Windows Update Not Working? 12 Fixes for Update Errors

Windows Update failures can leave your system vulnerable and missing important features. Whether updates are stuck downloading, failing to install, or showing cryptic error codes, this guide provides proven solutions that work for Windows 10 and 11. Most update issues can be resolved without a full Windows reinstall.

Common Windows Update Problems

Understanding your specific issue helps target the right solution.

Typical Update Failures:

• Stuck at percentage: Downloads or installs freeze at specific points
• Error codes: 0x80070002, 0x80070057, 0x800F0982, etc.
• "Undoing changes": Updates fail and roll back repeatedly
• Can't check for updates: Update service not responding
• Updates install but reappear: Same update offered repeatedly
• Slow download: Updates take hours or days

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft's built-in tool fixes many common update problems automatically.

Access Update Troubleshooter:

1. Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot
2. Additional troubleshooters
3. Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter
4. Follow all recommendations
5. Restart when prompted
6. Try updating again

Alternative Access (Windows 11):

1. Settings > System > Troubleshoot
2. Other troubleshooters
3. Windows Update > Run

2. Reset Windows Update Components

Manually resetting update services fixes corruption issues.

Command Prompt Method:

Run as Administrator:

# Stop services
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

# Rename folders
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

# Restart services
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

What This Does:

• Stops update-related services
• Clears update cache
• Forces fresh download of updates
• Resets update database

3. Check Available Disk Space

Insufficient space causes many update failures.

Space Requirements:

• Feature updates: Need 20-32GB free
• Quality updates: Need 2-3GB minimum
• Check space: This PC > C: drive properties

Free Up Space Quickly:

1. Run Disk Cleanup (Windows + S, type "disk cleanup")
2. Select C: drive
3. Check all boxes including:
   • Windows Update Cleanup
   • Previous Windows installations
   • Temporary files
4. Click "Clean up system files" for more options

4. Fix Corrupted System Files

Damaged Windows files prevent updates from installing.

Run System File Checker:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for completion (15-30 minutes)
4. If errors found, run 3 times

Run DISM if SFC Fails:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This downloads fresh files from Windows Update servers

5. Temporarily Disable Security Software

Antivirus can block update installations.

Safe Disable Process:

1. Note your antivirus software
2. Temporarily disable real-time protection
3. Disable Windows Defender if using:
   • Windows Security > Virus & threat protection
   • Manage settings > Real-time protection OFF
4. Run Windows Update
5. Re-enable immediately after

6. Download Updates Manually

Bypass Windows Update by downloading directly.

Microsoft Update Catalog:

1. Note failed update KB number
2. Visit: catalog.update.microsoft.com
3. Search for KB number
4. Download correct version (x64 or x86)
5. Run .msu file manually

For Feature Updates:

1. Use Windows 10/11 Update Assistant
2. Download from Microsoft website
3. Run to upgrade directly

7. Fix Specific Error Codes

Common errors have targeted solutions.

Error 0x80070002 or 0x80070003:

• File corruption issue
• Reset Windows Update components
• Run SFC and DISM

Error 0x800F0982:

• Driver compatibility issue
• Update all drivers first
• Disconnect unnecessary devices

Error 0x80240034:

• Download interrupted
• Clear update cache
• Check internet connection

8. Clean Boot Windows

Third-party software often interferes with updates.

Perform Clean Boot:

1. Windows + R, type msconfig
2. Services tab > Hide all Microsoft services
3. Disable all remaining
4. Startup tab > Open Task Manager
5. Disable all startup items
6. Restart and try updating
7. Re-enable services after success

9. Reset Windows Update Policies

Group policies might block updates.

Reset via Registry:

1. Windows + R, type regedit
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
3. Delete "WindowsUpdate" key if exists
4. Restart computer

Alternative Command:

reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /f

10. Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect time prevents secure connections to update servers.

Fix Time Settings:

1. Right-click clock > Adjust date/time
2. Turn on "Set time automatically"
3. Turn on "Set time zone automatically"
4. Click "Sync now"
5. Restart and try updating

11. Use Windows Update Assistant

Microsoft's tool bypasses many update issues.

Update Assistant Process:

1. Download from Microsoft.com
2. Run Windows10Upgrade or Windows11InstallationAssistant
3. Tool checks compatibility
4. Downloads and installs latest version
5. Keeps all files and programs

12. In-Place Upgrade (Last Resort)

Repairs Windows while keeping everything.

In-Place Upgrade Steps:

1. Download Windows ISO from Microsoft
2. Mount ISO (double-click)
3. Run setup.exe
4. Choose "Keep personal files and apps"
5. Follow prompts (1-2 hours)
6. All programs and files remain

Preventive Measures

• Keep 20% disk space free: Prevents space-related failures
• Update drivers regularly: Reduces compatibility issues
• Don't force shutdown during updates: Causes corruption
• Schedule updates: Active hours setting prevents interruptions
• Create restore points: Before major updates
• Backup regularly: In case updates cause issues

Advanced Troubleshooting

Check Update Logs:

1. Open Event Viewer
2. Applications and Services > Microsoft > Windows
3. WindowsUpdateClient > Operational
4. Look for error events

WSUS Cleanup:

Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Re-register DLLs:

regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll

When Updates Keep Failing

If nothing works after trying all methods:

1. Check hardware: Failing hard drive prevents updates
2. Run memory test: Bad RAM causes corruption
3. Consider refresh: Reset Windows keeping files
4. Clean install: Last resort, backup first

Quick Reference by Error

• Stuck downloading: Reset update components
• Installation failed: Check disk space, run SFC
• Undoing changes: Clean boot, check drivers
• Can't check updates: Fix time/date, reset policies
• Error codes: Look up specific fix or try manual download

Alternative Update Methods

• WSUS Offline Update: Download all updates for offline install
• PowerShell updates: Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate
• Media Creation Tool: Full version upgrade
• ISO installation: In-place upgrade option

Windows Update problems are frustrating but rarely permanent. Start with the troubleshooter and work through these solutions systematically. Most issues stem from corrupted files, insufficient space, or software conflicts—all fixable without losing data. If updates consistently fail after trying everything, an in-place upgrade refreshes Windows while preserving your files and programs, essentially giving you a clean update slate.