Windows 10 KB5034441 error explained: Reasons and fixes

With this article, you can learn everything you need to know about the Windows 10 KB5034441 error. The KB5034441 cumulative update for Windows 10 aimed to boost security but brought about the 0x80070643 error, hindering installation. Users faced frustrations as the error signaled an “ERROR_INSTALL_FAILURE.” Investigation revealed insufficient space in the WinRE partition as the culprit.

Microsoft swiftly acknowledged the issue and suggested resizing the WinRE partition via Command Prompt or using a PowerShell script for automation. This concise guide empowers users to navigate the error, ensuring a seamless update experience as Microsoft actively works on a resolution.

What is the Windows 10 KB5034441 error?

The Windows 10 KB5034441 error, specifically identified by the code 0x80070643, is a challenge that users encountered while attempting to install the KB5034441 cumulative update. This update, released by Microsoft on January 9, was designed to address critical security issues within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). WinRE is a partition on Windows systems created by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to facilitate system recovery, restoration, or reinstallation of Windows.

The KB5034441 update was intended to patch a severe vulnerability that could potentially allow attackers to bypass BitLocker encryption and gain unauthorized access to sensitive files by exploiting the WinRE functionality.

However, users reported difficulties in installing the KB5034441 update, with many encountering the 0x80070643 error. This error code signifies an “ERROR_INSTALL_FAILURE,” indicating that the installation process of the update failed. Users expressed their frustration through feedback in the Feedback Hub and various comment sections, sharing their unsuccessful attempts to install the update even after trying troubleshooting methods like reinstalling Windows.

Upon investigation, it was determined that the update failed when the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) partition lacked the required 250 megabytes of free space. Microsoft officially acknowledged the issue and attributed the installation failure to insufficient space within the WinRE partition.

To address this problem, Microsoft recommended resizing the WinRE partition using Command Prompt and provided a step-by-step guide for users to follow. Additionally, an alternative solution involved using a PowerShell script to automate the update process and alleviate the need for manual intervention.

Microsoft is actively working on a resolution to the KB5034441 error and has assured users that an emergency update will be released soon. The company acknowledges that this issue predominantly affects devices with limited storage space for the recovery partition, particularly after storage space requirements for WinRE were increased in June 2023 without corresponding adjustments in Windows Update.

How to fix the Windows 10 KB5034441 error

To fix the Windows 10 KB5034441 error (0x80070643 – ERROR_INSTALL_FAILURE), you can follow these steps. The error is related to the installation failure of the KB5034441 cumulative update, primarily due to insufficient space in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) partition.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving the issue:

1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator:
   • Right-click on the Start button.
   • Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
2. Check WinRE Installation:
   • Run the command reagentc /info to verify if WinRE is installed.
   • Look for the “Windows RE location” with a path.
3. Disable WinRE:
   • Disable WinRE by running the command reagentc /disable.
4. Shrink the OS Partition:
   • Use the diskpart tool to shrink the OS partition.
   • Run diskpart in the Command Prompt.
   • List the disks with list disk and select the one with the OS using sel disk <OS disk index>.
   • Find the OS partition with list part and select it using sel part <OS partition index>.
   • Shrink the partition using shrink desired=250 minimum=250.
5. Delete the Old WinRE Partition:
   • Select and delete the old WinRE partition:
     • sel part <WinRE partition index>
     • delete partition override
6. Create a New Recovery Partition:
   • Check if your disk is GPT (GUID Partition Table) or MBR (Master Boot Record) by running list disk.
   • For GPT, use: create partition primary id=de94bba4-06d1-4d40-a16a-bfd50179d6ac
     gpt attributes=0x8000000000000001
   • For MBR, use: create partition primary id=27
   • Format the new partition: format quick fs=ntfs label="Windows RE tools".
   • Check the new partition with list vol and exit diskpart with exit.
7. Enable WinRE:
   • Turn WinRE back on with the command reagentc /enable.
   • Confirm WinRE installation with reagentc /info.

Alternatively, you can use a PowerShell script to automate the process. Download the script from Microsoft’s Discord server, and run it with Administrator credentials in PowerShell on the affected devices.

It’s important to note that Microsoft is actively addressing this issue and plans to release an emergency update soon. If you encounter difficulties or prefer a more automated approach, the PowerShell script provides a convenient solution.

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