Windows 10: KB4586781 fails to install

WIndows Update crashed and froze my laptop for 2 days whilst trying to install this update. To stop this happening I paused Windows Update.


Searched through the answers and was less than impressed. Ran the DISM and SFC tools when did all this revert to command line shenanigans? that found missing items - not just files but a 'manifest'. Again found less impressive answers on how to 'fix' this by creating ISO images and manually copying files! It's like we're not in the 21st Century.


However, ignoring the backwards system programming and manual copying of operating system files as a solution, I reverted to a restore point before the update was attempted, thinking that as it worked years ago.... probably the last time I used it the 'system' would be restored without the offending updates. When I checked on WIndows Update History , they were still there .... begging the question 'what exactly is the point of a restore point?' and 'what exactly does it restore these days?'.


Undeterred, I thought I would try to install from the stand alone from the catalogue. So downloaded this, and ran it. It ran for quite some time but concluded with a successful completion. Today when I went to resume Windows Updates KB4586781 is marked as failed. But no clues as to why.


I really do not want to be getting in to the innards of the operating system, so can someone please advise some diagnostic steps to pin down why exactly this is happening?

:)