Windows Update Not Working? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• Not enough free storage space
• An unstable or missing internet connection
• Corrupt files in the Windows Update cache
• An incompatible or outdated driver
• Antivirus or firewall software blocking the update
• Incorrect date and time settings
• An account without administrator access
• Damaged system files or components

Step-by-Step Solutions

Back up your personal files first, then work through the steps in order, try updating again after each one, and leave the command-line repairs and the reinstall for last.

1. 1

   Step 1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

   On Windows 11, Microsoft suggests starting with the automated troubleshooter.

   On a Windows 11 PC, run the Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It runs diagnostics automatically and attempts to fix most problems.

   You can also run it from Settings. Select Start, then Settings, then System. Select Troubleshoot, choose Other troubleshooters, find Windows Update and select Run. Follow the on-screen instructions.

   Restart your PC when the troubleshooter finishes. If the problem continues, run the troubleshooter again to check for additional errors.

2. 2

   Step 2: Check power, internet and your account

   Updates need a stable internet connection, and some need an administrator account.

   Make sure your PC is properly plugged into a power source and connected to the internet. A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading and installing updates.

   Select Start, then Settings, then Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi, and check your network status. If you’re disconnected, reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

   If you’re using a VPN, disable it and try again.

   Some updates require administrator access. If your account doesn’t have it, ask someone at home or in your office who has an administrator account on your PC to install the updates.

   Good to know

   On a metered connection, some Windows updates won’t be installed automatically.

3. 3

   Step 3: Restart and check for updates again

   Many updates need a restart, and more updates may be waiting after the first ones install.

   Restarting your PC makes sure no other apps are blocking the update process. Many updates also need a restart to finish. Save your work and close all open apps, then select Start, then Power, and select Update and restart or Update and shut down.

   Even if some updates have downloaded, more may be available. Select Start, then Settings, then Windows Update and check for updates again. If any updates are available, select Download & install.

   How long an update takes depends on your connection speed, network settings and the size of the update. If the installation stays stuck at the same percentage, check for updates again or run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

4. 4

   Step 4: Free up storage space

   Windows checks for enough free space before an update installs and asks you to free some up if there isn’t enough.

   If there isn’t enough space, a pop-up notification tells you that more space is needed to install the update. You don’t need to remove everything, only enough to complete the update.

   To remove temporary files automatically, select Start, then Settings, then System, then Storage, and turn on Storage Sense. To choose what to remove yourself, on the same Storage page select Cleanup recommendations, review the file categories, select the items you want to remove, then select Clean up.

   You can also delete files you don’t need, uninstall apps you don’t use, or move files to another drive, like an external USB drive or OneDrive.

   If space is still short, you can use an external storage device with at least 10 GB of free space. Connect it, then select Start, then Settings, then Windows Update. If you see an option called Fix issues, select it, choose your external storage device from the drop-down menu, select Next and follow the instructions. When the installation is complete, you can safely remove the device.

   Good to know

   Before you use an external storage device for updating, back up any important files.

5. 5

   Step 5: Unplug extra hardware and update drivers

   Hardware you don’t need and driver problems can get in the way of an update.

   Remove external storage devices and drives, docks and other hardware that isn’t needed for basic functionality, such as printers, scanners, speakers, headphones and USB flash drives. If your laptop is on a docking station, undock it. Then try the updates again.

   If you’ve added hardware to your PC, check the hardware manufacturer’s website for third-party driver updates and installation instructions. Update any drivers, then try the updates again.

   In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager and choose Device Manager from the results. Look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark beside it. Press and hold or right-click the device name and select Update Driver Software or Uninstall to correct the errors.

   Good to know

   An error code that begins with 0xC1900101 is usually a driver error.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check the date and time

   Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with Windows Update.

   Select Start, then Settings, then Time & language. Select Date & time and turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.

   If needed, select Sync now under Additional settings.

7. 7

   Step 7: Pause your antivirus or firewall

   Antivirus or firewall software can block an update from installing.

   Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall that might be blocking the update. Open the app from the Start menu and look for an option to disable or pause protection, often in the Settings, Tools or Protection tab. Select a duration for the temporary disable, such as 10 minutes or 1 hour.

   Update your antivirus software too.

   Third-party antivirus or security software can sometimes cause errors when you update to the latest version of Windows 11. You can temporarily uninstall it, update your PC, then reinstall the software after your PC is up to date.

   Good to know

   Before you uninstall any software, make sure you know how to reinstall it and that you have any product keys you need.

8. 8

   Step 8: Clear the Windows Update cache

   Corrupt update files in the cache can cause errors.

   Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter. Find the Windows Update service, right-click it and select Stop.

   Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all files and folders inside it.

   Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update and select Start.

9. 9

   Step 9: Repair system files and drive errors

   Built-in command-line tools can restore and repair system files and fix hard drive errors.

   Microsoft only recommends these steps if you’re comfortable working in the command line. They need administrator permissions on your PC.

   In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt, then select Run as administrator. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter. When it has run successfully, you see “The restore operation completed successfully” or “The operation completed successfully”. If you don’t see a confirmation message, retype the command and try again.

   Next, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait until the scan reaches 100% completion, close Command Prompt and run Windows Update again.

   To repair hard drive errors, open Command Prompt as administrator the same way, type chkdsk /f C: and press Enter. Repairs start automatically, and you’re asked to restart your PC.

10. 10

    Step 10: Reinstall Windows with Windows Update

    The Fix problems using Windows Update option reinstalls your current version of Windows and keeps your apps, files and settings.

    This recovery option reinstalls the same version of Windows that’s already on your PC and repairs system files and components. It preserves your apps, files and settings.

    Select Start, then Settings, then System, then Recovery. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now. Choose whether to allow your PC to restart automatically 15 minutes after the installation completes, then select OK.

    Keep your PC connected to a power source and the internet during the entire reinstall. When it’s complete, restart your PC if you didn’t allow it to restart automatically.

    If an update fails because of problems with system files or components, the Windows Update page in Settings might show “Reinstall your current version of Windows to repair system files and components.” Selecting Reinstall now there opens Fix problems using Windows Update.

    Good to know

    Fix problems using Windows Update might be unavailable if your PC is managed by your work or school, or missing on versions earlier than Windows 11 with the 2022 annual update. You also need the February 2024 optional update or a later update installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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