Windows 11’s latest update, KB5044284, has made its debut, garnering a generally positive reception from users. However, a segment of the user base has encountered installation hurdles that merit attention. Reports compiled by Windows Latest indicate that both the KB5044284 (24H2) and KB5044285 (23H2) updates for October 2024 are experiencing failures, accompanied by error codes such as 0x800736b3, 0x80070005, 0x800f0838, and 0x8007371b.
This particular update is a mandatory security patch and marks the inaugural update for Windows 11 24H2 (the 2024 Update). Users who have upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 can expect to receive the October Patch automatically. Yet, some have reported unfortunate instances of installation failures and other complications.
Installation issues for KB5044284 have been noted with several error messages, including:
- 0x800736b3
- 0x80070005
- 0x800f0838
- 0x8007371b
As highlighted in previous reports, Windows 11 updates have a history of encountering installation failures, often presenting users with a variety of error messages. While many updates proceed without a hitch, certain releases, including KB5044284, appear to be particularly troublesome.
This month’s update has been reported to get caught in a frustrating loop of “downloading, installing, and failing.” Users have noted that the update often stalls at the 40% mark, failing to progress further. After an extended wait, Windows 11 may revert the update and attempt to download the patch anew.
One user shared their experience on the Feedback Hub, stating, “2024-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5044284) is downloading, but not installing. It always gets stuck at 90-95% and then prompts ‘Retry’ with the error code: Install error – 0x800736b3.”
Another user recounted, “Using Windows 11 24H2 26100.1742, I received the update for KB5044284. It downloaded and extracted without issue, but upon restarting, the update stalled at 40%, hung for about eight minutes, and then rolled back with no clear error message.”
In light of these challenges, there is a workaround that may prove effective for those facing installation issues. Users can utilize the Microsoft Update Catalog by following these steps:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the patch.
- Click on “Download” next to your version of Windows.
- Locate the two download links in .msu format.
- First, install the update titled “windows11.0-kb5043080-x64953449672073f8fb99badb4cc6d5d7849b9c83e8.msu,” followed by “windows11.0-kb5044284-x64d7eb7ceaa4798b92b988fd7dcc7c6bb39476ccf3.msu.”
- To install these updates, download the packages, double-click on the .msu files, and follow the on-screen instructions, which will guide you through checking for updates in a wizard-like format.
By adhering to these steps, users will be prompted to reboot their systems twice, ultimately resulting in the installation of Windows 11 Build 26100.2033 (the October patch for 24H2). For those encountering issues with the KB5044285 update, the same procedure applies, simply substituting the KB number during the search on the Microsoft Update Catalog. Additionally, the Media Creation Tool can be employed to install the October patch without the risk of losing personal files, as it has been updated to include the October 8 Patch.
Other issues in Windows 11 KB5044284 update
Beyond installation troubles, users have reported a peculiar bug affecting the OpenSSH server. Following the installation of the October 8 patch, there have been instances where the sshd service fails to start, with no accompanying error messages or logs to provide insight into the failure. A potential solution involves deleting or renaming the C:ProgramDatasshlogs directory, which has allowed the sshd service to resume normal operation.
For those who wish to uninstall the update due to persistent issues, the following steps can be taken:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click on View Update History.
- Select Uninstall Updates.
- Locate the update (e.g., KB5044284) and click Uninstall.
- Reboot the system.
Users have also reported additional concerns, including sluggish performance, disappearing mouse cursors, issues with the SFC /scannow command, and complications related to an 8.63GB Windows update cache.
