Windows updates that fail to install are nothing new for users, although Microsoft is trying to improve the experience by reducing the rate of problems that occur when releasing new updates.
Windows 7 users don't seem to be particularly convinced by Microsoft's efforts since the September security updates (KB 4457144 and KB 4457145) failed to install with a 0x8000FFFF error.
In a technical analysis of the issue, Microsoft explains that the culprit is the Windows 7 SP1 KB3177467 update. The Servicing Stack Update (SSU) was originally released in 2016 and was considered mandatory in order for upcoming patches. However, because many people neglected to install it, they are now experiencing problems with the new updates.
From a technical perspective, a proper update cycle involves deploying the SSU first and then the September update to ensure all prerequisites are met.
Microsoft , wishing to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, is planning changes to next month's Servicing Stack Update (SSU) by marking it as a critical security patch.
If your system encountered the same issue and the installation of the latest updates failed with error 0x8000FFFF, make sure you install Windows 7 SP1 servicing stack update KB3177467 first.
