Here’s a List of Fixes for when Windows Update Isn’t Working

Windows Update is a Microsoft service that provides updates for the Windows operating system and other Microsoft software. These updates can include new features, bug fixes, and security patches.

If you’re having trouble with Windows Update, there are a number of things you can try. This list of fixes should help you get Windows Update working again.

Fix #1: Restart your computer

If you’re having trouble with Windows Update, the first thing you should try is restarting your computer. This will sometimes resolve the issue on its own.

Fix #2: Check your internet connection

The next thing to check is your internet connection. Windows Update needs a working internet connection to download updates.

If you’re on a Wi-Fi connection, try moving closer to the router. If you’re on a wired connection, make sure the cable is plugged in securely.

Fix #3: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help you resolve common issues with Windows Update.

To run the troubleshooter, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Fix #4: Clear the Windows Update cache

The Windows Update cache is a folder where Windows stores temporary files used by the update process. Occasionally, this cache can become corrupted, which can cause problems with Windows Update.

To clear the cache, open the Command Prompt (search for “cmd” in the Start menu) and run the following command:

net stop wuauserv
net start wuauserv

Fix #5: Reset the Windows Update Components

If the Windows Update cache and the troubleshooter don’t fix the issue, you can try resetting the Windows Update components. This will delete the temporary files used by Windows Update and re-register the update components.

To reset the Windows Update components, open the Command Prompt and run the following commands:

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

Fix #6: Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker is a built-in tool that can scan for and repair corrupted files.

To run the System File Checker, open the Command Prompt and run the following command:

sfc /scannow

Fix #7: Perform a clean install of Windows

If none of the above fixes work, your last resort is to perform a clean install of Windows. This will delete all your files, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding.

To perform a clean install, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under “Reset this PC”, click “Get started” and follow the instructions.

What to do when Windows Update isn’t working

If your Windows 10 Update isn’t working, don’t despair. Here are a few ways to fix the problem.

First, try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This handy tool can help resolve a number of common issues with Windows Update.

If the Troubleshooter doesn’t fix the problem, you can try resetting the Windows Update components manually. To do this, you’ll need to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Once the Command Prompt is open, type the following commands, hitting Enter after each one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
Ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistributionSoftwareDistribution.old
Ren %systemroot%system32catroot2catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc

If this doesn’t fix the problem, you can try deleting the Windows Update cache. This can be done by running the following command:

Del %systemroot%SoftwareDistributionDownloads*.* /s /q

Finally, if none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting your PC. This will reinstall Windows, but you’ll be able to keep your personal files and apps. To do this, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started” and follow the prompts.

How to fix common errors

If you’re experiencing errors with Windows Update, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

1. First, make sure that your computer’s date and time are correct. Windows Update relies on your computer’s date and time settings to determine when new updates are available. If your computer’s date and time are not correct, you will not be able to install updates.

2. Second, check your internet connection. Windows Update needs an internet connection to download updates. If your computer is not connected to the internet, you will not be able to install updates.

3. Third, make sure that you have enough disk space. Windows Update will need to download and install updates, and these updates will take up space on your hard drive. If you do not have enough free space on your hard drive, you will not be able to install updates.

4. Fourth, try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help fix common Windows Update errors. To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, and then select Windows Update from the list of options.

5. Fifth, reset the Windows Update Components. The Windows Update Components include files and settings that help Windows Update download and install updates. If these files and settings become corrupted, Windows Update may not be able to download and install updates. To reset the Windows Update Components, go to Start > Command Prompt, and then type the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc

6. Sixth, try running the Windows Update troubleshooter again.

7. Seventh, try installing updates manually. You can do this by going to the Microsoft Update Catalog website, and then searching for and downloading the updates that you need.

8. Eighth, try using a different internet connection. If you’re using a public Wi-Fi connection, try using a different Wi-Fi network or connect your computer to your home network.

9. Ninth, try using a different computer. If you have another computer that is connected to the internet, try using that computer to download and install updates.

10. If you’re still having problems, contact Microsoft support.

Advanced troubleshooting

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and Windows Update still isn’t working, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Here are some advanced troubleshooting steps that can help get Windows Update back on track.

First, try opening the Windows Update control panel and running the “Check for Updates” wizard. If that doesn’t work, try opening the command prompt (search for “cmd” in the Start menu) and running the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits

If that doesn’t work, try resetting the Windows Update components:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

If you’re still having trouble, it’s time to try the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter is designed to help fix common problems with Windows Update, such as taking a long time to check for updates, receiving error messages, or being unable to install updates.

If none of that works, it’s time to contact Microsoft support.

Conclusion

If you’re having trouble with Windows Update, there are a number of things you can do to try and fix the problem.

First, make sure that you have a strong internet connection. Windows Update requires a stable internet connection in order to download and install updates.

If you’re still having trouble, you can try running the Windows Update troubleshooter. This is a built-in tool that can help identify and fix problems with Windows Update.

If the troubleshooter doesn’t fix the problem, you can try resetting the Windows Update components. This will delete any corrupt files and allow Windows Update to start fresh.

Finally, if you’re still having trouble, you can contact Microsoft support. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and find a solution.