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Fix Windows that will not update

We'll run the Update Troubleshooter, free disk space, restart the update service, and repair the component store—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
20–45 min
What you'll need
  • Administrator access
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Get Windows Update working again.

  • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
  • Free at least 20 GB on C:.
  • Restart the Windows Update service; clear the cache if needed.

Run troubleshooter

Goal: Use the built-in fix first.

  • Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run.
  • Good: Troubleshooter fixes the issue. Retry update.
  • Bad: Proceed to Clear update cache.

Clear update cache

Goal: Reset the update cache when updates are stuck.

  • Stop Windows Update, BITS, and cryptSvc. Rename SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old. Start services. Run DISM and SFC.
  • Good: Updates install.
  • Bad: Call a pro.

When to get help

Call a pro if:

  • The troubleshooter, DISM, and SFC do not fix it.
  • You need a clean Windows reinstall.

Verification

  • Windows Update finds and installs updates.
  • No “Update failed” or “Error” messages.
  • Settings → Windows Update shows “You’re up to date” or updates installing.

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Troubleshooter Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
  2. Disk space and service Free 20 GB; restart Windows Update service.
  3. Cache and DISM Clear SoftwareDistribution; run DISM and SFC.
  4. Call a pro Clean reinstall or hardware check.

What to capture if you need help

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

  • Error code or message from Windows Update
  • Free disk space on C:
  • Troubleshooter result
  • Steps already tried

Have you run the Windows Update Troubleshooter?

It resets update components automatically.

Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run. Good: troubleshooter ran—check disk space. Bad: run it first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Settings → Troubleshoot → Windows Update → Run. Retry update.

Done

Does C: have at least 20 GB free?

Windows needs space to download and install updates.

File Explorer → This PC. Check C: free space. Good: 20 GB+ free—restart update service. Bad: free space; run Disk Cleanup.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Free disk space

Delete files, empty Recycle Bin, run Disk Cleanup. Aim for 20 GB free. Retry update.

Done

Restart Windows Update service and clear cache

Corrupted cache can block updates.

services.msc → Windows Update → Restart. If still fails, stop service, rename SoftwareDistribution folder, start service. Run DISM if needed. Good: updates install. Bad: run DISM and SFC; call pro if persists.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Windows not update?
Low disk space, corrupted update cache, Windows Update service stuck, or driver conflicts. Run the troubleshooter and free disk space first.
Can I fix Windows Update myself?
Yes. Run the Update Troubleshooter, free disk space, restart the Windows Update service, or run DISM and SFC. A clean reinstall is a last resort.
When should I call a technician for Windows Update?
If the troubleshooter, DISM, and SFC do not fix it, or you need a clean reinstall. A technician can also check for hardware issues.

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