1. Restart WMI Service
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
net stop winmgmt
net start winmgmt
- This ensures the WMI service is running properly.
2. Repair WMI Repository
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and execute:
winmgmt /verifyrepository
winmgmt /salvagerepository
- The first command checks for corruption, and the second attempts automatic repair.
3. Reset Windows Update Components
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
This clears cached update files that may interfere with WMI.
4. Run System File Checker and DISM
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Repairs corrupted system files that may block WMI and updates.
5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall
- Disable third-party security tools.
- Retry Windows Update.
- Re-enable protection after installation.
6. Re-register WMI DLLs
- In Command Prompt (Admin), run:
regsvr32 wmiprvse.dll
regsvr32 wbemprox.dll
regsvr32 wmiutils.dll
- This restores WMI functionality for Windows Update.
7. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Update.
- Run the tool and apply recommended fixes.
8. Manually Install Updates
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalogue.
- Search for the KB number of the failed update.
- Download and install it manually.
9. Use Windows Update Assistant
- Download the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft’s site.
- Run the tool to install updates while bypassing WMI-related issues.