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Immediately after there is an error with the Windows update, KB3213986 “failed to install” follows and you will have to run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Other users successfully installed the update after running DISM and SFC scans, restarting the update service, clearing the download path, and launching the Media Creation Tool. Anytime the KB3213986 update fails, then think of this article as a savior.
A List Of Solutions
Note: Before doing anything complex, let’s try out basic troubleshooting techniques and see how things turn out. In the beginning, detach all devices connected to your computer: USB devices, additional display screens, etc. In addition to that, you should disable the antivirus program on your computer (re-enable it as soon as the issue vanishes). Last but not least, it’s wise to check out the time and dates to ensure that there is nothing out of the ordinary.
Proceed to restart your computer once you have done all of the above. If your PC remains unable to integrate KB3213986, give each of the solutions down below a go.
Windows Update Troubleshooter
For your information, Windows Update Troubleshooter can identify problems that plague the update process and fix them by itself.
- Step 1: Press theWindows key R to open Run.
- Step 2: Type control then hit Enter to open Control Panel.
- Step 3: Change View to Large icons, select Troubleshooting and choose System and Security.
- Step 4: Click Windows Update then pick Next to instate the troubleshooting.
- Step 5: If the troubleshooter manages to identify the root cause, click Apply this fix and wait for the process to complete. Lastly, restart your PC, install KB3213986 update again and determine whether the error persists.
DISM & SFC
If you suspect that corrupted system files may be blocking the integration of updates, run System File Checker (SFC). SFC will scan through all the files and replace corrupted files with cached copies. Aside from that, for good measure, you should run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) as well.
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
- Step 2: In Command Prompt (Admin), type sfc /scannow, hit Enter and wait until the scan concludes.
- Step 3: After the SFC scan finishes running, proceed to type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth in Command Prompt (Admin) then hit Enter.
- Step 4: The moment the DISM scan completes, restart your PC.
- Step 5: Reinstall the KB3213986 update.
Restart Update Service
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
- Step 2: In Command Prompt (Admin), type the following commands and hit Enter after each of them. By doing so, you could stop Windows Update, Cryptographic, BITS, and Installer services.
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
- Step 3: Type the following commands and hit Enter after each of them to rename the Software distribution tool and Catroot.
- ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
- Step 4: Restart the services you have stopped by typing the following commands and hitting Enter after each of them.
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver
- Step 5: Restart your computer then install the update again.
Clean The Download Path
In case you don’t know, a damaged download path can mess up update integration. For the update to install, you must delete the path via Registry Editor.
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type Regedit then hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
- Step 2: As a precaution, create a backup of files in the Registry Editor. To do so, choose File, select Export and save the backup in a safe location.
- Step 3: Look to the left panel and click the arrow next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
- Step 4: Double-click SOFTWARE then go through the following subkeys Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
- Step 5: In WindowsUpdate, right-click both WUServer and WIStatusServer then pick delete.
- Step 6: Close Registry Editor, restart your computer and update it one more time.
Media Creation Tool
Generally speaking, Media Creation Tool is a free utility developed by Microsoft to help people upgrade their Windows to the latest version. Needless to say, Media Creation Tool proves handy whenever Windows users run into errors like KB3213986 “failed to install”.
- Step 1: Launch your web browser, visit the Microsoft website and go to Windows Downloads page
- Step 2: Click Download Tool Now below Create Windows 10 installation media
- Step 3: Once the download completes, follow the prompts to complete the installation
- Step 4: Open Media Creation Tool, read the terms and conditions then click Accept.
- Step 4: Select Upgrade this PC now and choose Next.
- Step 5: When the Windows download is complete, select your preferences like keep only your files and click Install.
- Step 6: Choose the account you want to sign in with then accept the privacy terms.
- Step 7: Sign in to your account.
KB3213986 Failing To Install: Causes
Windows Update
As the name suggests, Windows Update is a service that manages the distribution of updates for the Windows operating system. For updates to integrate smoothly, Windows Update must be up and running the entire time. Hence, once it comes to KB3213986 “failed to install”, you should give Windows Update some thought.
System Files
In layman’s terms, system files influence the performance of the operating system. That means if corruption exists in the system files, processes on computers would go haywire and the integration of updates is not an exception. Your PC keeps telling you that KB3213986 “failed to install”? Then there is a chance that the system files become corrupted.
How Long Should Windows Update Take?
It may take between 10 and 20 minutes to update Windows 10 on a modern PC with solid-state drives. The installation process may take longer on hard disk drives. The size of the update also matters so for smaller updates, you don’t have to wait long. On the other hand, big updates will take quite some time to wrap up.
Can Windows Updates Resolve PC Issues?
Updating OS is one of the best solutions whenever Windows computers act up out of the blue. During the course of the update, important data will be downloaded and they could address multiple hiccups in the operating system.
A Guide For Novices
- For smooth updates, schedule updates outside of active hours.
- Delete all unnecessary files and folders to facilitate the integration of updates.
- Don’t have the patience to keep checking for updates? Set your computer to automatically download and install updates.
Tuan Do is an accomplished author, content provider, and IT specialist with a strong background in computer science. Having studied IT at Hanoi Bach Khoa University, he possesses extensive knowledge in the field and specializes in Microsoft Windows. Tuan plays a vital role as a valued member of 4G Britain magazine, where he provides engaging content, tutorials, and practical fixes for readers. His expertise allows him to simplify complex concepts, making him a reliable source of accurate and insightful tech information. With a deep passion for technology, Tuan is committed to keeping readers informed about the latest advancements in the industry. Through his contributions to 4G Britain, he empowers both tech enthusiasts and professionals by delivering valuable insights and solutions. Tuan’s dedication to providing exceptional content ensures that readers can rely on him as a trustworthy resource in the ever-evolving world of technology.