Keeping your Windows 10 system updated is crucial for the security and performance of your device. However, many users encounter issues where updates do not work, leading to frustration and potential security vulnerabilities. In this article, we will delve deep into the various reasons why your Windows 10 updates might not be functioning, and we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and fix these problems efficiently.
Understanding Windows 10 Update Mechanism
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand how the Windows 10 update mechanism operates. Windows Update is responsible for delivering updates to the operating system, which can include security patches, bug fixes, and new features. The process is usually smooth, but various factors can cause it to fail.
Common Reasons for Update Failures
Several reasons can disrupt the update process in Windows 10. Understanding these reasons is crucial for troubleshooting. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Insufficient Disk Space: Updates require a certain amount of storage to download and install. When the system runs low on space, updates will fail.
- Corrupted Update Files: Sometimes, the files downloaded by Windows Update may get corrupted during download or installation.
Identifying Update Errors
When an update fails, Windows often displays an error message or code. Knowing how to identify and interpret these codes can help you find solutions more effectively. Some common error codes include:
0x80073712
This error indicates that a file required for Windows Update is damaged or missing.
0x800F0922
This error typically suggests a problem with the .NET framework or connection issues with the Windows Update servers.
0x80240020
This error might indicate that the system is trying to install an update while another update is still ongoing.
Step-by-Step Solutions for Update Issues
If you are facing issues with Windows 10 updates, don’t fret. Below are several troubleshooting steps that can help you resolve the problems effectively.
1. Check Internet Connection
A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for Windows Update to work. Here are steps to ensure your connection is solid:
- Restart your router to refresh the connection.
- Connect via Ethernet if you are using Wi-Fi, to eliminate connectivity issues.
2. Free Up Disk Space
The first troubleshooting step involves ensuring sufficient disk space is available on your system. Here’s how to do that:
Checking Disk Space
- Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Click on This PC in the left panel.
- Check the available space on your drives.
Freeing Up Space
Consider moving non-essential files to an external drive or using the Disk Cleanup tool:
1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Windows Search bar.
2. Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
3. Select the files you want to delete and click OK.
3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to fix update problems. Here’s how to run it:
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
- Go to Update & Security and click on Troubleshoot.
- Select Additional troubleshooters and click on Windows Update.
- Hit Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Clear Windows Update Cache
Sometimes, corrupted files in the Windows Update cache can cause issues. Clearing the cache can help:
To Clear the Cache
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type services.msc and hit Enter.
- In the Services window, locate and right-click on Windows Update and select Stop.
- Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
- Delete all files in this folder.
- Go back to Services and right-click on Windows Update to select Start.
5. Reset Windows Update Components
When previous steps do not solve the issue, you might need to reset the Windows Update components manually. Follow these instructions:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for cmd in the start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting Run as administrator.
- In the command prompt, enter the following commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
- After stopping the services, reset the components:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
6. Perform System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Scans
System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can scan for and repair corrupted files that may be causing update failures.
Running SFC
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait for the scanning process to complete, and follow any instructions provided.
Running DISM
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter.
- Allow the process to finish and follow any instructions given.
7. Update Drivers and Windows
Outdated device drivers can also interfere with the update process. Here’s how to update your drivers:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
- Expand each category and look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
- Right-click and select Update driver for any outdated drivers.
After updating your drivers, try checking for Windows Updates again.
8. Reinstall Windows Update Service
If none of the above solutions work, consider reinstalling the Windows Update service. This method involves advanced administrative privileges; proceed with caution.
Reinstalling the Service
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the following commands:
sc delete wuauserv
sc delete cryptSvc
sc delete bits
sc delete msiserver
- After deleting these services, restart your computer.
- Then run the System File Checker and DISM scans again.
Preventing Future Update Issues
Once you’ve resolved your update problems, it’s wise to take steps to prevent future occurrences. Here are some things you can do:
1. Regular Maintenance
Perform regular maintenance on your system, which includes cleaning up hard drive space, updating drivers, and scanning for malware and viruses.
2. Set Update Preferences
To reduce interruptions, consider adjusting your update settings to allow for flexible scheduling. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Change active hours.
