1.Restart Your Computer:
Sometimes a fresh reboot can resolve temporary update or file access issues.
2.Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall:
Turn off third-party antivirus or firewall software temporarily. These tools might interfere with file validation during updates.
3.Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:
Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Select Windows Update → Click Run the troubleshooter.
4.Use SFC and DISM to Repair Files:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and enter the following:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These tools will check for and repair missing or corrupted system files and components.
5.Delete SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Folders:
- Open Services (Win + R → type services.msc).
- Stop Windows Update (wuauserv) and BITS services.
- Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 → Delete contents in both folders.
- Restart the services and try updating again.
6.Reset Windows Update Components:
In Command Prompt (Admin), 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
7.Use Windows Update Assistant:
Download and run the Windows Update Assistant to manually apply the latest updates.
8.Check for Pending Restart or Previous Update Conflicts:
Restart your system and ensure no previous updates are stuck or pending installation.
9.Perform a Clean Boot:
Run msconfig → Services tab → Check Hide all Microsoft services → Click Disable all.
Go to Startup tab → Open Task Manager → Disable all startup items → Restart your system.