Troubleshooting KB5044384: Windows 11 24H2 Update Install Failure [Solved]

If you’re trying to update your Windows 11 to the latest version and have run into an error with update KB5044384, you’re not alone. Several users were unable to complete this update successfully. But the good news is it can be fixed! This guide will walk you through simple steps to troubleshoot the issue so that you can complete the update successfully.

The KB5044384 is an optional Windows update released in October 2024 for Windows 11 24H2. This update brings new features, improvements, and fixes for issues like sfc /scannow error, 8.63GB unremovable file problems etc.

Now, let’s look at different methods to solve the Windows KB5044384 installation problem.

Method 1: Run SFC Scan

Running an SFC (System File Checker) scan is a helpful way to fix Windows update errors because it checks for and repairs any missing or corrupted system files that might be causing issues with the update process. Here’s how it works: the SFC tool scans all protected system files on your computer and, if it finds a problem, replaces the faulty files with the correct versions from a secure cache. By fixing these underlying file issues, SFC can help ensure that your system is in the right condition to accept new updates without errors.

Here are the steps to run an SFC (System File Checker) scan:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

• Type Command Prompt in the search bar. 
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. Run the SFC Command:

• In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: sfc /scannow 
• Press Enter.

3. Wait for the Scan to Complete: 

• The scan might take some time, usually a few minutes. Allow it to complete fully without interruption. 
• SFC will detect and attempt to repair any corrupted or missing system files.

4. Review the Results: - Once the scan finishes, you’ll see one of these messages:

• “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” – No issues were found.
• “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.” – Problems were detected and fixed.
• “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.” – The tool found issues, but additional steps may be needed to resolve them.

5. Restart Your Computer:

• After the scan, restart your computer to apply any changes. This can help with any repairs that were made. Run the Windows Update again.

Method 2 - Download KB5044384 from Microsoft Catalog

Downloading and installing update KB5044384 manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog is a straightforward way to bypass issues with automatic Windows updates. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog: - Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft Update Catalog. Link: 

2. Search for KB5044384:

• In the search bar on the Microsoft Update Catalog page, type KB5044384 and press Enter. 
• You’ll see a list of results based on the update version and Windows OS compatibility. 

3. Select the Correct Update for Your System:

• Find the version of the update that matches your system type, either 64-bit (x64) or 32-bit (x86). 
• Click the Download button next to the correct version. 

4. Download the Update File:

• A pop-up window with a direct link to the update file will appear. Click on this link to download the update file (.msu) to your computer. 

5. Install the Update:

Once the download completes, locate the file wherever you saved it.

• Double-click the file to start the installation.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

6. Restart Your Computer:

• After the installation, restart your computer to ensure the update is applied successfully.

By installing the update manually, you can bypass errors that may have been causing automatic updates to fail.

Method 3: Clear Windows Update Cache

Clearing the Windows Update cache can help resolve errors by removing outdated or corrupted update files that may be causing installation issues. Here’s how to clear the cache:

1. Open Services:

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services window.

2. Stop the Windows Update Service:

• In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Update.
• Right-click on Windows Update and select Stop.
• This temporarily halts the update process, allowing you to clear the cache without issues.

3. Navigate to the Update Cache Folder:

• Open File Explorer and go to this location: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
• This folder stores temporary files used by Windows Update.

4. Delete Cache Files:

• Inside the SoftwareDistribution folder, open the Download folder.
• Select all files and folders inside Download and delete them. This clears the old update cache.

5. Restart the Windows Update Service:

• Return to the Services window.
• Right-click on Windows Update again and select Start to restart the service.

6. Check for Updates Again: 

• Now, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. 
• Windows will download fresh update files, which may solve any errors related to the previous cache.
  

Method 4: Run DISM Scan

After clearing the Windows Update cache, running DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) commands can help ensure that your Windows image is intact and any remaining system issues are fixed. Here are the DISM commands you should run:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

• Press Win + S and type Command Prompt.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. Run DISM CheckHealth Command:

• First, check the health of your Windows image to see if any corruption is detected. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• This command quickly checks if the Windows image has any corruption that may affect updates.