Conclusion
Dealing with Windows 10 updates that won’t work can be challenging, but by systematically following the diagnosis and resolution steps outlined in this article, you can restore normal functionality. Understanding the root causes, utilizing the built-in troubleshooting tools, and implementing preventive measures can help ensure that your system remains up-to-date and secure, free from the frustration of update failures. If issues persist despite all efforts, seeking professional technical support may be your best option. Always remember to back up your data before implementing significant changes to your system to ensure that you maintain access to your important files.
What should I do if my Windows 10 updates keep failing?
If your Windows 10 updates keep failing, the first step is to check your internet connection. A stable connection is crucial for downloading updates. You can also try restarting your computer and running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, which can diagnose and fix common issues that may be preventing updates from being installed. To access the troubleshooter, go to Settings, click on Update & Security, and select Troubleshoot.
If the issue persists, consider clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder where Windows downloads updates. You can do this by stopping the Windows Update service through the command prompt, navigating to the SoftwareDistribution folder, and deleting its contents. After you’ve done this, restart the Windows Update service and attempt to install the updates again.
How can I free up space for Windows 10 updates?
Insufficient storage space can be a common reason for update failures. To free up space, start by using the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. You can access this by typing “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar, selecting the drive you want to clean (usually C:), and following the prompts to delete temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data.
Another option is to uninstall programs you no longer use or transfer files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Additionally, check for large files that might be hidden or system restore points that could be taking up significant space. By creating more available storage, you increase the chances of successful Windows updates.
What is the Windows Update Troubleshooter and how do I use it?
The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to diagnose and resolve issues related to Windows updates. To use it, go to Settings, then Update & Security, and click on Troubleshoot. From there, select “Additional troubleshooters” and find the Windows Update troubleshooter, which can automatically scan for problems and suggest fixes.
When you run the troubleshooter, it may find issues with your update settings, update components, or other related problems. Follow the prompts to apply any recommended fixes. After the troubleshooter completes, restart your computer and check for updates again to see if the problem is resolved.
Why does my computer keep rolling back updates?
If your computer keeps rolling back updates, it’s usually due to compatibility issues or corrupt files. When Windows encounters a problem with an installed update, it reverts to the previous version to ensure system stability. This can occur if there are incompatible drivers, insufficient disk space, or conflicts with installed software.
To resolve this, you might want to check for and update your drivers or uninstall any recently added applications that could cause conflicts. Additionally, issues with the Windows system files can be fixed by running the System File Checker tool, which scans for and restores corrupted files. Open the command prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow” to start the scan.
How do I manually install Windows updates?
If automatic updates aren’t working, you can manually install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog. To do this, first, identify the specific KB (knowledge base) number of the update that’s failing. You can find this number in the Windows Update history in your settings.
Once you have the KB number, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website, enter the KB number in the search bar, and download the appropriate update version for your system. After downloading, double-click the downloaded file to install the update manually. This can bypass issues with the automated update process.
What should I do if I receive error codes during updates?
If you encounter error codes during Windows updates, take note of the specific error message as it can provide clues about the underlying issue. Use Microsoft’s support website to look up the error code for specific troubleshooting steps. Common issues might involve internet connectivity, corrupt files, or permission errors.
In many cases, solutions may involve running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, as previously mentioned, or using the System File Checker to repair system files. Other error-specific fixes might involve clearing the Windows Update cache or resetting the Windows Update components directly, which can resolve deeper issues.
Can antivirus software interfere with Windows updates?
Yes, antivirus software can sometimes interfere with Windows updates by blocking certain processes or files that are essential for updating. To determine if your antivirus is the culprit, temporarily disable it and then attempt to install updates again. Make sure to re-enable the antivirus afterward to maintain system security.
If the updates install successfully without the antivirus running, consult the software’s support documentation or settings to add exceptions for Windows Update processes. Alternatively, consider switching to a different antivirus program that is known to be more compatible with Windows updates to avoid future conflicts.
How can I reset Windows Update components?
To reset Windows Update components, you can manually stop specific services and delete related files. Open the command prompt as an administrator and run the commands to stop the Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer, and Cryptographic services. Once stopped, navigate to the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders and delete their contents.
After that, restart the stopped services using the command prompt. This process helps in clearing potential corruption that might be causing the updates to fail. Once completed, check for updates again to see if the issue has been resolved. Properly resetting these components can often lead to a successful update experience.