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Get the fix for the error <strong>Windows Update is stuck in an endless loop</strong> on <strong>Windows Vista,</strong><strong> Windows 7, Windows 8 </strong>and<strong> Windows 8.1</strong>.
<h2>About "<strong>Windows Update is stuck in an endless loop</strong>"</h2>
[kbintro]
<h3><span id="Description_and_Symptoms">Description and Symptoms</span></h3>
The error messages, alerts, warnings, and symptoms below are tied to this error.
<h3>Symptom 1: <strong>Windows Update is stuck in an endless loop during installation</strong></h3>
Windows Update can fail during the updates installation if the updates began to be installed during a shutdown operation of your computer

The <em>exact</em> moment when Windows Update seems stuck can be different depending on your computer and Windows version, but it's usually any of the following:
<ul>
 	<li>Configuring update: Stage 3 of 3 - 0% complete. Do not turn off your computer.</li>
 	<li>Please do not power off or unplug your machine. Installing update 1 of 4.</li>
 	<li>Configuring Windows update. 0% complete. Do not turn off your computer.</li>
 	<li>Failure configuring Windows updates. Reverting changes.</li>
</ul>
When you force restart your computer, Windows boots again with Windows Update trying to install the pending updates.
<h2>Causes of this Error</h2>
This error has been known to occur as a result of one of the following causes:
<h3>Cause 1: File system integrity compromised</h3>
The hard drive's file system may become damaged because of disk write errors, power outages or virus attacks. If that's the case, the operating system cannot boot properly and the loading process is halted.
<h3>Cause 2: File system settings are set incorrectly</h3>
Sometimes, the system may start looping endlessly when the system update flags are not set correctly. This can be solved by deleting these files manually.
<h2>Fixing “<strong>Windows Update is stuck in an endless loop</strong><span id="Fixing_8220Fatal_INT18_Boot_failure8221_on_Windows">” on Windows</span></h2>
[setupcd]
<h3>Fix #1: Rebuild boot.ini or BCD with Easy Recovery Essentials</h3>
[easyre error="Windows Update loop" bootscreen="vista-7-8" guaranteed="true"]
<h2>Fix Windows Update Loop in Windows Vista and 7</h2>
<h3>Fix #1: Boot into Last Known Good Configuration</h3>
A quick fix for the loop error could be booting into the Last Known Good Configuration mode:
<ol>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
 	<li>Press the <kbd>F8</kbd> key as soon as the computer boots, but before the Windows Vista or Windows 7 logo appears on the screen</li>
 	<li>At the <em>Advanced Boot Options</em> screen, select <strong>Last Known Good Configuration (advanced)</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/09/Advanced-Boot-Options.jpg" alt="Advanced Boot Options" /></li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
</ol>
If this fix doesn't solve the loop error, try any of the following fixes below.
<h3>Fix #2: Delete cleanup.xml and pending.xml</h3>
The Windows Update loop can be fixed in most cases by deleting the following files found in the \Windows\WinSxS\ folder:
<ul>
 	<li>cleanup.xml</li>
 	<li>pending.xml</li>
</ul>
To delete these files, follow these steps:
<ol>
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the Windows Vista or Windows 7 installation media in the disc tray</li>
 	<li>Restart your computer</li>
 	<li>Boot from the DVD by pressing any key when you see the "Press any key" message on your screen</li>
 	<li>At the <strong>Install Windows</strong> screen, click <strong>Repair your computer</strong></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-vista-repair-your-computer.png" alt="Windows Vista Repair your computer link" />
<ul>
 	<li>At System Recovery Options, click <strong>Command Prompt</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-7-system-recovery-options-screen.jpg" alt="Windows 7 System Recovery Options" /></li>
 	<li>Type the following commands and press <kbd>Enter</kbd> after each.Make sure to replace <code>C:</code> with the letter of the drive where your Windows Vista or Windows 7 is installed on.The commands are:
<pre>del C:\Windows\WinSxS\cleanup.xml</pre>
and
<pre>del C:\Windows\WinSxS\pending.xml</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Type <code>exit</code> to quit Command Prompt</li>
 	<li>Restart your computer</li>
</ul>
[caption id="attachment_4670" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/delxml.png"><img class="wp-image-4670 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/delxml.png" alt="xml files deleted successfully" width="800" height="600" /></a> xml files deleted successfully[/caption]

&nbsp;
<h3>Fix #3: Run sfc</h3>
The sfc utility can scan and restore corrupted files found on your Windows system and could fix the loop error.

