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Windows Update not working? Try these possible fixes
Keeping Windows 10 up-to-date is an important part of your computer’s health. It’s the most-targeted operating system on the planet, requiring continuous updates to keep you safe and sane from unwanted crashes and crooks. Is Windows Update not working correctly for you? We provide several possible fixes to get your PC back on track.
Clear disk space
The first step is to clear space on your PC’s primary drive. This likely isn’t the root issue unless the primary drive displays a red bar in File Explorer > This PC. Since Windows 10 needs space to store temporary files, you should always keep this bar in the blue, as it’s a visual indicator that your storage capacity is either good or reaching its limit. We provide a separate guide on how to scan and clean your drive in Windows 10.
Check for malware
Your second less-intrusive option is to scan all drives for malware. Evil software on your PC could lurk in the shadows, preventing system updates. For instance, if Microsoft attempts to patch an exploit currently used by hackers, malware hidden deep within your PC may block the update. Malware probably isn’t causing your Windows Update woes, but we need to cover this basic practice first before diving into “advanced” solutions.
Consult Microsoft’s error code guide
If you see an error code on the Windows Update panel, navigate to Microsoft’s online guide. Here Microsoft provides simple suggestions like removing external hardware, uninstalling non-Microsoft antivirus software, and uninstalling nonessential, outdated programs. Microsoft also explains 0xC1900101 errors and provides a chart detailing other common errors.
Use the built-in troubleshooter (Settings app)
![Windows 10 access Settings Windows 10 access Settings](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Windows-10-access-settings.jpg)
1. Click Start followed by the “gear” icon on the Start menu. This loads the Settings app.
![Windows 10 Update and security Windows 10 Update and security](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Windows-10-Update-and-security.jpg)
2. Select Update & Security.
![Windows Update Run Troubleshooter Windows Update Run Troubleshooter](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-Update-Run-Troubleshooter.jpg)
3. Select Troubleshoot.
4. Select Windows Update listed under Get up and running.
5. Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
6. Wait for Windows 10 to diagnose the problem and follow the instructions.
Use the built-in troubleshooter (Control Panel)
![Windows 10 launch control panel Windows 10 launch control panel](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-launch-control-panel.jpg)
1. Type Control Panel in Cortana’s search field on the taskbar.
2. Click the Control Panel desktop program in the results.
![Windows 10 Control Panel large icons Windows 10 Control Panel large icons](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Control-Panel-Large-Icons.jpg)
3. Click View by in the top-right corner and select Large Icons.
4. Select Troubleshooting.
![Windows 10 Control Panel View All Windows 10 Control Panel View All](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Control-Panel-View-All.jpg)
5. Click the View all link listed on the left.
![Control Panel Windows Update Repair Control Panel Windows Update Repair](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Control-Panel-Windows-Update-Repair.jpg)
6. Click Windows Update at the bottom of the list.
7. Click Advanced in the pop-up window.
8. Check Apply repairs automatically.
9. Click Next.
10. Allow the tool to diagnose the problem and follow the instructions.
Use the downloadable troubleshooter
![Windows 10 Update Repair Download Windows 10 Update Repair Download](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Update-Repair-Download.jpg)
1. Download Microsoft’s Windows Update Troubleshooter here. The file should read wu10.diagcab.
2. Launch the tool and click Advanced.
![Windows 10 Apply Repairs Automatically Windows 10 Apply Repairs Automatically](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Apply-Repairs-Automatically.jpg)
3. Check Apply repairs automatically.
4. Click Run as administrator.
5. Click Next.
6. Allow the tool to diagnose the problem and follow the instructions.
Confirm Windows Update services are running
![Windows 10 Run Services Windows 10 Run Services](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Run-Services.jpg)
1. Hold down the Windows key and press the “R” key.
2. Type services.msc and click OK (or hit Enter) in the Run pop-up box.
![Windows Update Services Properties Windows Update Services Properties](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-Update-Services-Properties.jpg)
3. Scroll down to Windows Update.
4. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
![Windows Update Services Automatic Startup Windows Update Services Automatic Startup](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-Update-Services-Automatic-Startup.jpg)
