Fix Error 0xc1900223 When Installing Windows 10 Updates

The error 0xc1900223 may appear when you attempt to update your Windows 10 installation, especially when installing a feature update like v1903 or v1909. There is no actionable advice from Microsoft, regarding this error.

• As per Microsoft, the error 0xc1900223 indicates that there was a problem downloading and installing the selected update. Windows Update will try again later and there is nothing you need to do at this time. Src: Get help with Windows 10 upgrade and installation errors

However, the error continues to occur even when attempting to install the update every time.

The SetupDiag utility (download) would log this error:

Error: SetupDiag reports abrupt down-level failure.
Last Operation: Finalize
Error: 0xC1900223 - 0x20009
LogEntry: Error MOUPG CSetupManager :: ExecutePreDownloadMode (8491): Result = 0xC1900223

The usual Windows Update troubleshooting methods may not fix this error. This post tells you how to prevent the error 0xc1900223 in Windows 10.

[Fix] Error 0xc1900223 in Windows 10

The error 0xc1900223 may occur if your computer is unable to connect to the Microsoft Update servers or its content delivery network. This can happen if you have earlier blocked a bunch of Microsoft server addresses manually or using a specialized program that writes to the Windows HOSTS file. This error can also occur if you leverage a specialized DNS server to block third-party web addresses.

1. Disable your VPN software

VPN software can interfere with the Windows Update process sometimes. If you’re using a VPN connection to connect to a work network, disconnect from the network and turn off the VPN software (if applicable) and try upgrading again.

2. Rename your HOSTS file (temporarily)

If disabling your VPN software doesn’t work or if you don’t use a VPN, then try renaming the HOSTS file.

1. Open the folder C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc

2. Rename the file named HOSTS to HOSTS.OLD. You’ll be asked for consent (admin consent) to rename the file. Click Continue when prompted.
3. Open a Command Prompt window and type the following command to clear the Windows DNS cache:

   ipconfig /flushdns

4. Attempt to install Windows Updates again.
5. Once done, rename HOSTS.OLD back to HOSTS. Also, inspect your HOSTS file and make sure you don’t block Microsoft Update server addresses.

3. Change your DNS resolver

Ad-blocking DNS servers like Pi-Hole can cause the error 0xc1900223 or similar. You’ll need to disable Pi-Hole temporarily to install Windows Updates.

If you’ve been using Pi-Hole at the router level, then you’ll need to revert to the ISP-default DNS resolvers, or use one of the free DNS servers (temporarily):

• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1

• And then, flush the Windows DNS cache by running the ipconfig /flushdns command from a Command Prompt window.

Workarounds or WU Error 0xc1900223

While you may be unable to install the Feature update (v1903, v1909, etc) via the Windows Update channel, there are at least two other ways to get them installed on your system.

Visit the Microsoft Windows 10 Download site.

Download the latest Windows Update Assistant tool (preferred), and run it. Follow the instructions and upgrade Windows 10.

(or)

Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft Windows 10 Download site mentioned above.

Run the Media Creation Tool and choose Upgrade this PC now.

Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the process. Note that the Media Creation Tool preserves your files, apps, and settings by default, if you’ve opted for the “Upgrade this PC now” option (in the previous screen).

That should upgrade your Windows 10 installation without encountering the error 0xc1900223.

Editor’s note: On the other hand, if you see the error 0xc1900223 when installing a Cumulative Update (instead of Feature update), then you can download the Cumulative Update package locally via the Windows Update catalog.