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.

Having trouble with Window 10 updates

Hi, I have a update «Feature update to Windows 10, version 1607» that keeps scheduling restarts and when the restarts come the update does not install. So when I check back I still have the update and it still keeps setting up restarts. I have tried stopping updates in CMD and restarting it, I have renamed some system 32 files that relate to updates to hope new files will fix the problem. I do not have any other ideas on how to fix this. Any clues?

Things I have tried:

changing System32 files

Using updater troubleshoot program

Doing CMD commands in safe mode

Doing CMD commands in boot

(When doing /sfc scannow on all three CMDs I have gotten «Errors found and only fixed some, check log for more info» If you want that log let me know and Ill add it to this)

Replies (7) 

To address your issue, we would to suggest the you download and run Windows Update Troubleshooter.

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Hi, you seem to have missed that in the list of things I have tried I already stated that I tried the update troubleshooter. It came up with no problems.

Also, as a update to the problem a new update came out that has a «error» button below it but does not show what the error is, it just shows the summary of the update. The update being «Cumulative Update for Windows 10 for x64-based Systems (KB3192440)»

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It has been 4 days since I have gotten a reply. I am getting restarts 4-5 times a day in the middle of the day. I need this fixed, and from what I have seen there is no way to disable automatic restarts and the option to set my own time is even grayed out. I feel like downgrading to Windows 7 if this doesn’t get fixed because I can’t do any work without the risk of a restart.

Kindly refer to Cumulative update for Windows 10: October 11, 2016 from this article: KB 3192440 that provides security update includes improvements and fixes.

You may also refer to Use System restore to make restore points when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made. To go back to a restore point:

1. Right-click (or press and hold) the Start button, and then select Control Panel.
2. Search Control Panel for Recovery.
3. Select Recovery >Open System Restore >Next.
4. Choose the restore point related to the problematic app, driver, or update, and then select Next >Finish.

Having troubles updating Windows 10

Just a few days ago, I started to encounter the error message «kernel32.dll is missing» whenever I try to open any applications (well most of them at least) on my comp. I tried to run sfc/ scannow and also diSM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth but it just doesn’t work. When I run diSM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth it gets stuck at 100%, whereas for scannow I will just get a line saying that Windows resource protection could not perform the requested operation . I have also tried resetting my comp but it will just end up undoing the changes, saying I cant perform a reset. I reckon it’s because I have not updated my windows for a looooong time oops. I’m stuck at ver 1903 yikes. So right now I’m trying to run Windows Updates, but after running it for ages, the outcome says that this:

There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80080005)

Help TT i have no idea what to do. Also, I can’t install anything too 🙁 Someone pls save me and my soul, thank you!

Replies (5) 

I’m Kevin B. Independent advisor and a Windows user like you. I do apologize for the inconvenience about your Windows update. Let me help you sort things out.

This issue may occur if there’s something wrong with Windows Update components. If Windows Update components corrupted, Windows Update may not work properly. In this case, try resetting Windows Update components. Here is how to do it:

1) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog. Type cmd and press Ctrl, Shift and Enter at the same time to run Command Prompt as administrator. You’ll be prompted for permission. Click Yes to open Command Prompt.
2) In Command Prompt, type the command lines below and press Enter on your keyboard after typing each:

net stop wuauserv

net stop appidsvc

net stop cryptsvc

The Windows Update related system services will be stopped after executing the command lines above.
3) In Command Prompt, type the following command lines and press Enter after typing each:

ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old

You will rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folder as SoftwareDistribution.old and catroot2.old after you run these two command lines. These two folders are used by Windows Update to save temporary update files.
By renaming these two folders, Windows will think these two folders are missing, and Windows will create new ones to store Windows update files. By doing that, you can avoid many Windows Update issues caused by the old corrupted temporary files in these two folders.

4) In Command Prompt, type the following command lines and press Enter after each:

net start wuauserv

net start appidsvc

net start cryptsvc

After you executing the command lines above, you start the Windows Update related system services.

If in case it didn’t work try to update it using the website and check if it will push thru.

Hope this will help and have a blessed day!

Thanks.
Kevin B.
Independent advisor