5. Set Startup type as Automatic on the pop-up window.
6. If the Service status reads Stopped, click the Start button.
7. Click Apply and OK.
![Windows 10 Services BITS Windows 10 Services BITS](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Services-BITS.jpg)
8. Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
9. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
![Windows 10 BITS Settings Windows 10 BITS Settings](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-BITS-Settings.jpg)
10. Set Startup type as Automatic on the pop-up window.
11. If the Service status reads Stopped, click the Start button.
12. Click Apply and OK.
![Windows 10 Cryptographic Services Windows 10 Cryptographic Services](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Cryptographic-Services.jpg)
13. Locate Cryptographic Services.
14. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
![Windows 10 Cryptographic Properties Windows 10 Cryptographic Properties](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Cryptographic-Properties.jpg)
15. Set Startup type as Automatic on the pop-up window.
16. If the Service status reads Stopped, click the Start button.
17. Click Apply and OK.
18. Close the Services utility.
19. Restart your PC.
Change your DNS
You could be experiencing problem with your internet service provider (ISP) and its Domain Name System (DNS) servers. DNS translates names like androidauthority.com into numeric web addresses in a shared directory used by servers across the globe. Your ISP’s DNS servers may have ongoing technical issues, are outdated with old DNS information, or overloaded with traffic. Here we’ll bypass your ISP and use the DNS servers maintained by Google.
![Windows 10 launch control panel Windows 10 launch control panel](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-launch-control-panel.jpg)
1. Type Control Panel in Cortana’s search field on the taskbar.
2. Click the Control Panel desktop app in the results.
![Control Panel Network Internet Control Panel Network Internet](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Control-Panel-Network-Internet.jpg)
3. Select Network and Internet (Category view) in the following window.
![Windows 10 Control Panel Network Center Windows 10 Control Panel Network Center](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Control-Panel-Network-Center.jpg)
4. Select Network and Sharing Center.
![Windows 10 Change Adapter Settings Windows 10 Change Adapter Settings](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Change-Adapter-Settings.jpg)
5. Next, click Change adapter settings listed on the left.
![Windows 10 Wi-Fi Properties Windows 10 Wi-Fi Properties](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Wi-Fi-Properties.jpg)
6. Select your network connection.
7. Right-click and select Properties.
![Windows 10 Set Custom DNS Windows 10 Set Custom DNS](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Set-Custom-DNS.jpg)
8. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.
9. Enable Use the following DNS server addresses.
10. For Preferred DNS server, enter 8.8.8.8.
11. For Alternate DNS server, enter 8.8.4.4.
12. Click OK.
Temporarily disable automatic updates
Windows Update issues could stem from Microsoft. By disabling automatic updates, your Windows 10 PC will not retrieve updates for a specific number of days while Microsoft resolves its distribution problems. This is also a good way to prevent Windows 10 from automatically installing botched updates.
![Windows 10 access Settings Windows 10 access Settings](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Windows-10-access-settings.jpg)
1. Click Start and select the “gear” icon on the Start Menu. This opens the Settings app.
![Windows 10 Update and security Windows 10 Update and security](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Windows-10-Update-and-security.jpg)
2. Select Update & Security.
![Windows Update Advanced Options Windows Update Advanced Options](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-Update-Advanced-Options.jpg)
3. Click the Advanced options link.
![Windows 10 Defer Updates Windows 10 Defer Updates](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Defer-Updates.jpg)
4. Toggle on Pause updates. This will halt updates for 30 days.
5. You can defer feature updates (October 2018 Update, etc.) for up to 365 days.
6. You can defer quality updates (security patches, fixes) for up to 30 days.
Run the DISM and SFC commands
Short for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, the DISM tool scans and fixes issues related to the Windows 10 disc image, which typically resides on your PC in a hidden partition. Windows 10 uses the disc image to install or remove major components, and fix corrupted system files. Meanwhile, the System File Checker tool, or SFC, checks the integrity of the core components in Windows 10 and fixes any issues.
