How to Fix “Something Didn’t Go as Planned” Issue in Windows 11

Key Notes

  • Downloading updates can resolve failed installations.
  • Correcting partition IDs may fix update errors.
  • Clearing cache and ensuring storage availability is crucial.

Resolving the ‘Something Didn’t Go as Planned’ Error in Windows 11

Are you encountering the frustrating “Something didn’t go as planned” error during a Windows Update? This disruptive message often indicates that a key component of Windows Update has encountered an error. It’s a common issue faced by Windows 11 users, and fortunately, there are several effective solutions to rectify this problem. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps needed to successfully address the issue and restore your system’s functionality.

Comprehensive Solutions for the ‘Something Didn’t Go as Planned’ Error

Step 1: Download Updates through Windows 11

To ensure you have the latest updates, follow these steps to download the Windows 11 ISO file:

Step 1 – Go to the Windows 11 Downloads Center.

Step 2 – Scroll down to the Download Windows 11 Disk Image ISO for x64 section.

Step 3 – Click on the “ Download Now ” button to begin the download.

Step 4 – Once the ISO file has downloaded, double-click to mount the file.

Step 5 – Navigate to the mounted ISO and run the “ Setup ” file to initiate the Windows 11 setup process.

Step 6 – Follow the setup prompts until you reach the ‘Get updates, drivers, and optional features’ screen. Choose the “ Download updates, drivers, and optional features (recommended) ” option.

Step 7 – Click “ Next ” to proceed with the installation.

Your Windows 11 will now be updated to the latest version. Wait for a moment, and then check Settings under the “ Windows Update ” section to confirm the installation. Don’t forget to restart your computer afterward.

Step 2: Correct the System Partition ID

Changing the system drive identification can alleviate update issues. Follow these steps:

Step 1 – Open a terminal by typing “ cmd ” in the search bar.

Step 2 – Right-click on “ Command Prompt ” and select “ Run as administrator ”.

Step 3 – Enter the following commands to list your disks: 

diskpart list disk

Step 4 – Identify your system drive by checking the disk name and size.

Step 5 – Select the disk using this command: 

select disk disknumber

Replace “ disknumber ” with the corresponding number of your disk.

Example: If your disk is number 1, the command is: 

select disk 1

Step 6 – To view the disk’s partitions, execute: 

list partition

Step 7 – Identify the system partition and note its number.

Step 8 – Now select that partition: 

select partition partitionnumber

Here, use the exact partition number you noted earlier.

Example: If the partition number is 2, the command will be: 

select partition 2

Step 9 – Finally, reset the ID with this command: 

SET ID=c12a7328-f81f-11d2-ba4b-00a0c93ec93b

Exit the Command Prompt and restart your machine. This should eliminate the “ Something didn’t go as planned ” error.

Step 3: Repair the Catroot Folder

Issues with the Catroot folder may influence update failures. To fix it:

Step 1 – Press the Windows key and type “ powershell ”.

Step 2 – Right-click on “ Windows PowerShell ” and select “ Run as administrator ”.

Step 3 – Input these commands, hitting Enter after each: 

net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

This process resets the Catroot directory, which will be automatically recreated upon the next system restart.

Step 4: Ensure Adequate Storage Space

Insufficient storage can also lead to errors. Clear out some space by following these steps:

Step 1 – Search for “ disk cleanup ” and launch the tool.

Step 2 – Select the Windows drive to clean up.

Step 3 – Click “ OK ” to proceed.

Step 4 – From the list of files, check the following boxes: 

Temporary Internet Files Delivery Optimization Files Recycle Bin

Step 5 – Click “ OK ” to clear the selected files.

This process will help free up disk space. Try running the update again to see if the problem persists.

Additional Tips

  • Always back up important data before performing system updates.
  • Use Windows’ built-in tools like the Troubleshooter to diagnose update issues.
  • Regularly check for disk errors using built-in diagnostics.

Summary

In summary, the “Something Didn’t Go as Planned” error can be resolved using a series of steps aimed at updating and repairing your system’s configurations. Whether through downloading an ISO, correcting partition IDs, or cleaning up the Catroot folder, these methods have been outlined to help you navigate these common issues effectively.

Conclusion

Dealing with update errors in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but with the right approach and steps, you can resolve the “Something didn’t go as planned” message and get back to using your system as intended. Follow the steps outlined above, and always stay updated with best practices for Windows maintenance to ensure a smoother user experience.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What exactly does the “Something didn’t go as planned” error mean?

This error message typically indicates that one or more components necessary for the Windows Update process have failed or encountered issues.

How can I prevent Windows Update issues?

Keep your system regularly updated, ensure sufficient disk space, and perform routine maintenance such as disk cleanups. Utilize the built-in Troubleshooter to identify issues.