JBRIII

I am asking if anyone has had this specific problem:

My computer will not update windows, run the Assist program (allows someone else to run your computer) or activate any Microsoft software. I have tried every trick mentioned on the web, troubleshoot, repair, etc. After two hrs with Microsoft support, they finally sent a copy of Windows which was to install and repair while leaving apps intact, but no effect. I tried installing a new copy of 11 Pro, but again can't activate it. I know of software which will move apps to a new computer and software which will mirror the system (if a software issue, then that will be mirrored also). At this point, buying a new one, moving everything, then wiping the old one (3 yrs old, gaming system), installing new operating system seems like the only solution. Except for doing the same thing with Turbo Tax 2023, the computer works fine.

I don't wish to start an endless dialogue here, just asking has anyone had this same problem. All error messages say I'm not connected to the web. Tried updating at 2-5 am when Hughes Net is fastest, but no help there.

Thanks;
Jim

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Although it would seem a 3-year old computer should be eligible for a Win11 update, you might want to start with the vendor and exact model number and confirm.

Assuming yes, I've had ongoing problems with my Dell laptop that is Win10 Pro. It cannot be updated to Win11, something I know direct from Dell. I've had problems with Windows updates several separate times during the near 8-years I've had this laptop. More than once I've had to restart from a clean Win10 (Pro) install and slowly and carefully re-install the numerous point / patch updates. I don't wish this onto you, but that may be what you're in for.

BTW, if Win11Pro installed, but just couldn't be activated, I'd focus on that issue for resolution, why does the activation fail and what can MS support do to help resolve that issue?

JBRIII

Actually, I am running Win 11, the problem appears to have started a few months after the upgrade to Win 11, but not immediately. I spent 2+ hrs with Microsoft support and they send the file to fix it, but again it will not update. The strangest part is that it also occurred with Turbo Tax 2023, but 2022 updates fine (I had to bring it up to get tax info off).
I'd suspect Hughes net or the modem, but all works fine for my wife's computer. I even detached hers and connected mine using the same port, no change.

Thanks for the info, I do suspect I will need to do something like you did
Jim

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

When you say update, do you mean you can’t load/run updates to Win 11? If so, do you have system restore enabled? If so, try restoring to one of the previous points.

Help me understand a few things:

Regarding your attempt to install a new copy of Win11 pro, did it install and run correctly, but you can’t activate it?
If so, what is the source you installed from? (Did you purchase it?).
Did your machine originally come with Win 10 and you updated to 11? If so, was the copy of 10 Win Pro or home? Were you able to initially activate that copy of 11 (using your Win 10 activation key?) and did it run correctly until some update was applied?

Sorry for all the questions, but trying to understand so I can assist. From what I can tell from your description, this is an activation issue (is that true?), and I’m trying to determine the source of the activation key that doesn’t work.

BebuLamar

I think he meant Turbotax 2023 doesn't update. Which is a strange thing.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Well then I’m confused since his first statement was: “ My computer will not update windows, run the Assist program (allows someone else to run your computer) or activate any Microsoft software.”

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

One of Microsofts windows update had an issue about 8 weeks ago I believe. Neither mine or my wife's computer would update after that update failed. The issue is the space for the update is not large enough. I had to increase the windows recovery drive to 500mb from the 250mb that it is normally. I don't remember why they changed something in the updates that requires that but after I went into dos and increased my recovery drive everything is working fine.we both have excellent computers and plenty of space. The windows recovery drive is set up by windows. It is not a hard drive space issue.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Was this the update? Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5030310)

If I recall, there were a host of issues with this update although it worked for me (so far). That could easily be the OP’s issue. Interesting that increasing the recovery drive sized addressed it? Hope the OP has a restore point that he can return to.

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Is the license code for Windows valid for a Pro license? If you can connect to the internet otherwise (able to browse live sites), then it may be a firewall or AV issue. Start with simpler solutions, rather than go with the full re-install option. Also, a pain with Windows 11 is that it tries to force you to connect first to the internet before continuing with the installation which is a pain for brand new installs especially. Recently, I installed Win 11 Pro on a new build, but I ran into that initial connection conundrum since it was a wifi connection only and the network drivers for the motherboard were not installed yet. The workaround I used was a special command typed into an admin terminal screen. Directions are here if that is a similar problem for you - https://www.minitool.com/news/windows-11-setup-without-internet.html

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Your computer’s website should have a list of W11 compatible units. If you know the updates currently installed, there’s also the “Ask Woody” website that probably contains updates that have/had issues. I have a 2-in-1 Dell Inspiron that I bought 3 years ago that Dell reports not approved for W11. I installed anyway and haven’t experienced any issues except for one graphics crash that I’m unable to repeat.

JBRIII

I thank everyone, I found the answer last night. It is still strange, but this worked. I had to completely remove Kaspersky. I had previously turned off everything I could, but no luck. Finally found someone on web who had to uninstall it every time Windows tried to update, I hope that after reinstalling I don't have to remove it every time I need to update.

The facts:
I had Windows 11 working, upgraded from 10 two years ago. Problem appears to have started months (4) after that.
I could not update Windows 11 or Turbo Tax 2023.
Turbo Tax 2022 installed fine last year and updated fine two weeks ago, but not 2023.
I tried to install an upgrade to 11 Pro, I could install it, but not activate it.

I could download and install Win 11 Pro, Office, Turbo tax (even the updates), but none would connect for activation or updates, all said not connected to web. Neither WiFi or cable connections changed anything. All other software seemed to work fine.

After I reinstall Kaspersky, I will notify them about the issue and see what they say.

Thanks again;

By the way my wife's computer worked fine using the same software, but she has Win 10, so it may be a Win 11-Kaspersky interaction that only affects some specific way of connecting???

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thanks for letting us know.

BebuLamar

About 8 years ago or so. I had a WinXP laptop from work. It run so slowly. So I reformat the hard drive, reinstall WinXP without Kaspersky and it ran 10 times faster. Kaspersky is really a troublemaker. I would never want it on my computer. I can no longer log on to the company network but I don't care.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

And with regularly updated Windows Defender and MalwareBytes occasionally, do you really need Kaspersky? Back in the XP days, maybe, but Defender is really quite good, and 3rd party Antivirus aps (especially Norton) can cause lots of maddening issues (like this one).

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

Did you delete Kaspersky before updating or did try to just shut Kaspersky down until the upgrade was done? A lot of programs recommend that anti-virus programs should be shut down before installing new updates or new programs. I'm just curious because I use Kaspersky on older OS's like Windows 7. If I ever change Windows 7 OP's to Windows 10 or 11 I might want to keep this problem in mind, but I would probably use a new computer to use 10 or 11.