Something Didn't Go as Planned Windows 11 - 10 Fixes!

Jerry updated on Oct 25, 2024 to Computer Instruction | How-to Articles

The 'Something didn't go as planned Windows 11' error occurs for several reasons. This article will discuss some of the main reasons leading to this issue. We'll also introduce 10 fixes to address the problem if you encounter it.

A Windows 11 update helps guarantee the safety of your operating system. It helps prevent your OS from common malware attacks. Different reasons may lead to the "Something didn't go as planned Windows 11" error for different reasons. What main causes do you know? How can you solve them? EaseUS has the right answers if you're asking the same questions. Read on.

Causes of Windows Update Something Didn't Go as Planned Error

It's important to understand why the "Something didn't go as planned. No need to worry undoing changes" error on your computer. The main causes of this problem include the following:

  • Corrupted system files. If the update has corrupted system files, it won't install to completion, hence the error message.
  • Interference from antivirus software. Antivirus software like Malwarebytes may prevent the successful installation of Windows 11 updates.
  • Damaged Windows update cache. A problem with the cache may lead to the update error message.
  • Insufficient disk space. An update may fail to complete if you run out of disk space.
  • Incorrect ID for system partition. An update may fail to install if you've changed the ID for the system partition.
  • Bugs in the update itself. Some Windows updates may have bugs that could hinder them from working correctly on your PC.
  • Malfunctioning hardware. Hardware such as RAM or CPU may malfunction, preventing successful installation of updates.

These are the main causes of the "Windows stuck on something didn't go as planned" error. The next section will discuss the possible fixes.

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How to Fix Something Didn't Go as Planned Windows 11

You can address Windows update "something didn't go as planned" via 10 different approaches. This section will discuss ten possible fixes, including the following:                                                                      

Fix 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows update troubleshooter easily fixes common errors related to updating your operating system. Below are the steps to run it.

Step 1. Open Settings on your Windows 11, then go to "System">"Troubleshoot."

Step 2. Next, click the "Other troubleshooters" option.

Step 3. Move to the "Windows Update" option and select the Run button. The troubleshooter will then check and resolve possible issues affecting the update process.

Step 4. You can restart your PC once the above step finishes.

Fix 2. Run SFC & DISM Scans

You will likely face the Windows 11 update problem following corrupt system files. A common way to fix this is via the System File Checker (SFC) or Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans. You can run the sfc scannow and DISM commands as follows:

Step 1. Launch Command Prompt. Next, type the SFC command below and press Enter:

  • sfc /scannow

Step 2. Restart your PC once the above command executes.

Step 3. Open Command Prompt again and run the following list of DISM commands. Press Enter after each command and let it execute:

  • dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
  • dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  • dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup

Step 4. Restart your PC once the DISM scan finishes.

Fix 3. Uninstall Malwarebytes

An antivirus software like Malwarebytes may treat a Windows 11 update with suspicion. You'll need to uninstall Malwarebytes first. You can reinstall the software once the update finishes.

Step 1. Type "appwiz.cpl" in the Run dialog box, then hit Enter.

Step 2. Next, click on Malwarebytes or any other antivirus program installed on your system and select "Uninstall."

Step 3. Once done, you can resume the Windows 11 update process.

Fix 4. Free Up Disk Space

Your Windows PC must have enough free space to install updates successfully. We recommend that you free up disk space to fix the "something didn't go as planned" error. You can do that by deleting unnecessary files and programs on your PC. You can also save some of your files using an external hard drive.

Fix 5. Correct ID for System Partition

If you changed the ID for a system partition by mistake, you can fix it via Diskpart using the following steps:

Step 1. Launch Command Prompt (as an admin) and run the following commands. Press Enter after writing each line of command.

  • diskpart
  • list disk
  • select disk N ("N" is the disk with the system partition.)
  • list partition
  • select partition X (where "X" is the partition number)
  • set id=c12a7328-f81f-11d2-ba4b-00a0c93ec93b

Step 2. Restart your device after running the above commands and check for the error again.

Fix 6. Update Device Drivers

You may also experience the "something didn't go as planned" error if your PC has outdated drivers. You'll need to update the device drivers for efficient functionality. Check the steps below:

Step 1. Right-click the "Start menu." Next, select "Device Manager."

Step 2. Double-click on "Disk drives" once the Device Manager window opens.

Step 3. Right-click the driver under this category and choose "Update driver."

Step 4. Choose "Search automatically for drivers," then follow the onscreen instructions.

Fix 7. Clear Windows Update Cache

The Windows update cache may also lead to the "something didn't go as planned" error. The best thing to do is to clear the Windows update cache. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open File Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click Local Disk (C) and select "Properties."

Step 3. Click "Disk Clean-up">"Clean up system files."

