Top 7 Ways to Fix Windows Update Not Working on Windows 11/10

Windows updates are essential for keeping your system secure, stable, and up to date. However, many users often face issues where the update process stalls, fails, or refuses to start altogether. Whether you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, the update feature can sometimes run into unexpected errors. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve the issue.

Reasons for Update Error

Before trying to fix update problems, it’s helpful to understand the causes of a windows update error. An unstable or slow internet connection can interrupt the download or installation process. Low disk space may prevent Windows from saving update files properly. Corrupted system files or conflicts with antivirus software can also block updates from completing.

In some cases, the update components themselves may be faulty or stuck, which may require a manual reset. Pending restarts from previous updates can prevent new ones from being installed properly. Hardware incompatibilities or outdated drivers can cause update failures, especially after major system upgrades. Outdated BIOS or firmware may also conflict with newer Windows updates and lead to repeated errors.

Here are the top 7 ways to fix Windows Update not working on Windows 11 or 10.

1. Restart Your PC

A simple restart can sometimes fix many temporary glitches, including update issues. When your system reboots, it clears temporary files and refreshes background services. If you’ve just experienced a failed update or your system appears stuck, rebooting is the first thing you should try. After restarting, go back to Settings > Windows Update and try checking for updates again.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to detect and fix update-related problems. To access it:

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Update and click Run.

This tool will scan your system, detect errors with the update components, and attempt to fix them automatically. It’s often successful for resolving common issues like stuck downloads or error messages during installation.

3. Check Internet Connection

A stable and fast internet connection is essential for downloading and installing Windows updates. If your connection is unstable, Windows Update may fail to work properly. Make sure your device is connected to a reliable network. You can:

• Restart your router or modem.
• Switch to a wired connection if using Wi-Fi.
• Use the Network troubleshooter in Windows settings to detect problems.

A consistent internet connection ensures updates are downloaded without interruption.

4. Free Up Disk Space

Windows updates often require a significant amount of storage space. If your drive is full or near full, updates might fail to install. You can free up space by:

• Deleting temporary files.
• Uninstalling unused programs.
• Moving personal files like videos and photos to an external drive or cloud storage.

Additionally, you can use the built-in Storage Sense tool found in Settings > System > Storage to automatically clean up files and free space.

5. Reset Windows Update Components

Sometimes, the services and files that manage Windows updates become corrupted. Resetting the Windows Update components manually can fix stubborn issues. Here’s how:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands one by one:

• 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

These commands stop update services, rename the update cache folders, and restart the services. After this, try updating again.

6. Scan for System File Corruption

Corrupt or missing system files are a common cause of Windows Update failures. These files can become damaged due to malware, abrupt shutdowns, or incomplete updates. To fix this, Windows provides built-in tools like System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM).

Steps to Use SFC:

1. Open Command Prompt with administrator rights (search “cmd,” right-click, and choose Run as Administrator).
2. Type this command and press Enter:

• sfc /scannow

3. Let the system scan complete. It will automatically repair any corrupt files it finds.

Follow Up with DISM:

If SFC finds issues it can’t fix, you should follow up with DISM:

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command uses Windows Update itself to replace corrupted files, which can often resolve more complex issues.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure you don’t interrupt these scans. Let them finish to avoid making system instability worse.
• Run these tools in Safe Mode if regular boot is unstable or the update errors persist.
• Use the Event Viewer to check logs for any entries related to SFC or DISM operations for further diagnostics.

Recover with WinfrGUI After Failed Update

In some unfortunate cases, a failed Windows update can result in the loss of important files, especially when an update is interrupted or crashes during system reboots. If files have disappeared from the desktop, documents folder, or other locations, you can try recovering them using WinfrGUI.

WinfrGUI is a user-friendly graphical interface for Microsoft’s command-line Windows File Recovery Tool. It simplifies the file recovery process with a clean UI, making it accessible even for non-technical users.

How to Use WinfrGUI?

1. Download and install WinfrGUI from the official website.
2. Launch the program and select the drive where files were lost (commonly C: after an update).
3. Choose a recovery mode—Quick Scan for recently deleted files, or Deep Scan for more thorough searches.
4. Select a destination folder (not the same as the source drive) to save recovered files.
5. Click Start Recovery and let the tool work.

Benefits of WinfrGUI

• Fully free with no hidden charges.
• Recovers files of various types like documents, images, videos, and system data.
• Provides both quick and deep scan options depending on the severity of file loss.
• Supports recovery from internal drives, external USBs, and SD cards.

Best Practices for File Recovery:

• Stop using the affected drive immediately after noticing file loss to prevent overwriting.
• Run recovery as soon as possible for higher success rates.
• Always store recovered files on a different drive than the one scanned.

When to Use It:

• After a failed or interrupted Windows update.
• If user folders such as Documents, Desktop, or Downloads appear empty.
• When applications report missing configuration or data files post-update.

By combining SFC, DISM, and WinfrGUI, users can not only fix their update issues but also recover any personal or system files lost during the process.

7. Install Updates Manually

If automatic updates aren’t working, you can manually download and install them. To do this:

1. Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
2. Search for the KB number of the failed update (available in your update history).
3. Download the appropriate version (32-bit or 64-bit) for your system.
4. Run the downloaded file to install the update.

This method bypasses the Windows Update tool entirely and is helpful when a specific update is causing problems.

Bonus Tips to Avoid Future Issues

Aside from the seven main fixes, here are a few extra steps you can take to prevent future update problems:

• Always keep your antivirus software updated but consider disabling it temporarily if it’s interfering with updates.
• Make sure your device drivers are up to date. Use Device Manager or visit the manufacturer’s website.
• Avoid shutting down or restarting your PC during the update process.
• Use System Restore to roll back to a previous working state if a recent update causes serious problems.

When to Seek Professional Help

If Windows Update still fails after trying all the methods above, you may have a deeper system or hardware issue. In such cases, it’s wise to contact Microsoft Support or take your system to a certified technician. They can run advanced diagnostics and identify any obscure problems.

Concluding Statement

Windows Update is a crucial component of the operating system, and when it stops working, it can affect your device’s security and performance. Whether it’s a simple restart or a deeper system file scan, the above methods provide a structured approach to solving Windows Update issues on Windows 11 and 10.

By following these top 7 ways to fix Windows Update not working, you can restore functionality and ensure your PC stays updated with the latest features and security patches. Regular maintenance, system backups, and staying informed about update practices will help you avoid these problems in the future.