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.

Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

Note: Use these steps for Windows programs. If you’re having problems with an app you got from Microsoft Store, go to Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store.

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you’re blocked from installing or removing programs. It also fixes corrupted registry keys.

First, you’ll need to download the troubleshooter.

If you see the File Download box when you start downloading, select Run or Open.

The troubleshooter provides steps for you to follow. If a program isn’t listed in the uninstall options, you’ll be asked for that program’s product code. To access the code, you’ll need a tool for reading MSI files—which is typically available to IT professionals. You’ll find the product code in the property table of the MSI file.

What it fixes

The troubleshooter helps fix problems that:

Corrupt registry keys on 64-bit operating systems.

Corrupt registry keys that control the update data.

Prevent new programs from being installed.

Prevent existing programs from being completely uninstalled or updated.

Block you from uninstalling a program through Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features) in Control Panel.

If you’re trying to remove malware, you can use Windows Security (or another antivirus tool), or you can use the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool.

How to Fix Problems During the Windows Login Process

What to do when Windows freezes during or after login

Sometimes your computer turns on as you’d expect, you get to the Windows login screen, but then something happens. Your computer might freeze up, reboot on its own, or just stop and not respond to anything you do.

Maybe you see the login screen but after entering your password, nothing happens. On the other hand, maybe you can log in but then Windows freezes and you have to reboot manually. Then again, maybe Windows seems to start but your desktop never shows up and all you can do is move your mouse around a blank screen.

Regardless of the specifics, this is the troubleshooting guide to use if Windows starts most of the way but you can’t get logged in or your desktop never fully loads.

If you don’t even get to the Windows login screen, or you see any kind of error message, see there are steps to follow to fix a computer that won’t turn on.

These steps apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

How to Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During Windows Login

Start Windows in Safe Mode. If it fully starts, just restart your computer from there as you normally would and see if Windows starts correctly. A failed update or one-time startup process can sometimes cause stopping, freezing, or reboot-loop issues during the login process. Often times all Windows needs is a clean boot into Safe Mode and then a restart to clear up the problem.

Start Windows with the Last Known Good Configuration. This will return driver and registry settings to the state they were in the last time Windows started up and shut down properly, possibly returning your computer to working order.

Of course, this will only work if the cause of your Windows login issue is related to the registry or a driver configuration.

It’s safe to try Safe Mode before Last Known Good Configuration because the valuable information that’s stored in the registry to make Last Known Good Configuration work properly, isn’t written until Windows starts successfully in Normal Mode.

Repair your Windows installation. A common reason for Windows to fail between the login screen and the successful loading of the desktop is because one or more important Windows files are damaged or missing. Repairing Windows replaces these important files without removing or changing anything else on your computer.

In Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista, this is called a Startup Repair. In Windows XP it’s referred to as a Repair Installation.

The Windows XP Repair Installation is more complicated and has more drawbacks than the Startup Repair available in later Windows operating systems. If you’re using Windows XP, you may want to wait until you’ve tried Steps 4, 5, and 6 before giving this a try.

Start Windows in Safe Mode and then use System Restore to undo recent changes. Windows could freeze, stop, or reboot during the login process because of damage to a driver, important file, or part of the registry. A System Restore will return all of those things to a time when your computer was working, which could solve your problem entirely.

If you can’t enter Safe Mode for some reason, you can also perform a System Restore from Startup Settings (available for Windows 10 & 8 via Advanced Startup Options). Windows 7 & Vista users can access Safe Mode in System Recovery Options, which is available from the Advanced Boot Options menu, as well as from your Windows 7 or Windows Vista Setup DVD.

You won’t be able to undo a System Restore if it’s done from Safe Mode, Startup Settings, or from System Recovery Options. You might not care since you can’t get to Windows normally anyway, but it’s something you should be aware of.

Scan your computer for viruses, again from Safe Mode. If you’re having problems even getting that far, you may want to get your hands on free bootable antivirus tools for some programs that will scan for viruses even without access to Windows. A virus or other kind of malware might have caused a specific enough problem with a part of Windows to cause it to fail during login.

Clear the CMOS. Clearing the BIOS memory on your motherboard will return the BIOS settings to their factory default levels. A BIOS misconfiguration could be the reason that Windows can’t get all the way to the desktop.​

If clearing the CMOS does fix your Windows login problem, make sure any changes you make in BIOS are completed one at a time so if the problem returns, you’ll know which change was the cause.

Replace the CMOS battery if your computer is more than three years old or if it’s been off for an extended amount of time.

CMOS batteries are very inexpensive and one that is no longer keeping a charge can cause all sorts of strange behavior at any point during a computer’s startup process, all the way up to the loading of the Windows desktop.

Reseat everything in your computer that you can. Reseating will reestablish the various connections inside your computer and could clear up the issue that’s preventing Windows from fully starting.

Try reseating the following hardware and then see if Windows will fully start:

Unplug and reattach your keyboard, mouse, and other external devices as well.

Check for causes of electrical shorts inside your computer. An electrical short is sometimes the cause of problems during the Windows login process, especially reboot loops and hard freezes.

Test the RAM. If one of your computer’s RAM modules fails completely, your computer won’t even turn on. Most of the time, however, just a part of your computer’s memory will fail.

If your system memory is failing, your computer may freeze, stop, or reboot at any point, including during or after the Windows login process.

Replace the memory in your computer if the memory test shows any kind of problem.

Make sure you’ve tried your best to complete the troubleshooting steps up to this one. Steps 11 and 12 both involve more difficult and destructive solutions to Windows not starting fully. It may be that one of the below solutions is necessary to fix your problem but if you haven’t been diligent in your troubleshooting up to this point, you can’t know for sure that one of the easier solutions above isn’t the right one.

Test the hard drive. A physical problem with your hard drive is certainly a reason why Windows might not start fully. A hard drive that can’t read and write information properly can’t load the files necessary for Windows to start.

Replace your hard drive if your tests show an issue. After replacing the hard drive, you’ll need to perform a new installation of Windows.

If no hard drive issues are found then the hard drive is physically fine, meaning the cause of your problem must be with Windows, in which case the next step will solve the problem.

Perform a clean install of Windows. This type of installation will completely erase the drive Windows is installed on and then install the operating system again from scratch.

In Step 3, we advised that you try to solve this issue by repairing Windows. Since that method of fixing important Windows files is non-destructive, make sure that you’ve tried that before the completely destructive, last-resort clean install in this step.