Windows 11 users often encounter problems when installing cumulative updates, and the KB5072033 & KB5071417 feature not installing are no exception. These updates include performance improvements, quality fixes, and new features, yet many PCs fail to install them due to corrupted components or service interruptions. If your update gets stuck, fails to download, or shows error messages, this guide helps you fix the issue quickly and safely.

Below, you’ll find tested solutions to resolve installation problems and unlock all new features included with these updates.


🔥 Why KB5072033 & KB5071417 feature not installing?

Several common issues trigger installation failures:

  • ⚠️ Corrupted Windows Update cache
  • 🔧 Broken system files
  • 🚫 Disabled update services
  • 💾 Low storage space
  • 🧩 Driver or background app conflicts
  • 🔄 Interrupted internet or power loss
  • ⚙️ Feature updates not manually enabled

Now let’s fix the problem step by step.


✔️ 1. Restart Your PC & Try Update Again

It may seem simple, but rebooting clears temporary processes that may block the update.

  1. Restart your PC.
  2. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

This resolves minor update issues instantly.


🧹 2. Clear Windows Update Cache (SoftwareDistribution Folder)

This folder stores temporary update files that often become corrupted.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X → select Terminal (Admin).
  2. Stop update services: net stop wuauserv net stop bits
  3. Open the folder:
    C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  4. Delete everything inside.
  5. Restart services: net start wuauserv net start bits

Try installing the updates again.


🛠️ 3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool to detect and fix update failures automatically.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
  3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

It repairs reset components and fixes misconfigurations.


🔄 4. Reset Windows Update Components (Full Reset)

If typical fixes fail, perform a full reset.

  1. Open Terminal (Admin).
  2. Run the reset commands: 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

This completely refreshes Windows Update processes.


🧰 5. Repair System Files (SFC & DISM)

Corrupted files can cause both update failures.

Run these commands:

SFC Scan

sfc /scannow

DISM Repair

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC and install the update again.


💾 6. Ensure You Have Enough Storage Space

Windows updates require several gigabytes of free space.

To free storage:

  • Use Disk Cleanup
  • Remove unused apps
  • Empty Recycle Bin
  • Clean temporary files

After freeing space, install the updates again.


🌐 7. Install KB5072033 & KB5071417 Manually (Microsoft Catalog)

Manual installation bypasses most download errors.

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  2. Search for:
    • KB5072033
    • KB5071417
  3. Download the correct version for your system (x64 or ARM).
  4. Install both updates manually.

This method forces updates without relying on Windows Update.


🛡️ 8. Disable Antivirus / Firewall Before Updating

Some third-party antiviruses block update files.

Temporarily disable:

  • Real-time protection
  • Firewall modules
  • Anti-tamper tools

Then update your system.


✨ How to Enable New Features After Installing KB5072033 & KB5071417

Some features included in Windows updates are disabled by default and must be manually activated.

🔓 Option 1: Turn on “Get the latest updates”

  1. Go to Settings → Windows Update.
  2. Enable:
    “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available”

This unlocks hidden feature rollouts.


🔧 Option 2: Enable Features Using ViveTool (Advanced)

  1. Download ViveTool (GitHub).
  2. Extract the folder.
  3. Open Terminal in the ViveTool directory.
  4. Run: vivetool /enable /id:######

Replace ###### with feature ID codes you want to enable (like new UI improvements, settings pages, or File Explorer features).


🎯 Conclusion

The updates KB5072033 and KB5071417 bring important improvements, but installation problems are common. By clearing cache, resetting update components, repairing system files, and manually installing patches, you can resolve almost all issues. Once installed, enabling new features is simple and unlocks the full potential of the Windows 11 update.

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