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5 June 2024  John Weaver  Senior Program Developer
 

Summary
Troubleshoot the "kb3156421 failed to install" issue for Windows systems with effective methods provided in this article.



Table of contents

table iconI. Regarding the problem of cumulative update installation failure
table iconII. Use Renee Becca to backup system and data before fixing errors
table iconIII. How to solve the problem of KB3156421/KB3156387 cumulative update installation failure?
kb3156421 failed to install

I. Regarding the problem of cumulative update installation failure

Since Microsoft released cumulative updates KB3156421 and KB3156387, many users have attempted to download and install them. However, not all users were successful. For example, some users encountered the error “Windows 10 Version 1511 cumulative update for x64-based systems (KB3156421) – error 0x8000fff.” There are various reasons for the 0x8000fff error.
KB3156421 error
The failure of cumulative updates KB3156421 and KB3156387 may be temporary, with normal installation possible after several attempts. However, persistent failures can cause continuous computer restarts. As there is no official solution yet, uninstalling or hiding these updates is likely the most reasonable approach.
To prevent data loss during repairs, use professional backup tools beforehand. We recommend Renee Becca for system data backup.

II. Use Renee Becca to backup system and data before fixing errors

1. What is Renee Becca?

Renee Becca is a specialized tool for system and hard disk data backup and restoration. It helps back up and restore important data on your computer, including programs, system configurations, emails, photos, videos, documents, and bookmarks. Utilizing leading incremental and differential backup technology, it saves time and disk space. It supports system, partition, hard disk, and file backups, as well as disk cloning.
Renee Becca - Reliable Data Backup & Restore Software

Quick Backup files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Fullfill different backup needs Supports system backup, disk / partition backup, file backup and disk clone.

Intelligent Automatically analyze the differences between source and backup data.

Convenient Support VSS, allowing to freely view webpages when backing up system.

Highly compatible Supports various files and storage devices.

Quick Backup files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Fullfill different backup needs Backup for disk, partition and system. Save disk space by backing up incremental /differential data.

Highly compatible Supports various files and storage devices.

Free TrialFree Trial 2000 users have downloaded and enjoy Renee Becca!

2. How to use Renee Becca to back up the system?

Step 1: Download, install, and run Renee Becca on your computer. In the main interface, select the System Backup option. To back up individual important data, choose the file backup function.
system backup renee becca
Step 2: Select the source file and the destination. The source file generally defaults to the system partition, and the destination is where you want to save the system backup. To back up the system regularly, set a daily/weekly/monthly automatic backup plan and the start time in Scheduler. Click OK to start the automatic backup function.
system backup-schedule
In Backup Scheme, select the backup mode that suits your needs. Renee Becca offers 5 modes: version chain, single version, full, incremental, and differential. Choosing the right mode can save storage space.
system backup mode
Renee Becca offers 5 backup plans:

  • Version Chain Mode: Keeps the latest 5 versions, automatically deleting older ones after each backup.
  • Single Version Mode: Retains only the most recent version, deleting the previous one after each backup.
  • Full Mode: Creates a full backup.
  • Incremental Mode: After an initial full backup, only incremental backups are made.
  • Differential Mode: Only differential backups are made after an initial full backup. You can compare incremental and differential backups.
Step 3: Click (Backup) and wait for the system backup to complete.
The above is the method of system backup. After the operation is completed, you can solve the problem through the following methods.

III. How to solve the problem of KB3156421/KB3156387 cumulative update installation failure?

1. Uninstall/hide installed updates

If there is a problem with the Windows cumulative update, try uninstalling or hiding the update files to prevent further issues.
The specific steps to uninstall KB3156421/KB3156387 cumulative update are as follows:
Step 1: Start the computer and click the Start – Settings button. If the computer keeps restarting, please click here to learn how to enter safe mode and then uninstall updates after booting into safe mode.
settings in Windows
Step 2: Click (Update and Security)-(Windows Update)-(View Update History) option.
view Windows update history
Step 3: Here you can view the Windows update history, then click (Uninstall updates).
view update history
Step 4: Right-click the cumulative update that needs to be deleted/uninstalled, and click the (Uninstall) button.
To prevent the system from continuously attempting to automatically install the cumulative update after uninstalling KB3156421 or KB3156387, it is recommended to hide the cumulative update following these steps.
Steps to hide KB3156421 or KB3156387 cumulative update:
Step 1: Download wushowhide.diagcab, a tool to show or hide update files, and double-click to run it. Click the Advanced button. (Since the tool is no longer available from the official website, search for wushowhide and download it from a third-party site. Recommended download: https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/wushowhide.html)
Click Advanced
Step 2: You can check the (Apply repairs automatically) option and click (Next).
hide update
Step 3: Click on the Hide updates option. After selecting the updates to hide, click Next and Windows will not install the hidden updates. Finally, click Close.
Click Hide updates

2. Revert to the normal Windows system version to solve the problem

If the above methods cannot solve the problem, such as the computer restarting automatically, restore the operating system to its state before the failure. If you created a Windows system image backup, click here to see how to restore it. If you backed up your system with Renee Becca, review the system restore steps below.
Step 1: Run Renee Becca on a functional computer, navigate to the task tab, and select rescue disk.
rescue CD
Step 2: Choose the rescue disk type based on your disk and computer conditions. Connect a blank CD or USB stick, then click Select (Next) to create a startup disk.
Step 3: Connect the boot disk (CD/USB) to the computer, enter the BIOS using the startup shortcut key, and set the boot sequence to USB/CD. For a CD, select (CD-ROM Drive); for a USB flash drive, select (Removable Devices). Ensure the boot disk is first in the boot sequence, noting that BIOS/UEFI interfaces vary by brand.
Change bios startup items
Step 4: After startup, select the system backup version and target location for restoration. If the backup file is on an external hard disk, connect it and select it. Check the “Make the target system disk bootable (System disk only)” option, then click Recovery to start the system restore.
recover system from rescue CD