1. Restart Your Computer and Retry Updates
- Save your work and restart your PC.
- Check for updates again via Settings - Windows Update - Check for updates.
2. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files often trigger this error.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
- After the scan completes, restart your computer and retry updates.
3. Repair Windows Image Using DISM
If SFC cannot repair all files, use DISM to fix the component store.
- Run in Command Prompt (Admin):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart your PC after completion.
4. Reset Windows Update Components
- Run the following in Command Prompt (Admin):
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 attempt updates again.
5. Delete Pending Update Files
Corrupted pending updates can leave invalid handles.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
net stop trustedinstaller
del %windir%\winsxs\pending.xml
- If access is denied, rename instead:
ren %windir%\winsxs\pending.xml pending.old
- Restart and retry updates.
6. Check Disk for Errors
- Run in Command Prompt (Admin):
chkdsk C: /f /r
- Confirm with Y, then restart your PC to allow the scan to repair errors.
7. Disable Third-Party Security Software Temporarily
Antivirus or firewall may interfere with component access.
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall.
- Retry updates, then re-enable protection once complete.
8. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
The built-in troubleshooter can detect and fix issues automatically.
- Go to Settings - System - Troubleshoot - Other troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Update - Run.
- Apply the suggested fixes and restart your PC.
9. Manually Install Updates
If automatic updates continue to fail:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search for the KB number of the failed update.
- Download and install it manually.