The “Something didn’t go as planned” error in Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when trying to update your system. This error can stem from various issues, including corrupt system files, incorrect partition IDs, outdated drivers, or even third-party software conflicts. Here are several methods to resolve this problem, sorted by effectiveness.
Method 1: Run Windows Update troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool to diagnose and fix update-related issues. This should be your first step in resolving the error.
- Press Win + I to open Settings, then type “troubleshoot” in the search box.
- Click on “Troubleshoot Other problems” from the list.
- Find the Windows Update option and click “Run” next to it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, then click “Close” and restart your PC.
Method 2: Clear Windows Update cache
Corrupted update cache files can cause the error. Clearing these files often resolves the issue.
- Open the Start menu, type “services.msc” and run it as administrator.
- Find Windows Update in the list, right-click it, and select “Stop”.
- Press Win + R, type “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution”, and hit Enter.
- Delete all contents in this folder.
- Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select “Start”.
- Locate the Background Intelligent Transfer service, right-click it, and choose “Start” if stopped or “Restart” if running.
Method 3: Set correct system partition ID
An incorrect system partition ID can trigger the error. Here’s how to fix it:
- Right-click the Start button and select “Terminal”.
- Type “diskpart” and press Enter.
- Enter “list disk” to view all drives.
- Type “select disk N”, replacing N with your primary disk number.
- Enter “list partition” to see all partitions.
- Identify the System partition and type “select partition X”, where X is its number.
- Enter “SET ID=c12a7328-f81f-11d2-ba4b-00a0c93ec93b” to set the correct ID.
Method 4: Update drivers
Outdated drivers can cause various issues, including update errors.
- Right-click Start and select “Device Manager”.
- Expand a component to view its drivers.
- Right-click a device and select “Update driver”.
- Choose “Search automatically for drivers”.
- If a new driver is found, install it and restart your PC.
Method 5: Perform a clean boot
Third-party services can interfere with Windows Updates. A clean boot helps identify these conflicts.
- Open Start, type “msconfig”, and run System Configuration.
- In the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services”.
- Click “Disable all” to turn off third-party services.
- Go to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager”.
- Disable all startup apps in Task Manager.
- Close Task Manager and System Configuration, then restart your PC.
Method 6: Run DISM and SFC scans
These tools can fix corrupt system files that may cause update errors.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth”.
- After it completes, run “sfc /scannow”.
- Restart your computer once the scan finishes.
Method 7: Reset Windows 11
If all else fails, resetting your PC might be necessary.
- Open Settings and go to System.
- Scroll down and click on “Recovery”.
- Click “Reset PC”.
- Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.
- Select “Local reinstall” or “Cloud download”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Additional tips:
- Disconnect external peripherals before attempting updates.
- Temporarily disable or uninstall third-party antivirus software.
- Consider uninstalling recent updates or performing a System Restore if you have a restore point.
- If the error started after installing a new application, try removing it before updating Windows.