What to Do When Windows Update Keeps Failing on Windows 10

If Windows Update keeps failing on Windows 10, it can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Here’s a general guide to help you:

1. Check Your Internet Connection:

• Make sure your internet connection is stable. Windows Update requires a reliable internet connection to download and install updates.

2. Restart Your Computer:

• Sometimes a simple restart can resolve update issues. Restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:

• Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix problems with Windows Update.
  1. Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
  2. Go to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot.”
  3. Click on “Windows Update” and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Check for Enough Disk Space:

• Ensure that your computer has enough free disk space for the updates. Windows Update may fail if there is insufficient space.

5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall:

• Sometimes, security software can interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall and check if the updates can be installed.

6. Reset Windows Update Components:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
  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


7. Manually Download and Install Updates:

• Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for the updates by KB number, download them, and manually install.

8. Check Date and Time Settings:

• Ensure that your computer’s date and time settings are correct. Incorrect date/time settings can cause issues with Windows Update.

9. Review Event Viewer for Errors:

• Open Event Viewer and check for any errors related to Windows Update. This might provide more specific information about the issue.

10. Perform a System Restore:

• If all else fails, you can perform a system restore to revert your system to a previous state before the update issues started.

11. Seek Professional Help:

• If the problem persists, and you’re not comfortable troubleshooting deeper issues, consider seeking help from a professional or Microsoft support.

Always be cautious when making changes to your system, and if you’re unsure about a particular step, consider seeking assistance. It’s also recommended to back up your important data before making significant changes to your system.