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Fix Windows that has update that fails

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

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Administrator access
  • Internet connection
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Steps

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

  • Open Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
  • Good: The troubleshooter fixes the issue. Try checking for updates. You are done.
  • Bad: Proceed to Restart service and clear cache.

Run troubleshooter

Goal: Let Windows try to fix update issues.

  • Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, Windows Update, Run. Apply any fixes. Try checking for updates.
  • Good: Updates download and install. You are done.
  • Bad: Proceed to Restart service and clear cache.

Restart service and clear cache

Goal: Restart the Windows Update service and clear the update cache.

  • services.msc, find Windows Update, Restart. If that does not help, stop wuauserv, cryptSvc, bits, msiserver. Rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old. Start the services. Check for updates.
  • Good: Updates download and install. You are done.
  • Bad: Free disk space (at least 10–20 GB on C:). Run DISM and SFC. If still fails, contact support.

When to get help

Contact Microsoft support or IT if:

  • The troubleshooter and cache clear do not work.
  • You get a specific error code (e.g. 0x80070003, 0x8024402F).
  • Updates fail repeatedly.

Have the error code and Windows version ready.

Verification

  • Windows Update shows “You’re up to date” or updates install successfully.
  • No error codes when checking for updates.
  • No stuck downloads at 0%.

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Troubleshooter Settings, Troubleshoot, Windows Update.
  2. Restart service services.msc, Windows Update, Restart.
  3. Free disk space Ensure 10–20 GB free on C:.
  4. Clear cache Stop services, rename SoftwareDistribution, restart.
  5. DISM and SFC Run DISM and sfc /scannow (advanced).
  6. Contact support Microsoft or IT if all steps fail.

What to capture if you need help

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

  • Windows version
  • Error code (if any)
  • Free space on C:
  • Steps already tried

Have you run the Windows Update troubleshooter?

It fixes many update issues.

Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, Windows Update, Run. Fixed: try checking for updates. Not fixed: restart Windows Update service.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Run Update troubleshooter

Settings, Troubleshoot, Windows Update, Run. Apply any fixes. Retry Windows Update.

Done

Restart Windows Update service

services.msc, find Windows Update, Restart. Check for updates. Works: done. Fails: free disk space, clear SoftwareDistribution cache.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Clear update cache

Stop wuauserv, cryptSvc, bits, msiserver. Rename C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old. Start services. Check for updates. If still fails, run DISM and SFC.

Done

Updates installed

Windows Update succeeded. You are done.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Windows Update fail?
Corrupted update cache, Windows Update service stuck, low disk space, or network issue. Run the Update troubleshooter and restart the Windows Update service first.
Can I fix Windows Update that fails myself?
Yes. Run the Update troubleshooter, restart the Windows Update service, free disk space, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder. If a specific update fails repeatedly, you may need to hide it or contact support.
When should I contact support for Windows Update?
If the troubleshooter and cache clear do not work, or you get a specific error code (e.g. 0x80070003, 0x8024402F). Microsoft support or IT may need to help.

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