How to fix Windows 10 build 10041 install failure

These instructions will help you fix the install process of Windows 10 build 10041 while avoiding reverting back to the previous build.

Windows 10 desktop

Installing Windows 10 build 10041 might be harder of what might you think. According to Microsoft, you can simply go to Windows Update, switch to the fast lane and you’re ready to go to download and install build 10041. However, people are reporting the update crashing their computers and systems reverting back to build 9926. Then clicking “Check for updates” will see the new update, try to install, even the screen will say “Updates Installed”, but nothing will actually happen.

Now, if you’re stuck and you cannot seem to be able to install Windows 10 build 10041, you may want to try the following:

Fix Windows 10 build 10041

  1. Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Type the following command to stop the Windows Update service:

    net stop wuauserv

    Net stop wauserv

  3. 3. Browse the following path:

    C:\Windows
  4. Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old

    SoftwareDistribution folder Windows 8.1

  5. While in the Command Prompt restart the Windows Update service:

    net start wuauserv
  6. Reboot your PC and try Windows Updates again.

After, you perform all the steps mentioned above, you should be able to install Windows 10 build 10041 without major issues.

Although, this is a new operating system, we have seen similar problem with Windows 8.1 apps, which won’t update and they will stay on a “Pending” state, and the same solution works. The could be a lot of reasons to why the installation failed, it could be corrupted files, simply a bad download, or something wasn’t just right at the time of the installation in your system. The only issue is that it seems that Windows doesn’t try to re-download the bits after a failed installation.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].