By skyforbes 
Windows Update are essential for your PC as it bring critical security patches, performance improvements, and new features to keep your system running smoothly and securely. You can navigate Windows settings -> Windows update and check for updates to install the latest Windows updates on your Device. However, sometimes you might encounter issues where Windows Update doesn’t work as expected. Users report, windows update fails to install, being stuck during download, or cause errors that prevent the update process from completing. In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons why Windows Update might not be working and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve these issues.
Windows update won’t install
There are several potential reasons why Windows Update might fail to install or stuck download, slow internet to corrupted update files or system file corruption are common.
- Corrupted Update Files: Sometimes, the files downloaded during an update process can become corrupted, preventing the update from installing correctly.
- Software Conflicts: Certain programs, particularly security software like antivirus programs, can interfere with the Windows Update process.
- Internet Connection Issues: A slow or unstable internet connection can cause updates to fail during download or installation.
- Outdated Windows Version: Running an outdated version of Windows might cause compatibility issues, leading to update errors.
- System File Corruption: Corrupted or missing system files can prevent Windows Update from functioning correctly.
- Insufficient Disk Space: Lack of available disk space can cause updates to fail as there’s not enough room to download and install them.
Check Your Internet Connection
A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for Windows Update to download files and install them correctly. Ensure that your internet connection is working properly.
- Open a web browser and try to load a few websites to ensure your internet connection is stable.
- If the connection is slow or unstable, restart your router or switch to a wired connection to improve stability.
- Check Additional troubleshooting tips to fix Internet connection
Free Up Disk Space
Windows Update requires sufficient disk space to download and install updates. If your disk is nearly full, you might encounter issues during the update process.
- Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
- Right-click on your C: drive and select Properties.
- Click on Disk Cleanup and select the files you want to delete, such as temporary files, system cache, and recycle bin items.
- Click OK and then Delete Files to free up space.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to detect and fix issues with Windows Update.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
The Troubleshooter can automatically identify and resolve common issues that might be preventing updates from installing.
Restart Windows Update Services
Sometimes, the services that handle Windows Update may encounter issues and need to be restarted.
- Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Scroll down and find Windows Update in the list.
- Right-click on Windows Update and select Restart.
- Repeat this process for the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
Clear Windows Update Cache
Corrupted or incomplete files in the Windows Update cache can cause updates to fail. Clearing the cache can force Windows to re-download the updates.
- Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Find Windows Update and BITS, right-click each, and select Stop.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. - Delete all files and folders inside the SoftwareDistribution folder.
- Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update and BITS, and select Start.
Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily
Security software like antivirus programs and firewalls can sometimes interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disabling them can help the update process complete successfully.
- Right-click on your antivirus program icon in the system tray and select Disable or Turn off.
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off and select Turn off for both private and public network settings.
- Remember to re-enable your antivirus and firewall after the update is complete.
Update Windows Manually
If automatic updates are not working, you can manually download and install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search for the update you need by entering the KB number (e.g., KB5012170) in the search bar.
- Download the update file and double-click it to install.
Repair System Files
Corrupted system files can prevent Windows Update from working correctly. You can repair these files using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) commands.
Open the command prompt as administrator and run following commands,
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, reboot windows and try to install updates again.
Source: https://windows101tricks.com/windows-10-update-error/