WordPress update error: Could not copy file.: wordpress/wp-includes/images/..

The error also occurs if the file and/or directory permissions are set inappropriately. Which ones apply and fit in your hosting depends on the hosting. A more general guide can be found here:

Changing File Permissions

Hmm, if I choose > Updates > Reinstall 6.2.1, WordPress reinstalls without an issue, and if I check the permission, I see /wp-content/upgrade is 755.

Could not copy file.: wordpress/wp-includes/images/crystal/code.png

Unsure why the previous update process would be copying that file from a wordpress directory. I didn’t think the normal WP core update process involved such a directory.

Uprading to WP 6.2.2 occurred without an error.

Looks like the original error will remain a mystery.