1. Restart Your Computer and Retry Updates
Temporary glitches or pending operations may block updates.
- Save all work and restart your PC.
- Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and try again.
2. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can cause directory read/write failures.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
- After the scan completes, restart your PC and retry updates.
3. Use DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image
If SFC cannot fix the issue, repair the component store with DISM.
- Run in Command Prompt (Admin):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart your computer after completion.
4. Check and Repair Disk Errors
- Run in Command Prompt (Admin):
chkdsk C: /f /r
- Press Y to confirm and restart your PC to allow the scan to repair errors.
5. Reset Windows Update Components
- Run 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 system and retry the update.
6. Delete Pending Update Files
Incomplete updates may leave corrupted directories.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
net stop trustedinstaller
del %windir%\winsxs\pending.xml
- If access is denied, rename it:
ren %windir%\winsxs\pending.xml pending.old
- Restart your PC and try updates again.
7. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Security Software
Antivirus or disk utilities may lock files needed for updates.
- Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall.
- Retry Windows Update, then re-enable protection afterward.
8. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
The built-in troubleshooter can detect and fix directory or file system issues.
- Go to Settings - System - Troubleshoot - Other troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Update - Run.
- Apply recommended fixes and restart your PC.
9. Manually Install Updates
If automatic updates fail, manually download and install updates:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search for the KB number of the failed update.
- Download and install the update manually.