Windows Update Not Working? This Fix Will Surprise You

Fixing Windows Update errors can be essential for keeping your system up-to-date and secure. Here’s a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve common Windows Update issues:

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix issues related to Windows Update. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
2. Go to Troubleshoot: Click on Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

The troubleshooter will attempt to identify and resolve common issues like missing or corrupted files.

2. Clear the Windows Update Cache

Sometimes, the update cache gets corrupted, which can prevent updates from being installed correctly. You can clear it manually:

1. Stop Windows Update Service:
   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
   • Scroll down and find Windows Update. Right-click and select Stop.
2. Delete the Update Cache:
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
   • Delete everything in this folder.
3. Restart Windows Update Service:
   • Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.

3. Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can cause update errors. Use System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to fix these:

1. Run SFC:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Search for “cmd” > Right-click and select Run as administrator).
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let it complete the scan and fix any issues it detects.
2. Run DISM:
   • In the same Command Prompt window, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
     • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
     • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
     • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • This will check for corruption in the system image and attempt to repair it.

4. Reset Windows Update Components

If the previous methods don’t work, you can reset Windows Update components manually:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run these commands one by one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

net stop cryptsvc

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start bits

net start cryptsvc

This will reset the Windows Update components and may fix the issue.

5. Check for Available Disk Space

Ensure that your computer has enough free space to download and install updates. If disk space is low:

1. Free up space:
   • Open Settings > System > Storage and check what’s taking up space.
   • Use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files, system files, and previous Windows installations.
   • You can also uninstall unnecessary applications or move files to an external drive.

6. Manually Install the Update

If a specific update fails, you can download and install it manually:

1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
2. Search for the update by its KB number (you can find it in the Windows Update history).
3. Download the correct version for your system and run the installer.

7. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, security software can interfere with Windows Updates. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and try the update again. Be sure to turn your security software back on afterward.

8. Check for Hardware Issues

In rare cases, faulty hardware like a failing hard drive or RAM issues can cause update problems. Running a system diagnostic (available in BIOS or using third-party tools) can help identify hardware problems.

9. Perform a System Restore or Reset

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to restore your system to a previous state or reset it:

1. System Restore:
   • Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu.
   • Click on System Restore and choose a restore point from before the update issue started.
2. Reset Windows:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
   • Under Reset this PC, choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.
   • Follow the instructions to reinstall Windows and resolve the update issue.