1. Restart Windows Update Services
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
- Retry Windows Update after restarting services.
2. Clear Windows Update Components
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and 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
- This refreshes the update folders and removes corrupted cache.
3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Update.
- Run the tool and apply recommended fixes automatically.
4. Repair System Files (SFC & DISM)
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- These commands fix corrupted system files that may block updates.
5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall
- Disable third-party antivirus or firewall.
- Retry the update.
- Re-enable security after successful installation.
6. Reset Windows Update via Command Script
- Create a .bat file with the following commands and run as Administrator:
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 fully resets Windows Update services.
7. Check for Pending Restart
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- If a restart is pending, reboot the system before retrying updates.
8. Manually Install Updates
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalogue.
- Search for the updated KB number.
- Download and install it manually to bypass service errors.
9. Use Windows Update Assistant
- Download the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft’s official site.
- Run the tool to install updates directly, avoiding service-based errors.