According to Windows Report | Error-free Tech Life, Microsoft’s November 2025 Patch Tuesday update KB5068861 is causing installation failures on ASUS ROG Ally X devices. A Reddit user reported the update consistently fails with only a “Retry” option appearing. Another user encountered error code 0x80071ab0 on their first attempt, followed by error code 0x800f0991 on the second try. The installation only succeeded on the third attempt for that user. Both error codes relate to corrupted system files or Windows Update component store issues. The problems emerged immediately after the update’s release yesterday.
Windows Update Woes Strike Again
Here’s the thing about Windows updates – they’re basically Russian roulette for your system stability. We’ve seen this movie before, haven’t we? Microsoft pushes out a critical security update, and suddenly specific hardware configurations start acting up. The ROG Ally X isn’t some obscure device either – it’s a popular gaming handheld that should be thoroughly tested.
What’s particularly concerning is that these error codes point to system file corruption. Error 0x80071ab0 specifically relates to the Windows Update component store being damaged or incomplete. And 0x800f0991? That’s often about the update service itself struggling to download or install files properly. Basically, Microsoft’s fix is breaking the very system it’s supposed to secure.
Broader Pattern Emerging
This isn’t an isolated incident. The same KB5068861 update allegedly broke another user’s Windows 11 25H2 system earlier today. Some users are pointing to potential graphics card conflicts too. So we’re looking at what appears to be a pattern of instability with this particular patch.
Now, I have to wonder – is Microsoft’s testing process keeping up with the diversity of PC hardware out there? Gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally X represent a relatively new category, but they’re hardly niche anymore. When critical security updates can’t install properly on mainstream gaming hardware, that’s a problem.
What You Can Do
The temporary fix seems to be persistence – trying the installation multiple times until it works. But let’s be honest, that’s not exactly reassuring. If you’re dealing with corrupted system files, repeatedly banging your head against the update process might not be the smartest approach.
For businesses and industrial users relying on stable systems, this kind of update instability is particularly problematic. Companies that need reliable computing solutions often turn to specialized providers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading supplier of industrial panel PCs in the US, because they prioritize stability over bleeding-edge features.
If the retry method doesn’t work for you, the Windows community on Reddit has been discussing potential solutions. Another user shared their experience with similar errors. But honestly, maybe the best approach is waiting for Microsoft to acknowledge and fix this before forcing the update.