![Windows 10 Open Command Prompt Windows 10 Open Command Prompt](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Open-Command-Prompt.jpg)
1. Type Command Prompt in Cortana’s search field on the taskbar.
2. Right-click on the resulting desktop app and select Run as administrator on the menu.
3. Click Yes on the User Account Control pop-up.
![Windows 10 Run DISM Windows 10 Run DISM](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Run-DISM.jpg)
4. Type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
![Windows 10 Run SFC Windows 10 Run SFC](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Run-SFC.jpg)
5. Type the following command and press enter:
sfc /scannow
6. Close Command Prompt.
7. Run Windows Update.
Restart Wuauserv and related services
![Windows 10 Open Command Prompt Windows 10 Open Command Prompt](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Open-Command-Prompt.jpg)
1. Type Command Prompt in Cortana’s search field on the taskbar.
2. Right-click on the resulting desktop app and select Run as administrator on the menu.
3. Click Yes on the User Account Control pop-up.
4. Type the following commands individually:
- 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
5. Close the Command Prompt.
6. Restart your computer.
Delete files from the Software Distribution directory
This is where Windows 10 temporarily stores files needed to install updates. Just as you sometimes need to clear a web browser’s cache to solve connection issues, corrupted files in this folder may spark Windows Update woes. Clearing out this cache forces Windows 10 to download and use fresh files.
![Windows 10 Run Services Windows 10 Run Services](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Run-Services.jpg)
1. Hold down the Windows key and press the “R” key.
2. Type services.msc and click Enter in the Run pop-up box.
![Windows 10 Stop Windows Update Windows 10 Stop Windows Update](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Stop-Windows-Update.jpg)
3. Scroll down to the Windows Update service.
4. Right-click on the service and select Stop.
![Windows 10 Stop BITS Windows 10 Stop BITS](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Stop-BITS.jpg)
5. Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
6. Right-click on the service and select Stop.
![Windows 10 Delete Software Distribution Windows 10 Delete Software Distribution](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Delete-Software-Distribution.jpg)
7. Open File Explorer, but do not close the Services window.
8. Double-click on your primary drive to access its contents.
9. Double-click the Windows folder to open.
10. Scroll down to the SoftwareDistribution folder.
11. Right-click on the folder and select Delete. If you feel uneasy about deleting this folder, open it and delete its contents instead.
12. Return to the Services window and restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Windows Update services.
Use a restore point
Windows 10 typically creates a restore point before any update. This feature enables you to send the troubled PC back into time before whatever update, driver, or program was installed that’s currently breaking Windows Update.
![Windows 10 Restore Point Windows 10 Restore Point](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Restore-Point.jpg)
1. Type Create a restore point in Cortana’s search field on the taskbar.
2. Select the Create a restore point (Control Panel) result.
![Windows 10 Select System Restore Windows 10 Select System Restore](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Select-System-Restore.jpg)
3. Click the System Restore button.
![Windows 10 System Restore Next Windows 10 System Restore Next](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-System-Restore-Next.jpg)
4. Click Next in the pop-up window.
![Windows 10 Scan Affected Windows 10 Scan Affected](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Scan-Affected.jpg)
5. Select a restore point.
6. Click the Scan for affected programs button to see what programs, apps, and drivers will be affected by the change.
7. Click the Close button when the scan concludes.
8. Click the Next button.
9. Click the Finish button.
Reset your PC
This method returns your Windows 10 PC back to its original out-of-the-box state though you can choose to keep your files.
![Windows 10 access Settings Windows 10 access Settings](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Windows-10-access-settings.jpg)
1. Click Start and then click on the “gear” icon on the left side of the Start Menu. This opens the Settings app.
![Windows 10 Update and security Windows 10 Update and security](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Windows-10-Update-and-security.jpg)
2. Once the app loads, select Update & Security.
![Windows 10 Recovery Get Started Windows 10 Recovery Get Started](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Recovery-Get-Started.jpg)
3. Select Recovery on the left.
4. Click on the Get started button under Reset this PC.
![Windows 10 Choose Option Windows 10 Choose Option](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Windows-10-Choose-Option.jpg)
5. Choose to keep your files or remove everything. The process to reset the PC will automatically begin.
That concludes our guide on what you should do when Windows Update isn’t working. For additional Windows 10 tips, check out these guides: