So how do you install updates in the recovery environment, and should you use it for updates? Keep on reading to find out.
Should you install Windows updates in Safe Mode?
Microsoft advises against installing Windows updates in Safe Mode due to the following reasons:
Missing devices and components – Since not all devices and components are active in Safe Mode, this will result in only partial updates. In some instances, this can cause Windows 10 to not bot anymore. Additional errors – If you try to install updates in Safe Mode, you might get ERROR_INSTALL_SERVICE_FAILURE on your PC.
The only acceptable situations are if you cannot start Windows normally or if Windows Update won’t work. Even so, if you do install a service pack or update while Windows is running in Safe Mode, immediately reinstall it after you start Windows normally.
How do I use Windows Updates in Safe Mode?
1. Use the Settings app
Once you enter Safe Mode, you just need to check for updates like you usually would: By following these steps, you should now be able to get the latest Windows updates, even when you boot the PC in Safe Mode. While this is not recommended, there are a few situations when this may be your only choice left.
2. Use Microsoft Update Catalog
Windows Update in Safe Mode – Something went wrong
Speaking about limited choices, you might even encounter Windows Update errors when booting in Safe Mode. Such is the case with this one: Windows Update something went wrong. Try to reopen the settings later. Here’s what to do if Windows Update says something went wrong: If you’re a Windows 11 user, also check out this guide on how to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode. You’ll immediately see that debugging your issues in Safe Mode works just like in Windows 10. Did you find this guide useful? Let us know what other processes you want to run while in Safe Mode in the comment section below.
Name *
Email *
Commenting as . Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
