1. Run the System File Checker (SFC)
- Corrupted or missing files often cause this error.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
- This scans and repairs damaged system files. Restart your PC after completion.
2. Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run the following commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After the process completes, restart your system and run Windows Update again.
3. Reset Windows Update Components
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
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
- This clears cached update data and reinitializes services.
4. Repair the Windows Component Store
- Open PowerShell (Admin) and execute:
Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth
- This command checks the component store integrity and restores missing files.
5. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Update → click Run.
- Apply any suggested fixes and restart your PC.
6. Check for Disk Errors
Corrupted disk sectors can damage update files.
- Run this command in Command Prompt (Admin):
chkdsk C: /f /r
- When prompted, press Y to schedule it on restart. Reboot and allow the scan to complete.
7. Re-register Windows Update DLL Files
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
regsvr32 wuapi.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wups2.dll
regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
regsvr32 msxml3.dll
- After registration, restart your computer.
8. Clear the CBS Log and Rebuild Manifest
- Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin):
del %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log
ren %windir%\winsxs\pending.xml pending.old
- Then reboot and retry the update.
9. Manually Install Updates via Microsoft Catalog
If automatic updates still fail:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search for the KB number of the failed update.
- Download and install it manually.