To run sfc, follow these steps for any Windows Vista or 7 system:
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the installation media and boot from it</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Repair your computer</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/10/Install-Now-Windows-7.jpg" alt="Install Now Screen in Windows 7" /></li>
 	<li>At System Recovery Options, select <strong>Command Prompt</strong> and type:
<pre>sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows</pre>
Replace <code>c:\</code> with the drive where Windows Vista or Windows 7 is installed on.</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>The system scan should begin<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/sfc-scannow.png" alt="sfc is running" /></li>
 	<li>When the process is complete, restart your computer</li>
</ol>
If you don't have your original installation media to access Command Prompt, you could either follow the instructions from <a href="#Fix_Loop_Error_with_Easy_Recovery_Essentials">Fix Loop Error with Easy Recovery Essentials</a> or check if your system has the necessary recovery tools installed on the hard drive:
<ol>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>F8</kbd> before the Windows logo appears</li>
 	<li>If at the Advanced Boot Options screen you have a <strong>Repair Your Computer</strong> option, select it and hit <kbd>Enter</kbd><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/09/Windows-7-Advanced-Boot-Options.png" alt="Advanced Boot Options in Windows 7" /></li>
 	<li>Your system will boot into System Recovery Options and you can select Command Prompt from the list.If the option isn't listed, your system doesn't have the necessary recovery tools installed. In this case, follow the instructions from <a href="#Fix_Loop_Error_with_Easy_Recovery_Essentials">Fix Loop Error with Easy Recovery Essentials.</a></li>
</ol>
<h3>Fix #4: Install System Update Readiness Tool</h3>
Certain Windows Updates can be the main cause for the Windows Update endless loop:
<ul>
 	<li>KB2515325</li>
 	<li>KB2522422</li>
 	<li>KB2492386</li>
 	<li>KB982018</li>
</ul>
If your Windows Vista or Windows 7 is trying to install these updates and the installation isn't being completed, Microsoft recommends you to install <strong>System Update Readiness Tool</strong>:
<ol>
 	<li>Go to <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-the-System-Update-Readiness-Tool">What is the System Update Readiness Tool on Microsoft.com</a> and download the tool corresponding to your Windows version: Vista (32-bit or 64-bit) or 7 (32-bit or 64-bit).</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Download</strong></li>
 	<li>Once the tool is downloaded on your computer, run it</li>
 	<li>At the <em>Windows Update Standalone Installer</em> dialog, click <strong>Yes</strong> or <strong>OK</strong></li>
 	<li>At the <em>Installation complete</em> dialog, click <strong>Close</strong></li>
 	<li>Restart your computer</li>
 	<li>Go to Windows Updates in Control Panel and try to install any pending updates</li>
</ol>
<h3>Fix #5: Perform a Clean Boot</h3>
Starting your Windows Vista or Windows 7 in a clean boot mode could fix the Windows Update loop error by installing the pending updates in this mode:
<ol>
 	<li>Restart the computer and log into your Windows Vista or 7</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li>
 	<li>Type <code>msconfig.exe</code> in the Run field</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to access msconfig</li>
 	<li>At the <em>General</em> tab, select <strong>Selective startup</strong></li>
 	<li>Uncheck <strong>Load startup items</strong></li>
 	<li>Check <strong>Load system services</strong></li>
 	<li>At the <em>Services</em> tab, check the <strong>Hide all Microsoft Services</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Disable all</strong> to disable all other services</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>OK</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Restart</strong></li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4666" align="alignnone" width="980"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/Msconfig-utility-screen.png"><img class="wp-image-4666 size-large" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/Msconfig-utility-screen-1024x592.png" alt="Msconfig utility screen" width="980" height="567" /></a> Msconfig utility screen[/caption]
<h3>Fix #6: System Restore</h3>
If System Restore was enabled and running on your system, you can try to restore your computer to an earlier date to access Windows, <a href="#Fix_5_Perform_a_Clean_Boot">follow the steps to prepare for a clean boot</a> and then install the pending Windows updates in the clean boot mode.
<ol>
 	<li>Restart the computer and begin press the <kbd>F8</kbd> key to boot into Advanced Boot Options</li>
 	<li>Select <strong>Safe Mode</strong></li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
</ol>
If Safe Mode option isn't successfully booting you into Windows, try selecting Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
<ol>
 	<li>Select <strong>Safe Mode with Command Prompt</strong></li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>At Command Prompt, type:
<pre>rstrui.exe</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>Follow the System Restore instructions to complete a restore</li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4669" align="alignnone" width="980"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/rstrui.png"><img class="wp-image-4669 size-large" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/rstrui-1024x520.png" alt="rstrui utility results screen" width="980" height="498" /></a> rstrui utility results screen[/caption]
<h2>Fix Windows Update Loop in Windows 8/8.1</h2>
<h3>Fix #1: Delete cleanup.xml and pending.xml</h3>
Similar to Windos Vista or 7 instructions, the Windows Update loop can be fixed in most cases by deleting the <strong>cleanup.xml</strong> and <strong>pending.xml</strong> files from the <strong>WinSxS</strong> folder.

