Windows Update for the latest cumulative update. After following these steps, I found that the troublesome update installed smoothly, and an additional issue I had been experiencing with my infrared camera—used for Windows Hello face recognition—was also resolved. No longer did I need to input my PIN upon startup, as the face recognition feature was restored.
While a repair installation may seem like a significant step, it often serves as a surprisingly effective solution to persistent problems. If you find yourself at an impasse, consider this approach; it may just provide the relief you need.
