Lately, I have encountered several Windows 10 computers that I support, which have failed to install the KB5023696 Windows update. Despite repeated attempts, Windows continues to fail to install the update, even after restarting the computer. The installation process appears to complete, with progress shown on the screen reaching 99%, but ultimately fails, resulting in Windows rolling back the changes.

After trying a number of the usual fixes, sfc /scannow and Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup, among others, I finally stumbled on the a solution that worked. I didn’t try to repair or reset the WMI repository. I went straight to the third option in that article - rebuilding it.

After doing this and restarting the computer, the update installed with no issues.

I’ve told many people over time that working in IT can make you an excellent internet searcher.