If you’re experiencing frustrating Windows issues It could be more straightforward than you imagine. Avoid the clean install and instead try an on-the-fly Windows Repair installation. It’s quick and simple and the result can be quite amazing.
In the last few months, I’ve been using the most recent Insider preview versions for Windows 11 on my main PC. Since we’re on the verge for the next upgrade (version 22H2, due in October) this is a relatively low-risk approach. However, there are occasional glitches.
This week I was confronted with one of those irritating low-grade bugs that you will encounter when you are in the cutting-edge. Windows Update told me a cumulative update was on the way for my computer. However, every attempt to install it and it failed, I received an error code that was cryptic that reads The error code is 0x800f0990.
I tried every trick to troubleshoot I could think of and still couldn’t make the update install.
Did I care? I didn’t at all. Since I was confident that I could rely on the most effective Windows troubleshooting method an old-fashioned method which eliminates the annoying errors like a huge old flyswatter.
If you’re in the same situation you can break with the same machine I used: Windows repair installationis an upgrade in-place with the same version already installed. It’s compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
This option is much less radical than an Windows reset that wipes out your existing installation and force users to install new apps or restore the settings. Repair setup “upgrades” to your Windows PC using the same major version of Windows that’s installed. It restores your settings to their original state, reversing any tiny alteration is causing your current problem.
How do you perform an in-place repair installation
Step 1. Download the installer file as an ISO. ISO
The ISO File is an individual file that holds the digital equivalent to an Windows install DVD. There are downloadable ISO files that are compatible with the Windows version that you’re using in these places:
Windows 11 General Availability (GA): If you’re running the current public release of Windows 11 (what Microsoft calls the General Availability channel), you’ll find it here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
Windows 10: The overwhelming majority of Windows PCs that are part of the current installed base use this proven and reliable OS. Get it here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Windows 11 Insider Preview: If you’re living on the bleeding edge, Microsoft has your ISO here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windowsinsiderpreviewiso
Step 2: Mount the ISO as the virtual DVD drive
Click twice on to open the ISO file to install it into Windows as an virtual drive. When you open it in File Explorer, it’s indistinguishable from a DVD drive having its own drive name.
Step 3. Run Setup from the DVD drive that is virtual
Double-click Setup and then wait as the Windows installer launches and receives the latest updates. Although, they’re not necessarily the most recent version. In the context of the fail-safe procedure that the installer uses, it downloads the most recent cumulative update. This prevents your from getting caught up in the event that you find that the latest cumulative version is responsible for the source of the current crashes.
Select the option to save all of your personal files including apps and settings Then click Next.
Step 4: Revert back to normal
Once the installation is completed Restart and then go to Windows Update to get the most current cumulative update.
Once I had completed the steps (it took about 20 minutes) after which the update that was giving me trouble was installed without issue. Additionally, another issue that was bothering me for several weeks was also fixed. Prior to this, every when I rebooted my computer, the infrared camera responsible for Windows Hello face recognition had been disabled, which meant I needed to enter my PIN in order to login for the very first time. After I completed the in-place reinstall process, face recognition was working again.
Although it might seem to be a huge step taking an in-place repair is a relatively simple fix that is capable to solve even the most frustrating issues. If you’re stuck, try the idea a shot.
