Troubleshoot problems updating Windows 10

In Windows 10, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. This article will help you answer questions and troubleshoot common problems with your Windows 10 update.

If you’re looking for info on how to activate Windows 10 or to verify that your installation of Windows 10 is activated, see Activate Windows 10.

Have issues installing Windows updates? Start here.

Your device may not be able to update to the latest version of Windows 10 for a few reasons. The following tips can help you pinpoint the issue affecting your device.

Before you begin, make sure your device is plugged into a power source and connected to the internet. Then, try the steps listed below to get your PC to update.

Some updates require administrator access. If your account doesn’t have administrator access, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10. Or if someone else at home or in your office has an administrator account on your device, try asking them to install the updates.

Before trying any of the solutions below, make sure you back up your personal files. You can use File History to back up your files to another drive, or insert a USB drive and use File Explorer to drag and copy important files to the USB drive. If you’re signing into Windows with a Microsoft account, your system settings will be automatically restored after updating, once you’re connected to the internet.

You can also back up your files with OneDrive. For more info, go to Back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive.

Make sure that your device has enough space. Your device requires at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade a 32-bit OS, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS. If your device has a small hard drive, you may need to insert a USB drive to update it.

If your PC is running low on storage, try the techniques at Free up drive space in Windows 10.

Many updates require you to restart your device. Save your work and close all open applications. Then, select Start > Power , and select either Update and restart or Update and shut down.

Even if you have downloaded some updates, there may be more available. After trying the preceding steps, run Windows Update again by selecting Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Download and install any new updates.

Remove any external storage devices and drives, docks, and other hardware plugged into your device that aren’t needed for basic functionality. Then try to run updates again and see if this resolved your issue. If it didn’t, continue to the next tip.

If you’ve added hardware to your device, check for third-party driver updates and installation instructions on the hardware manufacturer’s website. Update any drivers, then try to run updates again and see if this resolved your issue. If it didn’t, continue to the next tip.

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select Device Manager from the list of results.

In the window that appears, look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark next to it. (You may have to select each category to view the list of devices.) Select the device name.

Select Action, and then choose either Update driver or Uninstall to correct the errors.

Common troubleshooting questions

If you are receiving an error message with a specific error code, try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, see Fix Windows Update errors and follow the instructions to help resolve common update issues.

The time required to download and install updates depends on connection speed, network settings, and the size of the update. If the installation remains stuck at the same percentage, try checking for updates again or running the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

To check for updates, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

To get help, in the search box on the task bar, type get help, then select Get Help from the list of results. To leave feedback if you run into further problems, in the search box on the taskbar, type feedback hub, then select Feedback Hub from the list of results.

Windows 10 is the most secure Windows ever, and we recommend you stay updated to protect your PC from security risks and to keep it running smoothly. However, you can temporarily pause updates as well as schedule a restart to install updates at a time that’s convenient for you.
Learn how to temporarily pause updates
Find out how to schedule a restart to install updates at a convenient time

You will only receive a notification when it’s time to restart your computer to apply the installed updates.

If you need to know where you left off in your work after an update, use Timeline to jump back in.

To get started with Timeline, select Task View on the taskbar, or press the Windows logo key +Tab and select the activity you want to resume.

Monthly quality updates on Windows 10 are quite small and have a minimal impact on data usage. Feature updates typically happen twice per year, and you can control when to install them. They require more data but are less frequent.

If you’re on a metered connection, some updates for Windows won’t be installed automatically. Metered connections in Windows 10

Your computer might be slow for a number of reasons, but updating to the latest version of Windows 10 can improve its performance. For help with a slow computer, see Tips to improve PC performance in Windows 10.

If you’re having trouble finding your files after an upgrade, see Find lost files after the upgrade to Windows 10 for other things to try.

Warning: Microsoft only recommends trying the procedures in this section if you’re comfortable working in the command line. These procedures require administrator permissions on your device.

In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt, then select Run as administrator from the list of options. Select Yes. Next, in the window that appears, type the following commands one at a time, including the spaces as shown. After you type each command, press Enter. Then let each command complete before you type the next command.

net stop wuauserv

ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak

ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak

net start wuauserv

After all these commands are completed, close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.

In some instances, third-party antivirus or security software can cause errors when you try to update to the latest version of Windows 10. You can temporarily uninstall this software, update your PC, and then reinstall the software after your device is up to date. We recommend using third-party antivirus or security software that’s compatible with the latest version of Windows 10. You can check compatibility by visiting the software manufacturer’s website.

Note: Before uninstalling software, make sure you know how to reinstall your programs and that you have any necessary product keys.

In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt, and then select Run as administrator from the list of options. Select Yes. In the window that appears, type the following command, including the space as shown:
chkdsk/f C:
and then press Enter. Repairs will automatically start on your hard drive, and you’ll be asked to restart your device.

A clean restart starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update that may cause issues updating your PC.
Learn how to do a clean restart

In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt, then select Run as administrator from the list of options.

In the window that appears, type this command including spaces as shown:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Press Enter. When the command operation has run successfully, you’ll see a confirmation message from Command Prompt that says, “The restore operation completed successfully” or “The operation completed successfully”.
Note: If you don’t see a confirmation message, retype the command and try again.

Next, type this command, including the space as shown:
sfc /scannow

Press Enter. Wait until the sfc scan verification reaches 100% completion, and then close Command Prompt.

