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Fix a computer that will not update

We'll run the troubleshooter, free disk space, restart the update service, and clear the cache—or tell you when to call support.

Troubleshooting · Devices & software
15–45 min
What you'll need
  • Administrator access
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Run the troubleshooter, free disk space, restart the update service, and clear the cache.

  • Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
  • Good: The troubleshooter reports fixes. Retry Check for updates.
  • Bad: Proceed to Free disk space.

Troubleshooter

Goal: Use the built-in fix for update issues.

  • Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, Windows Update, Run.
  • Good: Troubleshooter completes. Retry updates.
  • Bad: Check disk space and the update service.

Free disk space

Goal: Ensure at least 20 GB free for updates.

  • Run Disk Cleanup. Delete large files. Empty Recycle Bin. Remove old Windows updates if offered.
  • Good: 20 GB+ free. Retry updates.
  • Bad: Move files to external storage or cloud.

When to get help

Contact Microsoft support or your IT department if:

  • Updates still fail after the troubleshooter, freed space, and cache clear.
  • You have a specific error code.

Provide the error code, Windows version, and steps already tried.

Verification

  • Windows Update shows no errors.
  • Updates download and install successfully.
  • No “Restart required” message after restart.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Troubleshooter Run Windows Update troubleshooter.
  2. Disk space Free at least 20 GB; run Disk Cleanup.
  3. Restart service Restart Windows Update and BITS services.
  4. Clear cache Rename SoftwareDistribution; restart services.
  5. Call support Provide error code and steps tried.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Error code (if any)
  • Windows version
  • Free disk space
  • Steps already tried

Have you run the Update troubleshooter?

The troubleshooter fixes many common update issues.

Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, Windows Update, Run. Fixed: retry updates. Not fixed: check disk space.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Run troubleshooter

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Retry Check for updates.

Done

Do you have at least 20 GB free disk space?

Updates need room to download and install.

Check C: free space. Under 20 GB: run Disk Cleanup, delete large files. Over 20 GB: restart Windows Update service, clear SoftwareDistribution cache.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Free disk space

Run Disk Cleanup. Delete large files. Empty Recycle Bin. Aim for 20 GB+ free. Retry updates.

Done

Restart service and clear cache

services.msc, restart Windows Update and BITS. If still stuck, run as admin: net stop wuauserv, net stop bits; rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old; net start wuauserv, net start bits. Check for updates.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Windows updates fail?
Low disk space, corrupted update cache, stuck update service, or incompatible drivers. Run the troubleshooter and free disk space first.
Can I fix Windows updates myself?
Yes. Run the Update troubleshooter, free disk space, restart the update service, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder. If updates still fail, check for specific error codes.
When should I call support for update failures?
If you have tried the troubleshooter, freed space, and cleared the cache and updates still fail with a specific error. Provide the error code and Windows version.

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