1. Restart Your PC and Check Pending Restarts
- Restart your computer to clear stuck update tasks.
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and check if a restart is required.
2. Restart Windows Update Services
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net start wuauserv
net start bits
- This refreshes the Windows Update services.
3. Clear Windows Update Components
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and execute:
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 deletes the corrupted cache and forces Windows to download updates again.
4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- These tools scan and repair corrupted or missing system files.
5. End Conflicting Processes in Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for msiexec.exe or Windows Update–related tasks.
- Right-click → End Task.
- Retry Windows Update afterwards.
6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall
- Turn off third-party antivirus or firewall software.
- Retry Windows Update.
- Re-enable protection after installation is complete.
7. Perform a Clean Boot
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Go to Services → Hide all Microsoft services → Disable all.
- Restart in Clean Boot mode and retry updates.
8. Install Updates Manually
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search for the KB number of the failed update.
- Download and install it manually.
9. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
- Select Windows Update Troubleshooter.
- Allow it to detect and fix issues automatically.
10. Use Windows Update Assistant
Download and run the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft’s official site to bypass update conflicts and apply the latest updates directly.