Try running the Windows Update again.

Go to the software download page and select Download tool now to download the clean installation tool. Make sure to carefully read the notes on the software download page before using the tool.

Still stuck?

Contact Microsoft support if you continue to have problems with your Windows updates.

settings app issues asus windows 10 update

Replies (1) 

I’m John an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you. I’ll be happy to assist you today. I understand you have a problem with settings app not working. What is your current Windows operating system and version? Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: winver

Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe)
Press Start then Search for Command Prompt
Right click and Run as administrator
At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
sfc /scannow

Restore and repair system files
Press Start then Search for Command Prompt
Right click and Run as administrator
At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Restart your PC then check settings app

Run the troubleshooter
Press Start then search Control panel
Under View by > Small icons
Select Troubleshooting > View all
Click Windows store apps on the list
Run the troubleshooter

Press Start then right click the Gear Icon
Select More > App Settings
Click Terminate > Reset
Restart your PC then Check Settings

If it doesn’t work, Re-register Settings app
WIN+X then select Windows Powershell (Admin)
copy paste the command: Let the command complete before pasting the next command.

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach

Restart your PC

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further concerns.

ASUS Touchpad issues after windows 10 update

Yesterday i updated my windows 7 PC to windows 10 as it seemed to be fully compatible. I since have not been able to use the 2 finger scroll function on my trackpad. I have tried updating the drivers via the asus site but it fails every time saying that there is a problem with the installer package and a programme run as part of the installer package did not finish as expected. The trackpad is showing up as a ps/2 compatible mouse with a device ID of

ACPI\VEN_STL&DEV_C400
ACPI\STLC400
*STLC400

My System info is as follows.

System Manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
System Model UX31E
System Type x64-based PC
OS Name Microsoft Windows 10 Home

Any help would be much appreciated 🙂

Replies (15) 

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We appreciate you for showing interest on Windows 10.

Try the following methods and check if it helps:

Method 1: Run the hardware device troubleshooter and check if it helps.

Follow the below steps:

1. Type troubleshooting in the search bar.

2. Select Troubleshooting.

3. Select View all on the top left corner.

4. Click on Hardware and Devices.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

If the issue persists then follow the below method.

Method 2:

Refer to the following Asus support article on Troubleshooting: Touchpad malfunction.

Reference: Refer to the following Asus support article on Troubleshooting: Multi-finger Gesture.

Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with Windows. We are glad to assist you.

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Thank you so much for getting back to me. I have tried all of the above but with no success at all. It seems that the drivers i am trying to download for the device just wont let me install them. Is it possible that the touch pad just isnt compatible with windows 10? as when i download the drivers they just wont install and it says there is no Synaptics device installed on the system even though their definately is.

Thanks again for the assistance its much appreciated.

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I have the same laptop and had this issue on Insider builds.

Is this the Asus Smart Gesture package you’re trying to install ? This is the one I’m using without any issue.

Uninstall every previous version of Smart Gesture or other touchpad drivers beforehand.

Hope this helps.

EDIT: The UX31E normally comes embedded with an Elan touchpad, not a Synaptics. Anyway, I wouldn’t botherwith either driver provided by those manufacturers.

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I had this on Asus S200E (and this will probably work on other Asus laptops too), this is how to fix:

Start Menu, Settings

Devices (Bluetooth, printers, mouse)

Click on Mouse and touchpad

At bottom of page click Additional Options

Click the Elan tab

Click Driver tab

Select delete driver files

When that is finished, restart

Windows update should now find a new hardware update from Asus. Let this finish downloading.

You should now get the Asus SmartGesture icon

Double click this to bring up the SmartGesture settings.

Change settings to your own preference.

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I didn’t find this much use sorry. The linked pages are out of date.

The key is to uninstall and delete the Elan driver and let Windows identify the touchpad as an Asus device, then get updates including the newer Asus SmartGesture drivers.

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I am cross-posting this from this thread

ELAN appears to be the manufacturer of the touchpad device used in various laptops such as ASUS and Lenovo.

The ELAN tab (with a little red icon) appears on the Additional Options dialog for the touchpad device. If I’d thought on, I’d have taken a screenshot but it’s too late for me to do that now. 🙂

This tab seems to be present for people with some makes of laptop with touchpad issues on Windows 10 and not others.

My speculation is that in my case and others, Windows has detected the device and installed generic drivers from the manufacturer of the device (Elan) rather than the manufacturer of the laptop (Asus, Lenovo et at). In these cases, removing the Elan driver and installing the laptop manufacturer’s touchpad driver (or letting Windows find it) seems to fix the issue.

If you’re on this thread you’ve probably googled «touchpad not working on windows 10 upgrade», or something similar.

If you don’t have an Elan driver tab then it may be that your laptop has a different make of touchpad or that windows found another driver that doesn’t add its own tab. Either way, if just enabling the device doesn’t sort the problem then removing the existing drivers and letting windows search for a driver seems to fix it in many cases. This should be a fairly safe operation but it does need a certain level of tech savvy, and will require admin access to your machine.

In any event I’m just sharing what worked for me, which was removing the Elan drivers and letting windows find the Asus ones, but I don’t know if you can do that from the add/remove programs screen in Windows. You might have to go into Mouse and find the device (think it might be the Hardware tab). Basically find the button for Uninstall the driver.

However I found this link here which suggests the best way might be to d/l and install Asus Smart Gesture first.