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Why Is the New Windows 10 ESU Update Failing with Frustrating Error 0x800f0922?
Some businesses using Windows 10 are facing an issue with the first Extended Security Update (ESU). When they try to install the update KB5068781, it fails near the end of the installation process. The system then shows an error code, 0x800f0922, and reverses the changes, returning the computer to its previous state.
Microsoft is aware of the problem. The failure is not widespread but affects a specific group of users.
Who Is Affected by This Issue?
This installation error does not impact all Windows 10 users. It is happening on computers that meet a few specific conditions. The issue appears on devices that are:
- Running Windows 10, version 22H2.
- Enrolled in the commercial Extended Security Update (ESU) program for businesses.
- Activated through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center via Windows subscription activation.
If your system does not meet all these criteria, you are unlikely to experience this particular error. It is primarily an issue within corporate environments.
The Cause of the Update Failure
The problem is not with the main security update itself. It is caused by a licensing preparation issue on the affected devices. The error code 0x800f0922 indicates that an installer component failed, which in this case is related to the system’s ESU license readiness.
Your system needs a separate preparation package to verify its ESU license before it can correctly install the new security update.
How to Fix Error 0x800f0922
Microsoft has released a solution to resolve this problem. To successfully install the security update, you need to follow these steps in order.
- Install the Licensing Preparation Package. First, you must download and install update KB5072653. This package is specifically designed to prepare your system’s ESU licensing.
- Install the Security Update. Once the preparation package (KB5072653) is installed, you can proceed with installing the November 2025 security update, KB5068781. It should now install without the 0x800f0922 error.
A Note on a Related Update (KB5071959)
You may have heard about another update, KB5071959, which some users reported was not being offered to them. It is important to know that this update is intended to fix a registration issue for Consumer ESU plans. It is not designed for deployment in business environments, so it is expected that corporate devices would not receive it.