Windows 11 · Windows 11

Fix the 'Important Security and Quality Fixes Are Missing' Message

Source-checked 2 September 2026About 25 minutes

Answer

Restart Windows, note the update code, run Microsoft's Windows Update troubleshooter, and retry once. If the message remains, repair Windows system files and check that the installed Windows release is still supported. Use the Windows repair reinstall only after backing up and completing the smaller checks.

Before you continue

Record the codeThe message alone does not identify the failed update.
Run the troubleshooterIt can correct common update-service problems.
Back up before repairA repair reinstall is larger than a normal update.

Run Microsoft's Update troubleshooter Read current update recovery steps Read about repair reinstall

Save the exact update details

Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and note the KB number, error code, and last successful update.

Restart and retry once

Connect power, use a stable internet connection, choose Restart, then Check for updates.

Run the Update troubleshooter

Open Microsoft's troubleshooter or Get Help and apply only the recommendations it gives.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Check space and time

Make free storage safely and set date, time, and time zone automatically. Disconnect nonessential USB storage.

Repair system files

In an administrator Terminal, run DISM RestoreHealth. After it completes, run `sfc /scannow`, restart, and retry the failed KB.

Check Windows support

Run `winver` and compare the version with Microsoft's current supported releases. An old release may need a feature update.

Use repair reinstall last

Back up first, then use Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update if Microsoft offers it. This reinstalls the current version while preserving apps, files, and settings.

Read Microsoft's repair reinstall guide

If it does not work

If the PC is managed, its update policy may delay or block a release; ask the administrator.
If the same KB has a documented Microsoft hold, wait for the hold to clear instead of forcing it.
Do not download update packages from unofficial sites or delete update folders before saving the exact error evidence.

Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on 2 September 2026. Scope: Windows 11.

The written instructions were checked against the current official pages linked below. The older video is kept for reference and may show different menus.