3. Run DISM ScanHealth Command:

• If issues are detected, use the ScanHealth command for a deeper scan. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
• This process can take a few minutes, as it performs a more thorough check of your Windows image.

4. Run DISM RestoreHealth Command:

• If the scan identifies problems, run the RestoreHealth command to repair the Windows image. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• This command repairs the image using Windows Update to replace any corrupted files. It may take several minutes to complete.

5. Restart Your Computer:

• After completing these commands, restart your computer to apply any repairs. The DISM tool repairs system images and any Windows files that may be causing update issues.

Running these commands, especially after clearing the update cache, can significantly improve the chances of a successful update.

Method 5: In-Place Windows Upgrade

Performing an In-Place Windows Upgrade is a method to reinstall Windows without losing your personal files, applications, or settings. This process can help resolve persistent issues, including problems with updates like KB5044384. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Back Up Your Data:

• Before starting, it’s wise to back up important files and data to an external drive or cloud storage, just in case anything goes wrong during the process.

2. Download the Windows 11 Installation Media:

• Go to the Microsoft Download Windows 11 page.
• Click on Download now under the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section.

3. Run the Media Creation Tool:

• Once the tool is downloaded, double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file to run it.
• Accept the license terms when prompted.

4. Select Upgrade This PC Now:

• The tool will present options; select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
• The tool will check for updates and prepare for the upgrade process.

5. Choose What to Keep:

When prompted, you’ll have the option to choose what to keep:

• Keep personal files and apps - this is the recommended option if you want to retain everything.
• Keep personal files only – this will remove installed applications but keep your files.
• Nothing – this option will remove everything, including personal files and applications.
• Select Keep personal files and apps and click Next.

6. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:

• The tool will show you a summary of what will happen during the upgrade. Review it, and if everything looks good, click Install.
• The installation process will begin, which may take some time and will involve several restarts.

7. Complete the Installation:

• After the installation is complete, Windows will boot up, and you’ll be greeted with the setup screen.
• Follow any additional on-screen instructions to finish setting up your system.

8. Check for Updates:

• Once the upgrade is complete, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates to ensure your system is up to date.

Performing an in-place upgrade effectively refreshes your Windows installation while preserving your files and settings, helping to resolve update errors and improve system performance.

Method 6: Troubleshoot Update

If you've tried all the previous methods and are still facing issues with the Windows update, using the Troubleshoot Update feature can help identify and resolve problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot updates in Windows, along with steps to report the issue to Microsoft if it persists: 

1. Open Settings:

• Press Win + I to open the Settings window.

2. Navigate to Update & Security:

• Click on Update & Security from the settings menu.

3. Go to Troubleshoot:

• In the left sidebar, click on Troubleshoot.

4. Access Additional Troubleshooters:

• Click on Additional troubleshooters. This will show you a list of troubleshooting options available.

5. Select Windows Update Troubleshooter:

• Find Windows Update in the list of troubleshooters.
• Click on it, and then click the Run the troubleshooter button.

6. Follow On-Screen Instructions:

• The troubleshooter will scan your system for issues related to Windows Update.
• Follow any prompts or instructions provided by the troubleshooter. It may automatically fix some problems or provide recommendations for manual fixes.

7. Restart Your Computer:

• After the troubleshooter has completed its process, restart your computer to apply any changes.

Reporting the Issue to Microsoft:

If the troubleshooting process does not resolve the issue and you are still unable to install the update, you may need to report the problem to Microsoft. Here’s how:

1. Open Feedback Hub:

• Press Win + S and type Feedback Hub, then open the app.

2. Report a Problem:

• In the Feedback Hub, click on Report a problem.
• Provide a detailed description of the issue you’re experiencing with the update KB5044384, including any error messages you’ve encountered.

3. Attach Screenshots or Logs (Optional):

• If possible, attach any relevant screenshots or logs that might help Microsoft understand the issue better.

4. Submit Your Feedback:

• Click on Submit to send your report to Microsoft.

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot Windows update issues and, if necessary, report persistent problems to Microsoft for further assistance. This feedback can help improve the Windows update process for all users. 

I hope you were able to successfully resolve the issues with updating KB5044384. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide!