Fix: Windows Update Installation Issues

Windows Update is essential for keeping your system secure, stable, and up to date.

However, sometimes updates may fail to install properly due to various issues like corrupted files, misconfigured settings, or insufficient disk space.

If you’re facing problems with Windows Update, follow these step-by-step methods to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Why Do You Get Windows Update Installation Issues

Windows Update is vital for keeping your PC secure, stable, and up to date with the latest features and patches. However, it’s not uncommon for updates to fail, install, or throw update error messages. These problems can arise due to a variety of issues, including:

• Corrupted system files
• Interrupted or incomplete downloads
• Incorrect system settings
• Insufficient disk space
• Software conflicts or background processes

Thankfully, most update issues can be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting steps. Below are proven methods to help you fix problems with Windows Update.

What To Do When You Get Windows Update Installation Issues?

Follow this step-by-step guide when you get Windows Update Installation Issues.

1. Restart the Windows Update Service

Restarting the Windows Update service ensures it is running properly and can update your system.

Now here’s how to do that:

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Scroll down to Windows Update Service, right-click it, and select Properties.

• Set Startup type to Automatic, click OK, and then select Start if the service is stopped.
• Click Apply and check if the update works.

2. Restart Windows Update Components

Next, you can restart Windows Update components manually.

• Type CMD in the Windows search and choose to run Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Now run these commands one by one. All the commands are provided in the description below, so you can copy and paste them from there.

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 

Once done, restart your PC and check for updates.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Using the built-in Windows troubleshooter can help detect and fix common update issues automatically. Here is how to run the troubleshooter.

• Open Start, type troubleshoot, and select Troubleshoot settings.
• Click on Other troubleshooters and choose to run Windows Update.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Wait for the process to complete and check if the issue is resolved.

4. Run DISM and SFC Commands

The next thing you can do is run DISM and SFC scans to repair system files and fix update-related corruption.

• Open an elevated Command Prompt window.
• Execute the following commands one by one:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 


sfc /scannow 

Wait for the repair process to finish, then restart your PC and check for updates.

5. Free Up Disk Space

Lack of storage can also prevent Windows updates from installing properly. Here is how you can free up some disk space.

• Open Settings, then go to Syste,m then select Storage.
• Click on Temporary Files and select unnecessary files.

• Click Remove files and restart your PC.

6. Uninstall Updates

Reverting your system to a previous state can resolve update issues caused by recent changes.

• To do that, open Settings, go to Windows Update. Then select Update History.
• Click Uninstall Updates, then select and remove the latest installed update.
• Restart your PC and then try to reinstall the latest updates.

7. Check Date & Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can cause update failures due to server authentication issues.

• To check the date and settings, open Settings then select Time & Language then Date & Time.
• Enable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
• Restart your PC and try updating again.

8. Use Safe Mode to Install Updates

Some updates may not install due to background applications.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• Go to the Boot tab, check Safe boot, and select Network.
• Click Apply then OK, then restart your PC.
• Try running Windows Update.

9. Clean Install Windows

If all else fails, performing a clean installation of Windows ensures a fresh, error-free system.

• Download a valid Windows version from Microsoft’s website.
• Click on the Download Now option and follow the instructions to complete a clean installation.
• Once done, Activate Windows with your product key and set up your system.

Wrapping Up

Windows Update issues can be frustrating, but they’re often fixable with the right approach.

Start with simpler solutions like restarting services or running the troubleshooter, and work your way to more advanced steps like a clean install if necessary.

With patience and these proven methods, you’ll have your system updated and running smoothly again.