Hello Kyle Hemingway, thank you for posting in the Microsoft Q&A community.
This behavior is typically triggered by a corrupted Windows Update cache, missing or corrupted system files, a driver conflict during the update application phase, or interference from third-party endpoint security software preventing the system from modifying protected directories.
Please clear any potentially corrupted update files and ensure system health:
1. Clear the Windows Update Cache
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator and run the following commands one by one to stop the update services, clear the cache, and restart the services:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Once the commands have been executed successfully, restart the computer and attempt the Windows Update again.
2. Repair System Files using DISM and SFC
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator and execute these commands in order, waiting for each to complete 100%:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
If the update still fails after trying the above steps, I will need a bit more data to pinpoint the exact point of failure. Could you please provide the following details?
- What is the specific Error Code shown in the Windows Update history? You can find this by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
- Are you running any third-party antivirus, disk encryption, or endpoint protection software? If so, consider temporarily disabling it during the update process.
If you are comfortable grabbing logs, we can identify the exact driver or file causing the rollback. Please check the Component Based Servicing log located at C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log for errors that occurred right when the update hit 35%.
I will follow up on this thread to ensure your issue is resolved. If this information helps clarify the behavior, please consider clicking "Accept Answer" so that other community members can benefit from it.