The latest security update, KB5034765, included in this month’s Patch Tuesday release, has become a significant problem for many Windows 11 users. It is causing issues on previously well-functioning Windows 11 machines.
Users who started installation of this update on computers running Windows 11 22H2 or Windows 23H2, the latest major versions of Windows 11, found out that the installation process gets stuck at 96 percent. Eventually, the installation is canceled with the error code 0x800F0922, a problem that Microsoft has now acknowledged.
This failed installation is just one in a series of problems caused by the KB5034765 update since its release on February 13. These issues also include the disappearance of the taskbar, File Explorer crashes, and performance problems on certain Windows 11 computers.
While Microsoft has not addressed all the reported problems, they have at least confirmed the installation failure and error message 0x800F0922 for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 11 version 22H2. Microsoft is actively working on a solution and plans to release an update soon. Until then the company recommends a temporary solution:
“To prevent issues, you can delete the hidden folder C:$WinREAgent. A restart might be required for changes to take effect. After that February 2024 security update should be successfully installed.”
Please keep in mind that C:$WinREAgent is a hidden folder, so make sure to set File Explorer to display hidden elements, which can be found in File Explorer’s menu under View –> Show –> Hidden items.