Resolve Windows Update Error 0xC1800118 When Using WSUS

2024/02/01

Key Notes

Identify and remove any declined updates.
Run the WSUS Server Cleanup Wizard to clear residual files.
Manually download and install essential updates.

Resolving the Upgrade Error 0xC1800118: A Comprehensive Guide for Users of WSUS

Encountering the upgrade error code 0xC1800118 on WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) can be frustrating. This guide breaks down the causes and provides detailed steps to effectively resolve this issue.

Resolving Error 0xC1800118 on WSUS

Follow these outlined steps to troubleshoot and resolve the 0xC1800118 error in WSUS:

Step 1: Identify and Remove Declined Updates

First, launch the Windows Update Services MMC and follow these actions:

Access the All Updates View.
Set the display filter to show all updates with an Approval status of ‘Any except Declined’.
Click on Refresh to update the view.
Right-click on the column headers and choose Supercedence to add this as a sorting option.
Sort by Supercedence to identify declined updates.
Select these updates, and right-click to decline them.

Pro Tip: Regularly check for updates and ensure you are managing the approval status to avoid future errors.

Step 2: Execute the WSUS Server Cleanup Wizard

To clean up the remnants of declined updates:

Open WSUS and navigate to the administrator console.
Select Options > Server Cleanup Wizard.
Select all the options available and click Next.
Allow the wizard to start the cleanup process.
Once completed, review the summary and click Finish.

Step 3: Manually Install Pending Updates

Once the cleanup is finished, you can then manually reinstall the pending updates. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for the relevant KB number, and download the applicable update for your system architecture.

Pro Tip: Always confirm that the updates you are installing match the version and architecture of your server.

Step 4: Enable Feature Updates in WSUS

To enable automatic downloads of feature updates:

Go to the WSUS administrator console.
Navigate to the following path:

Update Services\Server_Name\Updates\All Windows 11/10 Upgrades

Right-click on the available feature update and select Approve. Confirm by clicking Approved for Install.

Summary

Successfully resolving the upgrade error 0xC1800118 involves removing declined updates, running a cleanup via the WSUS Server Cleanup Wizard, and manually reinstalling necessary updates. Following this guide should assist in eliminating the obstacles associated with this error.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the error 0xC1800118 on your WSUS server. Implementing these recommendations ensures your update process runs smoothly, preventing future issues. Should you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out for further assistance.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is error 0xC1800118?

Error 0xC1800118 is an upgrade error in WSUS indicating that the system has downloaded content it cannot utilize due to a missing decryption key.

How can I prevent this error in the future?

Regularly managing updates and monitoring WSUS for declined updates can help prevent this error from reoccurring.