How to fix Windows Update errors (2023)

What causes the error in Windows Update?

The Windows update failed error can be caused by basic issues like not having enough storage or something deeper like outdated drives or missing Windows program files. Windows Update is one of the top priorities of the operating system, so it is important to fix the problem as soon as possible.

If Windows Update won't download, it's likely caused by one of the following issues:

• Corrupted update files

• Lack of available space

• And hardware conflict

• Problems with the update service.

• A slow or broken internet connection

Windows Updates contain the latest security updates, patches, and system fixes for Windows. Logging on to the Internet without an up-to-date operating system can leave you vulnerable tosecurity exploits,malware infectionsor complications resulting fromwindows black screen.

But Windows Update does not coveralternative— only the most basic system processes. Anything installed on top of Windows requires drivers to communicate with the operating system and function properly.

graphics driversysound driversthey are distributed by the company that made your video or audio device and are updated separately. They are no less important from a security point of view, so use onedriver updateto automatically track updates.

The same applies to updating web browsers. Browsers are maintained independently of the rest of Windows and can be exploited by bothhackers. Be sure to keep Google Chrome up to date or update the browser you are using.

How can I fix the Windows update error?

To fix the Windows Update error, you must first restart your computer and free up disk space. You should also unplug non-essential USB devices and find a better location.increase your internet connection. These simple tricks should help if Windows Update crashes.

These solutions will not only help you fix Windows Update but also help you improve the overall performance of your computer.slow internetit can cause a lot of problems, so checking your router is a good place to start.

And while you're trying to speed things up, consider breakingThe best driver update software. It may surprise you how muchUpdated drivers can increase stability and performance., and they can really help to fix Windows Update.

If Windows still won't update after these quick fixes, here are a few more ways to fix Windows Update problems.

free up space

Freeing up disk space is one of the most important ways to do it.speed up and clean your PC. Apps can create a mess that's hard to find without a deep clean: Your hard drive can still be full of clutter even after you've backed up and deleted a ton of videos. using apc cleanup toolyou can help clean up all the junk you don't see.Temporary files need to be cleaned up periodically, otherwise it will accumulate clutter and slow down your computer.

The best free PC cleanerit takes a non-invasive approach so you know nothing important will be removed. But you may need to re-enter the passwords for your online accounts, as many PC cleaners remove them.cookiesand the history of the Internet.

AVG Tuningis a dedicated cleaner that optimizes your computer automatically. Once you install it, you won't have to worry about disk space full of junk. AVG TuneUp uninstalls software you don't need and removes all unnecessary files that take up space. Get your computer running like new again - try AVG TuneUp for free today.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter can help you if the problem is not due to a lack of disk space. This tool is designed to find out the problem that prevents Windows from updating. You can run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 10 fromUpdate and securitysettings where you can seeTroubleshootingin the sidebar.

To run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

1. i windowsBeginmenu clicksettings(the gear icon).

   

2. ClickUpdate and security.

   

3. ClickTroubleshootingin the left pane.

   

4. ClickAdditional troubleshooting.

   

5. Clickwindows updateand then selectRun the troubleshooter.

   

6. Reboot your device.

The Windows Update Repair Tool should fix the problem. To try Windows Update again, click WindowsBeginmenu typesearch for updates, clickGet intoand clicksearch for updates. Use the same process to fix Windows update errors in Windows 11.

Restart Windows Update and related services

1. Go aheadWindows-tast + R(This will open the Run dialog.) Guyservices.mscand pressureBueno.

   

2. Meetwindows updatein Service Manager, right click on it and selectResume.

   

1. Typecmdi windowsBeginmenu and pressGet into.

2. Enter the following commands one at a time:

   • grand stop bits

   • net stop wuauserv

   • neta stop appidsvc

   • net stop cryptsvc

3. Now enter these two commands one at a time (replace C: with the drive where Windows OS is installed if necessary):

   • Ren C:\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

   • Ren C:\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old

4. Then restart the services using these commands, one at a time:

   • wuauserv net start

   • start net appidsvc

   • start net cryptsvc

Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan

Sometimes Windows Update doesn't work because essential system files are damaged. System File Checker (SFC) canrepair damaged system fileswhich can be corrupted due to malware, incorrect settings, or even a small single character edit, depending on the file. SFC will restore these corrupted changes.

Note that this is different from aCHKDSKscan, which checks and repairsphysicisthard drive problems.

How to run a System File Checker scan in Windows 10.

1. Open windowsBeginmenu and writescmd. ChooseExecute as an administrator. Say yes or OK to the popup window.

   

2. Typesfc/scannowwithout quotes and pressureGet into.

   

3. Watch for the scan results.

Follow the same steps for Windows 11. After the scan is complete, restart the computer and the SFC scan tool should have repaired the faulty files.

Install Windows Update Manually

If Windows 10 still can't be updated, try downloading the update manually. This is best when something on your Internet connection is not set to default or is too slow. Windows Update needs a fast and stable Internet connection, and if your connection is metered or certain services are disabled for any reason, Windows Update will not cooperate.

Here's how to download and install Windows updates manually.

1. GonnaMicrosoft update catalogand type your Windows version, likewindows 10owindows 11- in the search field. HereGet into.

   

2. Find your version of Windows and the specific update you need, then clickRiseto start installing the update manually.

   

This method should help you get the latest updates if Windows Update fails.

Perform a clean install/repair install

If none of the above solutions worked, you may need to reinstall Windows. Reinstalling Windows wipes your computer and installs a new version of Windows, eliminating any problems you may have.

Reinstallation should only be done as a last resort and remember thatmake a backup of your hard drivein advance.

To troubleshoot Windows Update by reinstalling Windows:

1. Open windowsBeginmenu and clicksettings(the gear icon).

   

2. ClickUpdate and security.

   

3. ClickRecoveryin the left pane.

   

4. Lowreset this pcclickBegin.

   

Reinstalling Windows takes time, so allow a few hours for the process to complete. Once this is done, the problem should be resolved and Windows Update should be fixed.

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