Microsoft Confirms Windows 10 Optional Update Causes Sysprep Validation Errors

Laptop-Windows-10

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has acknowledged a bug in Windows 10 version 22H2 that affects users who installed the optional patch (KB5032278) released in November 2023.
  • This bug could trigger 0x80073cf2 errors when using the System Preparation (Sysprep) tool.
  • Microsoft is actively working on a fix expected to be available in a future update.

Microsoft has acknowledged a new issue in Windows 10 version 22H2, affecting users who installed the optional patch (KB5032278) released in November 2023. The company detailed on the Windows release health dashboard that the bug could trigger 0x80073cf2 errors when using the System Preparation (Sysprep) tool.

The System Preparation tool (or sysprep.exe) is a utility that allows administrators to prepare an installation of Windows for auditing, duplication, and customer delivery. It’s primarily used in enterprise environments where IT admins need to install a customized Windows image on multiple PCs. Sysprep helps to avoid conflicts that could arise from having multiple systems with identical identifiers.

Microsoft has confirmed that the problem happens when running the Sysprep tool in audit mode on Windows 10 devices. The audit mode lets IT admins add additional drivers and applications to a Windows installation before it’s prepared and shipped for mass deployment. It helps to streamline the process of setting up new systems in enterprise environments.

“After installing updates released November 30, 2023 KB5032278 or later, some Windows devices might be unable to complete preparation using System Preparation Tool (Sysprep.exe) due to issues with the status of a Microsoft Edge package. Affected Windows devices will receive a 0x80073cf2 in the setupact.log,” Microsoft explained.

Latest Windows 10 Optional Update Causes Sysprep Validation Errors
Sysprep 0x80073cf2 error

Microsoft provides a workaround to fix the Windows 10 Sysprep bug

Fortunately, Microsoft is already working on a fix, and it’s expected to be delivered in a future update. In the meantime, the company has provided a temporary workaround that requires users to remove Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge package from affected Windows machines via PowerShell commands. If you’re interested, we invite you to check out this support page to determine whether your Windows images are affected by Sysprep validation errors.