Step 4. Check the boxes for "Windows upgrade log files" and "Temporary Windows Installation files," then select OK.

Step 5. Open the Run dialog box. Type "services.msc" then hit Enter.

Step 6. Right-click "Windows Update," then choose "Stop."

Step 7. Go to File Explorer again and remove all files in the following path (this will clear all Windows update cache):

  • C:\ > Windows > SoftwareDistribution

Fix 8. Perform Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot enables your system to boot with a few startup programs and drivers. Doing this will likely stop the update error. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the Run dialog box, type "msconfig," then hit Enter.  

Step 2. Click on the "Services" tab once System Configuration opens and check "Hide all Microsoft services." Click "Disable all."

Step 3. Click on the "Startup" tab. Next, select "Open Task Manager."

Step 4. Under the Task Manager window, right-click on each enabled process and choose "Disable." This will disable the launching processes during startup. You can then close the window and restart your PC.

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Fix 9. Manually Update Windows

You can try manually updating Windows if all the previous fixes have failed. Check the steps below:

Step 1. Note the KB number for the update you want to download manually, then visit the Microsoft Catalog website and search for it.

Step 2. Once your update appears in the search results, click the download button. It will download in the form of a .msu file.

Step 3. Click on the downloaded .msu file to manually install it on your system.

Fix 10. Reset Windows 11

The last option is resetting your PC if you've tried all the fixes without success. A reset will erase all the settings on your installed Windows operating system and restore the defaults. This will fix the Windows "something didn't go as planned" error. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Type "Reset this PC" in the search bar, then select "Open."

Step 2. Click the "Reset PC" button under "Recovery options."

Step 3. Choose "Keep my files" when the "Choose an option" screen displays.

Step 4. Select "Local reinstall," then follow the onscreen instructions to finish reinstalling your operating system.

Read the following article to learn how to reset Windows 11 without losing data in 2 different ways.

Bonus Tip: How to Backup your Computer for Data Security

It's possible to lose important files if everything doesn't go as planned when updating your Windows 11. You should back up your data to guarantee its safety. One tool you must consider for data backup and recovery purposes is EaseUS Todo Backup.

This free backup and recovery software allows you to back up your files and system settings for future needs. It allows you to perform multi-path backup storage where you can save files to different locations, including the cloud, external drives, NAS, network, and local drives. EaseUS guarantees the safety of your data because it uses a password encryption feature.

You'll also access advanced backup options, such as scheduled, incremental and differential backup, and set backup frequency.

The main features of EaseUS Todo Backup include the following:

  • Secured password-protect backups
  • Basic backup scheduling
  • Best file sync software for Windows
  • Multi-path backup storage
  • App data backup and recovery
  • Enhanced backup efficiency
  • Bootable backup and recovery

To safeguard your Windows 11 data, ensure you've downloaded and installed EaseUS Todo Backup today. This tool has a user-friendly interface, and the steps to get started are very simple.

To Wrap Things Up

Solving the "Something didn't go as planned Windows 11" error is not a mountain task. The difficulty mostly emerges following disturbances from antivirus software, corrupted system files, insufficient disk space, etc. This tutorial has outlined different strategies you can apply to address the issue.

You'll likely experience data loss during an update problem. Experts recommend that you back up data during the process. EaseUS Todo Backup is a highly recommended tool for getting the work done. It allows you to save files to cloud storage platforms or external drives. Ensure you download EaseUS Todo Backup today to save your Windows 11 files conveniently.

FAQS on Computer Stuck on Something Didn't Go as Planned

Below are frequently asked questions about the "Something didn't go as planned" error.

1. What to Do If Getting Windows Ready Stuck?

If you get stuck during a Windows update, you can try the following options:

  • Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
  • Run SFC & DISM Scans.
  • Uninstall Malwarebytes.
  • Free Up Disk Space.
  • Correct ID for System Partition.
  • Update Device Drivers.
  • Clear Windows Update Cache.
  • Perform Clean Boot.
  • Manually Update Windows.
  • Reset Windows 11.

They could help fix the problem.

2. Why Can't I Update Windows Something Went Wrong?

You may encounter the "something didn't go as planned" error due to:

  • Corrupted system files.
  • Interference from antivirus software.
  • Damaged Windows update cache.
  • Insufficient disk space.
  • Incorrect ID for system partition.
  • Malfunctioning hardware.

You can try fixing these problems to address the issue.

3. How Do I Restart a Failed Windows Update?

You can fix this by running a Windows update troubleshooter. Check these steps:

  • Step 1. Open Settings on your Windows 11, then go to System>Troubleshoot.
  • Step 2. Next, click the Other troubleshooters option.
  • Step 3. Navigate to the Windows Update section. Click the Run button next to it. The troubleshooter will then check and resolve possible issues affecting the update process.
  • Step 4. Restart your PC.