To do so on a Windows 8 or Windows 8 system, follow these steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the Windows 8/8.1 media to boot from it</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Repair your computer</strong> or press <kbd>R</kbd><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-8-repair-your-computer-screen.png" alt="Windows 8 Install Now" /></li>
 	<li>Select <strong>Troubleshoot</strong></li>
 	<li>Select <strong>Advanced options</strong></li>
 	<li>Select <strong>Command Prompt</strong></li>
 	<li>Type these commands and press <kbd>Enter</kbd>:
<pre>del C:\Windows\WinSxS\cleanup.xml
del C:\Windows\WinSxS\pending.xml</pre>
Replace <code>C:\</code> with the letter of the drive where Windows 8/8.1 is installed</li>
 	<li>Type <code>exit</code> to quit Command Prompt</li>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4670" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/delxml.png"><img class="wp-image-4670 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/delxml.png" alt="xml files deleted successfully" width="800" height="600" /></a> xml files deleted successfully[/caption]
<h3>Fix #2: Use DISM</h3>
If deleting pending.xml and cleanup.xml doesn't work, use the DISM command:
<ol>
 	<li>Boot from the installation media and access <strong>Command Prompt</strong> (after you select Repair your computer &gt; Troubleshoot &gt; Advanced options &gt; Command Prompt)</li>
 	<li>Type the DISM command:
<pre>dism /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions</pre>
</li>
 	<li>
<pre></pre>
where <code>C:</code> is the drive where Windows 8/8.1 is installed</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4671" align="alignnone" width="980"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/dism.png"><img class="wp-image-4671 size-large" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/dism-1024x768.png" alt="dism utility results screen" width="980" height="735" /></a> dism utility results screen[/caption]

If you don't have the Windows 8/8.1 installation media, either follow the <a href="#Fix_Loop_Error_with_Easy_Recovery_Essentials">Fix Loop Error with Easy Recovery Essentials instructions</a> or try these next steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Restart the computer</li>
 	<li>Try any of the following tips to access the Startup Settings menu of your Windows:
<ul>
 	<li>Press <kbd>F8</kbd> before Windows 8 logo appears</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Shift</kbd> and <kbd>F8</kbd> before Windows 8 logo appears</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>F11</kbd> before Windows 8 logo appears</li>
 	<li>Restart the computer while holding the <kbd>Shift</kbd> key</li>
</ul>
</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Troubleshoot</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Advanced options</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Startup settings</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Restart</strong></li>
 	<li>Your computer will restart and boot into the <strong>Startup Settings</strong> screen:<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/09/Windows-8-Advanced-Boot-Options.png" alt="Startup Settings in Windows 8" /></li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>F6</kbd> to access <strong>Safe Mode with Command Prompt</strong></li>
 	<li>Once in Command Prompt type the DISM command:
<pre>dism /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions</pre>
Replace <code>C:</code> with the Windows 8 installation drive letter</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
</ol>
<h3>Fix #3: Run sfc</h3>
To run sfc on a Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 system, follow these steps:
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the installation media and boot from it to access the Install now screen
<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-8-repair-your-computer-screen.png" alt="Windows 8 Install Now screen" /></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Repair your computer</strong></li>
 	<li>Navigate to Troubleshoot &gt; Advanced options
<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/02/windows-8-recovery-options-screen-troubleshoot.png" alt="Windows 8 Troubleshoot page" /></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Command Prompt</strong></li>
 	<li>Type the sfc command and replace <code>c:</code> with the letter of the drive where Windows 8 is installed on:
<pre>sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows</pre>
</li>
 	<li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
</ol>
<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/sfc_win8.png"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4672" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/sfc_win8-1024x768.png" alt="sfc_win8" width="980" height="735" /></a>
<h3>Fix #4: System Restore</h3>
Usually System Restore is enabled and running by default on Windows 8/8.1 systems. If this is the case, you can use System Restore to restore the computer to an earlier date in time to fix the Windows Updates loop error:
<ol>
 	<li>Insert the installation disc and boot from it</li>
 	<li>Once at the Install now screen, click <strong>Repair your computer</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Troubleshoot</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Advanced options</strong></li>
 	<li>Select the operating system</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>System Restore</strong></li>
 	<li>Follow the wizard instructions to complete the process</li>
</ol>
<h3>Fix #5: Clean Boot</h3>
If you successfully managed to restore Windows 8/8.1 to an earlier restore point before the Windows Update loop error, boot your system into a Clean Boot mode and install the pending Windows updates again:
<ol>
 	<li>Boot into the system</li>
 	<li>Press the [winkey] and <kbd>R</kbd> keys to open the Run dialog</li>
 	<li>Type <code>msconfig</code></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>OK</strong> or press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li>
 	<li>Go to <strong>Services</strong> tab</li>
 	<li>Check the <strong>Hide all Microsoft services</strong> option</li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Disable all</strong></li>
 	<li>Go to <strong>General</strong> tab</li>
 	<li>Check <strong>Selective startup</strong></li>
 	<li>Uncheck <strong>Load startup items</strong></li>
 	<li>Check <strong>Load system services</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>OK</strong></li>
 	<li>Click <strong>Restart</strong></li>
</ol>
[caption id="attachment_4668" align="alignnone" width="980"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/Msconfig-utility-screen1.png"><img class="wp-image-4668 size-large" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/01/Msconfig-utility-screen1-1024x592.png" alt="Msconfig utility screen" width="980" height="567" /></a> Msconfig utility screen[/caption]
<h2>More Information</h2>
<h3>Linked Entries</h3>
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/bootrec/">bootrec</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/chkdsk/">chkdsk</a></li>
</ul>
[partial name="partial_moreinfo" versions="vista,7,8"]