Fixing Windows 11 update error "Operation is not supported"

General
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Encountering the “Operation is not supported” error when trying to update Windows 11? This frustrating issue often crops up after installing a checkpoint cumulative update, adding a Feature on Demand (FoD) or Language Pack (LP) offline, or attempting to install a newer update manually. The root cause? Your system can’t update FoDs or LPs without connecting to Windows Update or WSUS.

Let’s tackle this problem head-on with a straightforward solution: downloading and reinstalling the necessary updates.

Method 1: Using DISM command (Most effective)

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  2. Search for the KB number of the latest update (e.g., 5043080 for September 2024).

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  1. Find the update matching your system architecture (x64-based for 64-bit systems, ARM64-based for ARM systems).
  2. Click “Download” for your device type.

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  1. In the pop-up, you’ll see one or more .msu files. These include the latest update and any previous checkpoint cumulative updates.

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  1. Download all listed .msu files and place them in a new folder (e.g., C:\Updates).

  2. Press Win + X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “PowerShell (Admin)”.

  3. Execute this command:

    dism /online /add-package /packagepath:C:\Updates\*.msu

  4. DISM will automatically install all updates in the correct order.

  5. Restart your computer when the process completes.

Method 2: Manual installation

  1. Open your C:\Updates folder.
  2. If you have multiple .msu files, sort them by name to install in the correct order.
  3. Double-click the oldest (lowest-numbered) .msu file first.
  4. Allow the Windows Update Standalone Installer to complete the installation.
  5. If prompted to restart, choose “Restart Later” unless it’s your only update file.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 for each .msu file, going from oldest to newest.
  7. After installing all updates, restart your computer.

After restarting, verify the update installation:

  1. Open Settings (press Win + I).
  2. Go to System > Windows Update.
  3. Click “Check for updates” to ensure everything is installed correctly.
  4. If no new updates are found, your system is up to date.

By following these steps, you should resolve the “Operation is not supported” error and successfully update your Windows 11 system. Remember, keeping your OS current is crucial for optimal security, performance, and software compatibility.