Windows 10: Win 10 stuck on build 10240

I fear my PC has become a security risk because it is unable to update. It repeatedly tries to update but at about 35% into the installation it stops and reverts to the previous version. I am not a "tech wiz" and have no idea how to overcome this problem. I can not even install Kindle now as my machine is a security risk. Help, please ...

:)

 

Whats the difference between Windows 10 Home and Pro?

Clean install a previous build of Win 10 Insider Preview (like Build 10130) and then upgrade it with the official Win 10 TH1 Build 10240. You will have a fully activated Win 10 Pro.

 

Update to most recent build not working

I’m “flummoxed”.

Two PCs running 64 bit Windows 10 Home. One PC is an Asus ROG laptop with Win 10 build 10240 on first drive and build 10547 on second drive. Also a Dell Inspiron desktop with Win 10 10565 on first drive and build 10240 on second drive.

As of this writing build 10565 is the most recent Microsoft build. In theory all four drives on the two PCs should upgrade to build 10565 , however nothing I do to update Win 10 to the most recent build works. How do I upgrade the three drive with
older builds (i.e. 10240 and 10547) to the most recent build (i.e. 10565).

 

Have you tried creating a ISO on a DVD to do the clean install?

 

Yes, I have but am not sure I did it correctly. I think perhaps I should have changed the boot order but am not sure how to go about. I get very nervous outside the GUI

 

Hi, suggest you work through this... then post back. Do some basic checks, then try upgrading manually without applying updates during that.

I also strongly recommend you follow our so often stated recommendations to use disk imaging routinely. Before attempting this major operation, secure your current state by creating a disk image of your windows partitions. E.g. Macrium Reflect (free), option Windows Backup. You will need large enough external storage for your backup image sets. (E.g. 2x the used space you are imaging).

Worst case- the upgrade fails and you and up with an unbootable PC. With your disk image(s) you should always be able to recover relatively painlessly.

Best to eliminate elementary issues - please try some basic checks before looking at the logs (below).

1. Download and run Hard Disk Sentinel (trial) and post a screenshot of its GUI
To post a screenshot please use the Insert Image icon above your post to the left of the video icon


2. If ok:
From an admin command prompt
[Windows key + X, click command prompt (admin)]
chkdsk C: /F
Your PC will need to restart.
Post back the result, which you can get after a restart as follows:
Read Chkdsk Log in Event Viewer in Windows 10 Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials
or
How to read Event Viewer log for Chkdsk in Windows 10 [Tip] | Reviews, news, tips, and tricks | dotTechdotTech
or
How do I see the results of a CHKDSK that ran on boot? - Ask Leo!
Make sure the result is clear or fixed- else do not proceed.

3. Separate downloading the iso and the update and installation process.
Download it manually:
Download Windows 10 ISO File Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

When you have that you can use it repeatedly, and you also have a useful bootable tool for certain repairs if you create a DVD or bootable USB drive.

Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

4. Before you try upgrading again - which is a risk - please create a disk image of what you have now. (We strongly urge people to routinely use disk imaging- so many advantages, including potentially reducing the need to clean install). E.g. Macrium reflect (free) + its boot medium + external storage for image sets.

If things go wrong, you can get back to where you were fairly readily.
(Disk imaging helps even if your disk fails or your PC is unbootable e.g. and also creates a full backup)

5. When upgrading:
- disable your AV, disconnect any unnecessary peripherals; also see 'Here's How' in the tutorial below.

What went wrong? See:
Upgrade to Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

- & see the yellow Tips section

Then see this where many error numbers and messages are listed:
How to Troubleshoot Common Setup and Stop Errors During Windows - Microsoft Community

Please also post a screenshot of your partitions: Minitool Partition Wizard is good for this - please make sure all text in columns is fully displayed.

Make sure you have about 24-28Gb free space on your Windows partition (Windows.old will be created).

Best to have 500Mb of unallocated space on your system disk which should avoid any Windows partitions being created on a different disk (if any).

 

Thank so very much. I will work through your detailed post and do my best to follow your instructions. I will report back soon.

 

The creating of the boot DVD is actually really easy. Download Microsoft's program at Download Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File) That link in the tutorial has been messed up for a long time.

 

Ok will do. My sincere thanks. I had a problem with installing Macrium free version so I am downloading a paid version. I will report back after I have an image on an external USB backup drive.

 

- not sure that will help with installation problems- sounds more as though it's related to your current Windows installation difficulties. However that does mean you have access to their forum.
Remember to create its bootable disk.

But yes, create an image first (option Windows Backup so it selects all relevant partitions for you, and you have a full backup too.

Note: there's no guarantee upgrading this time will succeed as there can be different reasons as to why an upgrade fails, but let's start with the basics.

 

Here is rthe Hard Drive Sentinal image that you asked for. I presume trhis is OK and I will move on.

 

The next step did not go to plan. This what I got when I tried to run Check Disk on the C:/ drive.

 

That should be an admin (elevated) command prompt...

 

Thank you. How do I get that prompt, please?