Windows update has failed

Bill 21 Reputation points
2021-10-28T05:09:36.83+00:00

Hello,
I reinstalled my desktop PC running Windows 8.1 pro due to a hard drive error. Now I'd like to upgrade to Windows 10, but this fails with the error message "Windows update has failed." I had already tried everything possible and impossible. From ISO file creation to x-attempts and nothing helped.
Therefore, my question is whether there's a solution for this or should I buy a new Windows version?
If the latter is true, the follow-up question arises, whether there's then an upgrade version or whether I've to buy new software?
Many thanks
Bill

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  1. Limitless Technology 39,396 Reputation points
    2021-10-28T11:59:57.3+00:00

    Hi @Bill ,

    I would like to verify the Windows 10 Hardware requirements with your desktop.

    Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC.
    RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit.
    Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-system-requirements-6d4e9a79-66bf-7950-467c-795cf0386715

    If your PC meets all the requirement then the simplest way would be to clean install the PC with an Windows 10 ISO. This would update your PC.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/how-to-perform-a-clean-install-or-reinstall-of/aef0ae63-2117-41ee-a8ea-4a3181625b08

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


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  1. Docs 15,146 Reputation points
    2021-10-28T06:39:20.223+00:00

    If you want to you can clean install Windows 10.

    Alternatively you can troubleshoot the upgrade failure.

    The clean install may be more efficient as time would be spent installing drivers and applications and then it's complete.

    What are the status of the important files?

    a) Backed up to another disk drive or the cloud?
    b) Files need to be backed up?
    c) Files do not need to be backed up?

    If you want to clean install Windows 10 instructions can be provided.

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