KB5074109 Not Installing on Windows 11 – Fix Guide

If the January 2026 Security Update KB5074109 fails to install on Windows 11 version 25H2, the issue is usually caused by corrupted update components, disabled services, missing .NET features, or disk errors. Follow the solutions below in order.

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Solution 1: Reset Windows Update Services and Clear Update Cache

This solution fixes corrupted update files and stuck services.

Disable Required Services

1. Press Windows + Search
2. Type Services and open it
3. Locate App Readiness
4. Right-click → Properties
5. Set Startup type to Disabled
6. Click Apply, then Stop, then OK

Repeat the same steps for:

• Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
• Windows Update

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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:

• Go back to Services
• Ensure Windows Update is stopped
• Try deleting the folder again

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Delete Hidden SoftwareDistribution Folder

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click View
3. Enable Show hidden items
4. Open ProgramData
5. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

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Re-enable Windows Services

Go back to Services and set the following to Automatic, then start them:

• Windows Update
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service
• App Readiness

Close the Services window.

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Solution 2: Enable .NET Framework 3.5

Missing Windows features can block security updates.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Programs
3. Click Turn Windows features on or off
4. Enable .NET Framework 3.5
5. Check all sub-options
6. Click OK
7. Wait for installation to complete
8. Restart your PC

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Solution 3: Repair Windows Using Command Prompt

Run DISM Repair Commands

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Paste the DISM commands (from official Microsoft sources)
3. Press Enter
4. Wait 10–15 seconds for completion
5. Close Command Prompt

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Solution 4: Disable Power Saving Features Temporarily

Power settings can interrupt update installation.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Set View by to Large icons
3. Open Power Options
4. Select your active power plan
5. Click Change advanced power settings

Set the following to Never:

• Sleep
• Turn off hard disk after

Click Apply and OK.

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Solution 5: Run System File Checker (SFC)

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Type:

sfc /scannow

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

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Solution 6: Check Disk for Errors (CHKDSK)

If SFC reports errors or fails:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Run the disk check command
3. Press Y when prompted
4. Restart your PC
5. Do not press any keys during startup

Windows will scan and repair drive errors automatically.

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Solution 7: Use Windows Update Repair Option

If the update still fails:

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

This reinstalls update components without deleting personal files.

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Conclusion

The KB5074109 (26200.7623) installation failure is almost always caused by corrupted update cache, disabled services, or system file damage. Following these steps in order resolves the issue for most users.