Troubleshoot a Windows 10 update that won't install

Posted by Srikant on

Windows 10 updates are essential for keeping your system secure and running smoothly. However, it's not uncommon for updates to fail during installation, causing frustration and potential security risks. If you're having trouble with a Windows 10 update that won’t install, follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

1. Restart Your Computer

Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, try restarting your computer. A simple restart can resolve many update-related issues.

  • Action: Click the Start button, select Power, and then click Restart. After your computer restarts, try installing the update again.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is necessary for downloading and installing Windows updates. If your connection is weak or intermittent, it could cause the update to fail.

  • Action: Ensure you are connected to the internet. If you’re using Wi-Fi, consider switching to a wired connection to see if it improves the download and installation process.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to resolve issues with Windows Update.

  • Action:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
    • Select Windows Update under the Get up and running section and click Run the troubleshooter.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to let the troubleshooter identify and fix any problems.

4. Free Up Disk Space

If your system drive is low on space, Windows 10 updates might fail to install. Ensure you have enough free space for the update.

  • Action:
    • Open Settings > System > Storage.
    • Click on Temporary files and remove any unnecessary files, especially large items like previous Windows installations.
    • Consider moving large files to an external drive or cloud storage if needed.

5. Pause and Resume Updates

Sometimes, pausing and then resuming updates can help resolve issues with stuck or failed updates.

  • Action:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Pause updates for 7 days.
    • Wait a few moments, then click Resume updates.

6. Manually Download and Install the Update

If the update won’t install automatically, you can download it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

  • Action:
    • Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
    • Search for the update using the KB number provided in the Windows Update settings.
    • Download the update file that matches your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
    • Run the downloaded file to manually install the update.

7. Clear the Windows Update Cache

Corrupted files in the Windows Update cache can prevent updates from installing. Clearing this cache can help resolve the issue.

  • Action:
    • Type cmd in the search box, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
    • In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
      net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
    • Next, delete the SoftwareDistribution folder, which contains the update cache:
      ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    • Restart the services you stopped earlier by typing the following commands:
      net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
    • After completing these steps, try to install the update again.

8. Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disabling it can help you determine if it’s causing the problem.

  • Action: Right-click on your antivirus icon in the system tray and select the option to disable it temporarily. Once disabled, try to install the update again.

Note: Ensure you re-enable your antivirus software after the update is installed.

9. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can prevent updates from installing correctly. Running the SFC and DISM tools can help repair these files.

  • Action:
    • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    • Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool by typing:
      sfc /scannow
    • After SFC completes, run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) by typing:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    • After both scans complete, restart your computer and try the update again.

10. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows Update components to their default settings can often resolve stubborn update issues.

  • Action: Use the following steps to reset the Windows Update components manually:
    • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    • Stop the Windows Update services:
      net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
    • Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders:
      ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
    • Restart the Windows Update services:
      net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
    • Restart your computer and check for updates again.

11. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help determine if background software is interfering with Windows Update.

  • Action:
    • Type msconfig in the search box and press Enter.
    • In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
    • Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
    • Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
    • In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
    • Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
    • Restart your computer and try installing the update again.

12. Consider a Repair Install or a Clean Install

If none of the above steps work, you might need to perform a repair install or a clean install of Windows 10.

  • Repair Install: This process reinstalls Windows 10 without removing your files, apps, and settings. You’ll need a Windows 10 installation media for this.
  • Clean Install: This option completely reinstalls Windows 10, erasing all data on the system drive. Ensure you back up important files before proceeding.

Conclusion

When a Windows 10 update won’t install, it can be challenging, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue and keep your system up to date. Whether it's clearing the update cache, running built-in tools, or even performing a clean install, these methods should help you overcome most update problems.

Source: https://www.techaipost.com/windows-10-update-failed-to-install/
 

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