Windows 10 20H2 Install Update Fails with Error 2147942402

Peter Hatfield 21 Reputation points
2021-10-04T16:26:10.56+00:00

This install has been failing for some time now, and I find that I'm currently at 1909, which is now out of service.
Looking at the Event Viewer, I see this:

ErrorCode 2147942402
ErrorString The system cannot find the file specified.
CommandLine "C:\WINDOWS\system32\wusa.exe" Windows8-RT-KB2937636-x86 /quiet

I downloaded KB2937636, but the install failed as it's for Windows 8.

The question I have is: Why is Win 10 20H2 trying to install a Win 8 KB update?

Windows 10 Setup
Windows 10 Setup
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Setup: The procedures involved in preparing a software program or application to operate within a computer or mobile device.
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  1. Docs 15,146 Reputation points
    2021-10-07T21:17:26.31+00:00

    Most end users do not understand the update error messages or codes.

    And many helpers must continue to learn about new messages and codes.

    Some update or upgrade messages are easy and others are complex.

    If you choose to clean install then backup files to another disk drive or the cloud.

    This is information on clean install:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1950-clean-install-windows-10-a.html

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/9230-download-windows-10-iso-file.html
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    Reset save files, Custom install (saves files similar to a reset save files) and Windows refresh tutorials can also be provided.

    Again some troubleshooting can be easy and others can be complex.
    Files are collected then trial and error steps are performed.

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  1. Limitless Technology 39,371 Reputation points
    2021-10-05T08:49:40.707+00:00

    Hello Peter H,

    It is very strange. Indeed the KB2937636 it is a cumulative update for 2012/8 that has nothing to do with 20H2. Could it be a pending update that is superseded, but since it failed back in the day it still appears pending before the 20H2?

    I would try to rebuild the update repository this way:

    From an elevated Powershell window run:
    Stop-Service -Name BITS
    Stop-Service -Name wuauserv
    Stop-Service -Name appidsvc
    Stop-Service -Name cryptsvc

    Then find the \SoftwareDistribution folder in Windows path and rename to .bak

    again from Powershell:
    Start-Service -Name BITS
    Start-Service -Name wuauserv
    Start-Service -Name appidsvc
    Start-Service -Name cryptsvc

    If after this still gives you error I would try with a health image restore using DISM: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/repair-a-windows-image

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    --If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept as answer--

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  2. Peter Hatfield 21 Reputation points
    2021-10-07T15:07:58.563+00:00

    Thank you for the reply, LimitlessTechnology-2700.
    I issued the commands in Powershell, and they all completed successfully.
    I then launched the Windows Upgrader program, which then started installing 21H1 instead of 20H2 as before.
    As before, it hits 99% and then hangs.
    The only action I can take is to end the program with Task Manager.
    Event Viewer shows:

    The program Windows10UpgraderApp.exe version 1.4.9200.23367 stopped interacting with Windows and was closed. To see if more information about the problem is available, check the problem history in the Security and Maintenance control panel.
    Process ID: 1730
    Start Time: 01d7bac7c399b30c
    Termination Time: 4294967295
    Application Path: C:\Windows10Upgrade\Windows10UpgraderApp.exe
    Report Id: 571653e4-0ce4-48b0-8660-854ce0e9b2ac
    Faulting package full name:
    Faulting package-relative application ID:
    Hang type: Top level window is idle

    I might have to do a Win 10 install from scratch.

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  3. Docs 15,146 Reputation points
    2021-10-07T18:47:09.28+00:00

    Please indicate whether you want to troubleshoot or clean install.

    Troubleshooting will require running log collectors and trial and error steps.

    Clean install will require the creation of a windows 10 iso flash drive, saving important files to another disk drive or the cloud, installation of the new operating system, installation of new drivers, installation of applications.

    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Please remember to vote and to mark the replies as answers if they help.

    On the bottom of each post there is:

    Propose as answer = answered the question

    On the left side of each post: Vote = a helpful post
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .