How to Fix Windows Update Not Working in Windows 10 & Windows 11 (Complete Troubleshooting Guide)
This section will guide you through different methods to fix the Windows Update not working issue. When Windows Update fails, it can prevent important security patches, feature improvements, and bug fixes from installing properly.
If the update process encounters unexpected errors or your system fails to boot after an update attempt, it may lead to data loss, system instability, or security risks. Therefore, before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting, it is always recommended to back up or restore all important files using a reliable data recovery or backup solution.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Windows Update Stops Working
- 2. Windows Update Error Example
- 3. Restart Your PC (Most Effective Fix)
- 4. Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files
- 5. Pause and Resume Windows Updates
- 6. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- 7. Reset Windows Update Components Using Command Prompt
- 8. Registry Edit (Advanced Users Only)
- 9. Change Screen Resolution to Prevent Update Freezing
- 10. How to Manually Upgrade a Windows Build
- 11. Additional Tips to Prevent Windows Update Errors
- Final Thoughts
1. Why Windows Update Stops Working
Windows Update is a critical service that keeps your operating system secure and up to date. However, several factors can cause updates to fail, freeze, or get stuck indefinitely.
Common reasons include:
- Corrupted Windows system files
- Damaged update cache
- Insufficient disk space
- Conflicting drivers or software
- Interrupted internet connection
- Hardware compatibility issues
Fortunately, most Windows update problems can be fixed without reinstalling the operating system.
2. Windows Update Error Example
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| How to Update Windows 10 Without Errors |
3. Restart Your PC (Most Effective Fix)
Restarting Windows is often the simplest and most effective solution when Windows Update is not working.
Many updates require a reboot to modify locked system files and install core components. Restarting ensures:
- Temporary system glitches are cleared
- Pending update processes complete successfully
- Drivers reload correctly
Always restart your system before trying more advanced fixes.
4. Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files
Corrupted system files are a major reason behind Windows 10 update failed and Windows Update stuck issues.
Windows provides two powerful built-in tools to repair system integrity:
- SFC (System File Checker)
- DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
Steps to Run DISM and SFC
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the search bar and open it as Administrator.
Step 2: Enter the following command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Step 3: Wait until you see the message: “The operation completed successfully.”
Step 4: Now type:
sfc /scannow
Step 5: When you see “Verification 100% complete”, type Exit and press Enter.
5. Pause and Resume Windows Updates
Pausing Windows Updates temporarily clears corrupted update files and forces Windows to download fresh update data.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
- Click Advanced options
- Enable Pause updates
- Restart your computer
- Disable Pause updates
- Run Windows Update again
This method works surprisingly well for update download errors.
6. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft includes an automated troubleshooter that detects and fixes common update problems.
Open Settings ⇒ System ⇒ Troubleshoot ⇒ Other troubleshooters ⇒ Windows Update ⇒ Run
This tool resets update services, checks registry entries, and fixes permission issues.
7. Reset Windows Update Components Using Command Prompt
If Windows Update is still not working, manually reset update services.
Steps:
⇒ Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
⇒ Enter the following commands one by one:
- 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
Restart your PC and try updating again.
8. Registry Edit (Advanced Users Only)
This method allows bypassing certain hardware checks such as CPU or TPM restrictions.
Warning: Incorrect registry edits can damage your system. Proceed only if you are experienced.
This option works only when running Setup from within Windows—not via bootable USB.
9. Change Screen Resolution to Prevent Update Freezing
Windows 11 may freeze or crash during updates due to hardware limitations—especially with 4K displays and low-end GPUs.
Reducing screen resolution can prevent update crashes:
- Right-click Desktop → Display settings
- Lower resolution (e.g., 1920×1080)
- Apply changes
This is particularly helpful for systems freezing during feature updates.
10. How to Manually Upgrade a Windows Build
Windows Update also installs feature upgrades like Windows 11 23H2 → 24H2.
If updates fail repeatedly, manually upgrade using the official Installation Assistant:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11/
Run Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe and follow on-screen instructions.
11. Additional Tips to Prevent Windows Update Errors
- Keep at least 20GB free disk space
- Disable third-party antivirus temporarily
- Update device drivers regularly
- Use stable internet connections
- Avoid forced shutdowns during updates
Final Thoughts
Windows Update errors can be frustrating, but they are rarely permanent. By following these step-by-step solutions, you can fix Windows Update not working issues in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 without reinstalling the OS.
Regular maintenance, proper backups, and timely updates will keep your system secure, stable, and running smoothly.