1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot
- Click Additional troubleshooters
- Choose Windows Update and run the troubleshooter
- Follow the suggested fixes
2. Reset Windows Update Components
Steps:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these 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
Then try updating again.
3. Check and Enable Required Services
Steps:
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
- Locate and ensure the following are set to Automatic and Running:
- Windows Update
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
- Cryptographic Services
- Windows Installer
4. Run System File Checker and DISM
Steps:
Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Reboot your system after completion.
5. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily
Steps:
- Open your antivirus software
- Temporarily disable real-time protection
- Retry the update process
Tip: Re-enable protection once the update is complete.
6. Check for Group Policy Restrictions (Advanced)
Steps:
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter
- Navigate to:
- Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update
- Ensure settings like “Remove access to use all Windows Update features” are set to Not Configured
7. Modify Registry Entries (Advanced)
Steps:
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter
- Navigate to:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
- Backup and delete any outdated or restrictive keys under this path
- (Only proceed if you're comfortable editing the registry)
8. Perform a Clean Boot and Try Again
Steps:
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, press Enter
- Go to the Services tab → Check Hide all Microsoft services → Click Disable all
- Go to the Startup tab → Click Open Task Manager → Disable all startup items
Restart your PC and try updating again