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Can You Overcome the Annoying 0x80240069 Error? Learn How Microsoft’s Swift Solution Restores Windows 11 Upgrades!
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) users recently faced a critical obstacle: after installing the April 2025 security update (KB5055528), attempts to upgrade Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2 systems to version 24H2 failed with error code 0x80240069. This error typically appeared in the Windows Update logs with messages like “Service wuauserv has unexpectedly stopped,” halting the upgrade process for enterprise and education environments.
What Caused the 0x80240069 Error?
The issue was triggered by the cumulative security update KB5055528 (April 8, 2025). When IT administrators tried to roll out the Windows 11 24H2 feature update via WSUS, the download failed, and the upgrade could not proceed. The error was linked to a crash in the Windows Update service (wuauserv), often referenced in logs and event viewers.
Who Was Affected?
Only enterprise and education environments using WSUS or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to manage updates. Home users were not impacted, as WSUS is not used in consumer settings.
How Did Microsoft Fix the Problem?
Microsoft responded quickly by implementing a Known Issue Rollback (KIR), which reverses the problematic change introduced by the update. IT administrators can now resolve the issue by:
Installing and configuring a special Group Policy provided by Microsoft. The Group Policy can be found under: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > [Group Policy Name]
The necessary file is available as: Windows 11 22H2 KB5055528 250426_03001 Known Issue Rollback.msi (also applies to 23H2).
For detailed deployment steps, refer to Microsoft’s official support article on using Group Policy to deploy a Known Issue Rollback.
Quick Fix Summary
- Download the Known Issue Rollback Group Policy MSI package.
- Install and configure the Group Policy on affected systems.
- Restart update attempts; the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 should now proceed without error.
Key Takeaways
- The 0x80240069 error was a widespread, disruptive issue for managed Windows environments, but Microsoft’s rapid KIR response restored upgrade functionality.
- Staying updated with Microsoft’s Release Health Dashboard and promptly applying recommended Group Policy fixes is essential for IT administrators to maintain system reliability.
Need more help with Windows update errors or want to optimize your IT update management? Let me know your specific scenario, and I can provide tailored guidance!