Fix Windows 11 25H2 KB5074109 (26200.7623) Not Installing

If the January 2026 security update KB5074109 not installing Windows 11 version 25H2, the issue is usually caused by corrupted update files, stopped services, power settings, or system file errors. Follow the solutions below in order.

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Solution 1: Reset Windows Update Services and Cache

This step clears corrupted update files and restarts essential services.

Disable Required Services

1. Open the Search bar
2. Type Services and open it
3. Locate App Readiness
   • Right-click → Properties
   • Set Startup type to Disabled
   • Click Apply, then Stop
4. Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service
   • Right-click → Properties
   • Set Startup type to Disabled
   • Click Apply, then Stop
5. Locate Windows Update
   • Right-click → Properties
   • Set Startup type to Disabled
   • Click Apply, then Stop

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Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder

1. Open This PC
2. Go to Local Disk (C:)
3. Open the Windows folder
4. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder
   • If deletion fails, confirm Windows Update is stopped
5. Click View → Show hidden items
6. Open ProgramData
7. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder there as well

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Re-enable Services

1. Go back to Services
2. Set the following services back to Automatic, then start them:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service
   • App Readiness

Close the Services window.

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Enable .NET Framework 3.5

Some updates require legacy .NET components.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Select Programs
3. Click Turn Windows features on or off
4. Enable .NET Framework 3.5
5. Click OK
6. Restart your PC after installation completes

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Solution 2: Repair Windows Image Using Command Prompt

Run DISM Commands

1. Open the Search bar
2. Type CMD
3. Right-click Command Prompt
4. Select Run as administrator
5. Run the following commands (one by one):

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait until all commands complete, then close Command Prompt.

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Adjust Power Plan Settings

Power restrictions can interrupt update installation.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Select Power Options
3. Click Change plan settings for your active plan
4. Click Change advanced power settings
5. Set the following to Never:
   • Sleep
   • Turn off hard disk
6. Click Apply, then OK

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Run System File Checker (SFC)

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Type the following command:

sfc /scannow

3. Press Enter
4. Wait until verification reaches 100%
5. Close Command Prompt

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Repair Disk Errors (If Needed)

If SFC reports errors:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Run:

chkdsk C: /f

3. Press Y when prompted
4. Restart your PC
5. Do not press any keys during disk repair

This process may take 5–10 minutes.

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Final Option: Repair Windows Using Windows Update

If the update still fails:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System
3. Select Recovery
4. Click Fix problems using Windows Update
5. Select Reinstall now

This reinstalls Windows system files without deleting personal data.

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Conclusion

The KB5074109 (26200.7623) installation failure on Windows 11 25H2 is almost always caused by corrupted update caches, disabled services, or system file damage. Resetting update components, repairing system files, and adjusting power settings resolve the issue in most cases.