How to fix error 0x80070541 after updating Windows

0x80070541 is another error that users may encounter when trying to apply the latest update for Windows 10 version 2004 / 20H2. Although these messages are quite common, they are slightly different as they affect absolutely every user. The patch, released in mid-March 2021, was intended to fix several security vulnerabilities, as well as implement new features. However, not everything went according to plan.

Many users reported that after installing the KB5000802 update, the ability to work with the printer was completely disrupted. Pages remain blank after being sent to print. Meanwhile, others claim that after that Windows immediately displays a blue screen, and goes to reboot, as a result, users lose unsaved data.

Naturally, Microsoft fixed the issues shortly thereafter with an out-of-order update, KB5001649. This patch removes the error, but in some cases there are problems with its installation. Below you will find several ways to fix the crash after Windows update 0x80070541.

Solution 1: Download patch KB5001649 from Microsoft Update Catalog

As mentioned above, the KB5001649 Emergency Update fixes printer issues and blue screens. Therefore, the first and best solution is to install this patch. It’s also worth keeping in mind that your Windows version must be 1903 or newer.

1. Go to Microsoft’s official website at catalog Windows Update.
2. Search for the number of the corresponding patch, in particular KB5001649, and press Enter.
3. Several different views will be offered here. You need to download and install the one suitable for your system.

To find out the parameters of your system, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Windows icon and select System.
2. In the Device Specifications section, note the System Type item.
3. It will be either 64-bit or 32-bit.
4. Then scroll down to the Windows spec and check the Version section – it should be 2004 or 20H2.

5. Now go back to the search results and download the appropriate update. After downloading, double-click on the .msu file to start the installation.
6. When this process is complete, restart your computer.

Solution 2: Uninstall the latest Windows updates

If the latest update disrupted some of the features and functionality of your computer, you can uninstall them and revert to a previous version.

1. Right click on the Windows icon and select Control Panel.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. On the left menu, click View New Features History.
4. Sort the installed patches by date so that they are at the top of the list.
5. Remove any updates marked with the date after which the problems started.
6. Right-click on a specific file, and select Delete.
7. After uninstalling all conflicting patches, reboot the system.

Solution 3: Pause Windows updates

Finally, you can pause Windows updates for a while to get the work done, and be sure that during this process any new patch will not change the results of your work.

1. Go to Windows Update again as described in the previous example.
2. On the left, select Customize Settings.
3. In the Important Updates section, in the drop-down menu, select Do not check for updates.
4. Click OK and confirm the function.

However, do not forget that regular patches fix many critical system errors associated with the appearance of a blue screen, and not only, therefore it is recommended to re-enable automatic updates after completing important work.