1. Windows Update is a crucial feature in Windows that helps keep your computer safe and up-to-date with the latest Windows software and security patches. However, like other features, it can sometimes run into errors, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common Windows Update related errors and provide potential solutions that you can use to resolve them.
2. The first and most common Windows Update error is “Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates”. This error typically appears when Windows cannot access the Windows Update server, or if it is having difficulty processing installed updates. To resolve this error, try the following steps:
a. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This is a built-in diagnostic tool that can detect and repair various issues related to Windows Update. To do this, type “troubleshoot” in your Start Menu search box, then select “Troubleshoot settings” from the results. In the Troubleshooting window, scroll to the bottom and select “Windows Update”. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.
b. Reset the Windows Update components. This will reset all Windows Update related settings and files back to their default state in an attempt to resolve any Windows Update related issues. To do this, type “Command Prompt” in your Start Menu search box and select “Run as Administrator”. Then type the following commands into the command prompt, pressing Enter after each command:
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
c. Perform an offline update. This will download the latest available Windows Update package from Microsoft’s website and install it directly on your computer. To do this, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog then download the latest available package for your version of Windows and install it on your computer.
3. Another common Windows Update error is “Windows Could Not Search For New Updates”. This error typically appears when Windows has trouble connecting to the Windows Update server due to a network issue. To resolve this error, try the following steps:
a. Make sure that the date and time are correct. This is often overlooked, but incorrect date and time settings can cause problems with Windows Update. Make sure that both your time zone and the time/date settings are accurate.
b. Reset the Windows Update services. This will reset all Windows Update related services and temporarily disable them. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an Administrator (by typing “Command Prompt” in your Start Menu search box, then selecting “Run as Administrator”) and type the following commands, pressing Enter after each command:
Net stop wuauserv
Net stop cryptSvc
Net stop bits
Net stop msiserver
Then wait a few minutes and type the following commands, pressing Enter after each command:
Net start wuauserv
Net start cryptSvc
Net start bits
Net start msiserver
c. Make sure that your internet connection is working properly. Windows Update requires an active internet connection, so make sure that your internet connection is working by running a speed test or visiting a webpage.
4. Another common Windows Update issue is “Windows Update Failed To Install”. This error typically appears when Windows is unable to install a specific update or security patch. To resolve this error, try the following steps:
a. Use the Windows Update troubleshooter. This will check for any issues that may be causing the problem, and attempt to fix them automatically. To do this, type “troubleshoot” in your Start Menu search box, then select “Troubleshoot settings” from the results. In the Troubleshooting window, scroll to the bottom and select “Windows Update”. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.
b. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall. Certain security products can interfere with Windows Update, so you may want to temporarily disable them and then retry installing the update.
c. Download the update manually. This will download the latest available version of the update from the Microsoft website and install it directly on your computer. To do this, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog then download the latest available package for your version of Windows and install it on your computer.
5. We have discussed several common Windows Update related errors and provided possible solutions that you can use to resolve them. If you are still having difficulty resolving your issue, you can contact Microsoft or seek further help from experienced technical support specialists.