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In this guide, we'll show you the top 6 tricks you can try if your Windows update keeps failing on Windows 10. Click here to learn more.
Windows 10 is one of the latest operating systems released with millions of users over the globe. However, despite its popularity, there are plenty of issues that you can run into on a daily basis when using the system. One of these errors is the Windows Update feature failing over and over, making you unable to update Windows 10
There are many possible causes of errors like this. If you’re dealing with the Windows Update keeps failing onWindows 10, our article is the perfect place to start troubleshooting.
Keeping your operating system up to date is extremely important. Microsoft rolls out new updates for Windows 10 to fix issues, roll out new features, or further optimize performance. These updates can patch up crucial security holes and reduce the risk of exploits, or make your computer run better and smoother.
Many users run into error messages related to the Windows Update failing. These include error pop-ups such as “Windows Update failed to install” or “Install failed.” Some reports say there is no error message, but the update process is stuck and doesn’t proceed even after a long time.
Read»How to Fix Windows Update Stuck on Download after Windows 10 Upgrade
What causes the Windows Update failing error?
When it comes to issues such as the Windows Update failing over and over, many possible things can produce the error. We compiled a list of the most common causes based on user reports.
- Corrupt or missing system files. System files are crucial to make sure everything works on your device. There’s a possibility that your system files were corrupted or deleted recently, which causes Windows Update to fail.
- Outdated drivers. Drivers are needed to handle components that don’t natively come with Windows 10 compatibility such as graphic cards, network cards, and so on. If a driver related to this issue hasn’t been updated in a while, it can cause issues with Windows Update.
- An issue with the Windows Update service. There’s a possibility that something is wrong with your update service itself. If this is the case, you can find alternative ways to download the latest Windows 10 update below.
Keep in mind — the list above doesn’t contain all possible causes. You might be experiencing the error due to a unique issue on your computer. However, our methods below will surely help you fix this error with ease, no matter what caused it in the first place.
If you can’t update Windows 10 because of update errors, don’t panic. Such errors can be easily fixed by following our detailed guides below.
Note: You will be required touse an administrator accountto be able to perform all of the steps described below.
8 Methods to fix Windows Update failing errors
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool
- Restart Windows Update related services
- Reset Windows Components to solve the problem
- Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan
- Execute the DISM command
- Temporarily disable your antivirus
- Restore Windows 10 from a backup
- Update Windows operating system
#1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool
The first method to try is to use the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter tool. This tool can automatically detect and fix many common Windows Update problems. To use this tool, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app
- Click on Update & Security
- Click on Troubleshoot
- Click on Additional troubleshooters
- Click on Windows Update
- Click on Run the troubleshooter
- Follow the on-screen instructions
#2. Restart Windows Update related services
Another solution to fix Windows Update errors is torestart the Windows Update-related services. This method can help to resolve any issues with the service not functioning correctly. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type "services.msc" and press Enter
- Locate the following services:
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
- Cryptographic Services
- Windows Update
- MSI Installer
- Right-click on each service and select Restart
- After restarting all of the services, try running Windows Update again
#3. Reset Windows Components to solve your problem
Resetting Windows Components could solve your problem. This method is the same us the above one except you'll be doing it through the command prompt.
- Press the Windows key + R and type cmd
- This will bring up the command prompt.
- Stop Windows components. Type these commands in the command prompt and press Enter each time:
- net stop bits
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop appidsvc
- net stop cryptsvc
- Type this command and press enter:Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistributionSoftwareDistribution.old
- Type this command and press enter:Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
- Start Windows components: type these commands and press enter each time:
- net start bits
- net start wuauserv
- net start appidsvc
- net start cryptsvc
- Restart the computer and try again to update Windows to see if the error still occurs.
- Press the Windows key + R and type cmd
This might be all you need to fix the issue when Windows Update failing error.
#4. Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan
Another solution to fix Windows Update failing errors is to run the System File Checker (SFC) scan. This tool can scan for and repair corrupted or missing system files that may be causing the update error. To run the SFC scan, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)
- Type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter. Make sure there’s a space between sfc and the forward slash.
- Wait for the scan to complete (this may take some time)
- Restart your computer and see if Windows can now update
#5. Execute the DISM command
If the SFC scan did not fix the Windows Update error, you can try using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command. They work similarly, except the DISM command can repair any corrupted system image files that may be causing the update error. To use this command, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)
- Type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and press Enter. Make sure there’s a space between before every forward slash.
- Wait for the scan to complete (this may take some time)
- Restart your computer
#6. Temporarily disable your antivirus
Sometimes, your antivirus software may block or interfere with the Windows Update process. You can try temporarily disabling your antivirus software and then running Windows Update again to fix this. To disable your antivirus, follow the instructions provided by the software manufacturer.
#7. Restore Windows 10 from a backup
If none of the above methods work, you can try restoring your Windows 10 system from a backup. This will revert your system to a previous state where the Windows Update was working correctly. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Click on Update & Security
- Click on Backup
- Click on Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
- Click on Restore my files
- Follow the on-screen instructions
#8. Update Windows operating system
Finally, it's important to keep your Windows operating system up to date. Microsoft releases regular updates and patches that can help fix bugs and improve system performance. To check for and install updates, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Click on Update & Security
- Click on Windows Update
- Click on Check for updates
- If updates are available, click on Download and install
It's recommended to regularly check for updates and install them to avoid future Windows Update failing errors.
Before you go watch, Windows Updates Failed, Error Encountered | Fix All Windows 11,10 Updates Errors
Final Thoughts
Windows Update failing errors can be frustrating, but there are several methods to fix the issue.
To solve it you can use the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter tool, restart Windows Update-related services, reset Windows components, run the System File Checker (SFC) scan, execute the DISM command, temporarily disable antivirus software, restore Windows 10 from a backup, and updating the Windows operating system.
By following these steps, you can get your Windows Update back on track and keep your system secure and up to date.
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