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.

How to troubleshoot printing problems in Windows 10

Technical Level : Basic

This article provides basic troubleshooting steps that you can try if you can’t print anything within Windows 10. The steps listed in this article are an expansion of the troubleshooting article, Fix Printing Problems . If you have any feedback about these steps, please leave a comment on this Wiki article.

Check hardware . Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your PC. Many printing problems are caused by hardware that isn’t set up quite right. Here are ideas to solve common problems with printer hardware.

1. Check the power. Make sure that the printer’s electrical cord is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power switch is turned on. If you’re printing to a shared printer or a printer on a network, make sure that all necessary computers and routers are turned on too. If your printer or other equipment is plugged in to a surge protector or a backup power supply, make sure that hardware is plugged in and turned on as well.

2. Check the cables (wired printers). Make sure that the printer cable is properly connected from the printer to your PC.

3. Check the wireless connection (wireless printers)

Make sure the printer’s wireless option is turned on and available. Many printers have a button that displays a blue wireless icon when wireless is available. To learn where this button is located on your printer and to find instructions about how to turn it on, see the manual that came with the printer.

Run the printer’s wireless connectivity test. Many printers have a menu option to test the printer’s wireless connectivity. Read the instructions that came with the printer or check the printer manufacturer’s website for instructions about how to do this.

If those check out and you’re still having problems, your PC may not be connecting to your wireless network. To learn more, see Why can’t I get online? If you’re still having problems, you can try more advanced steps here: Learn more about fixing network connection issues.

Run the Troubleshooter . To let Windows try to help you fix the problem, run the printing troubleshooter. A troubleshooter is an automated tool that can find and automatically fix some problems with your PC. The printing troubleshooter can fix problems with installing and connecting to a printer. If the link doesn’t open the troubleshooter If the link doesn’t open the troubleshooter, go to the search box on the taskbar, type Printing, then select Find and Fix printing problems.

Update drivers . Most printers require driver software to work properly. If you recently upgraded from one version of Windows to another, it’s possible that the current printer driver is for the previous version of Windows and may not work with Windows 10. If you’ve had recent power outages, viruses, or other computer problems, it’s possible that the drivers have become damaged. Downloading and installing the latest driver for your printer can resolve these types of problems.

Here are three ways to find and install a driver:

1. Use Windows Update ‍. Windows Update might have an updated version of your printer driver. To update your drivers using Windows Update follow the steps in the article Update driver in Windows 10 .

2. Install software from the printer manufacturer‍ . If your printer came with a disc, that disc might contain software that installs a driver for the printer.

3. Download and install the driver yourself ‍. You can search for a driver on the manufacturer’s website. Try this if Windows Update can’t find a driver for your printer, and the printer didn’t come with software that installs a driver. To download and install a driver yourself:

If Windows can’t find a driver for your printer, and the printer didn’t come with driver software, you can look for a driver on the manufacturer’s website. Driver updates are often available in the support section of such websites. Locate and download the latest driver for your printer.

Follow the driver installation instructions on the website. Most drivers are self-installing—after you download them, you usually double-tap or double-click the file to begin the installation, and then the driver installs itself on your PC.

Some printers have drivers that aren’t self-installing. If you download a driver that isn’t self-installing, follow these steps. You must be signed in as an administrator.

1. Go to the search box on the taskbar and type Device Manager, then select Device Manager. You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

2. Find the device that you want to update, and then right-click the device name.

3. Tap or select Browse my computer for driver software and then browse to the location that you downloaded the driver software to and click next. You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

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My problem with my Epson printer is that I can not scan strait to my computer without using a third party program. I don’t have any problems printing anything from the computer.

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I also have had trouble trying to print e-mail messages & attachments in Outlook (Windows 10). By luck, I discovered how to fix this:

Open up Settings.

Open up Printers.

When you see «Let Windows Manage My Default Printer», make sure the option selected is «ON». Somehow mine was set on «OFF» — not sure how, maybe an update from Outlook (they like to change things around just for the sake of change, and because they can).

Haven’t had any printing issues since I did this.

Hope this helps someone.

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My computer is telling me my printer is offline and that it is turned off.

However my printer is on and connected to the web and will print from my iPhone.

How can I get connectivity back on between my HP printer and my computer ?

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Greetings,
I have an HP printer that depends on Win10 software to print from my (really great one year old DELL) PC that came with WIN 10.

There was a paper jam in the printer. It was cleared and the unit is fully functional, except it won’t print anything from any program (Office, Adobe, Screenshots, etc) from my WIN 10 PC (it will from my old Vista unit though). The printer currently scans and makes copies but will not print because the Win 10 software still says there’s still a paper jam (in every printing attempt from the above-mentioned programs), and despite following all existing online and internal troubleshooting/support advice, there isn’t a way to clear the error from YOUR software. unless you provide a new one.
Attempts: Same response from MS and HP troubleshooters stating there’s still a «paper jam» with no way to clear it from YOUR software. I’ve tried uninstalling/reinstalling the printer, turning my PC/printer on and off again, and updating the WIN 10 software—which it states is up to date. Tried rolling it back. Cleared all previous jobs. There isn’t a spooling error. There is no external driver to download. the unit works by interfacing with yours. My PC does not have a CD drive so I cannot install the original software. which would also not be current with WIN 10 anyway.
The only option for printer drivers is YOUR software and there does not seem to be a way to clear the «paper jam» error from your software. Please reply with a fix.
Printer is an HP 4315 Office Jet All-In-One and it works great otherwise so I’m not buying a new one. Please reply to me at *** Email address is removed for privacy *** with a fix for this specific issue and provide the info online with a link because according to the blogs, there are hundreds of other people struggling with this issue. which I’m also having with my Epson printer, so that’s 2 printers worth over $500 disabled by Win 10 software issues.
It seems like every time MS creates the «newest and best» thing, there are expensive (and often crippling) issues with pre-existing products, usually at the worst possible time, for example, when when facing a deadline. like now.

Please fix these Win 10 bugs or I’m trading in my PC for a MAC. again!

10 people found this comment helpful

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Correction: HP unit states paper jam is clear and the unit functions perfectly except when trying to print from my WIN 10 unit regardless of the source of the document for print. The WIN 10 software is the only part of this picture that still thinks there’s a paper jam. This is a WIN 10 bug that needs fixing.

Greetings,
I have an HP printer that depends on Win10 software to print from my (really great one year old DELL) PC that came with WIN 10.

There was a paper jam in the printer. It was cleared and the unit is fully functional, except it won’t print anything from any program (Office, Adobe, Screenshots, etc) from my WIN 10 PC (it will from my old Vista unit though). The printer currently scans and makes copies but will not print because the Win 10 software still says there’s still a paper jam (in every printing attempt from the above-mentioned programs), and despite following all existing online and internal troubleshooting/support advice, there isn’t a way to clear the error from YOUR software. unless you provide a new one.
Attempts: Same response from MS and HP troubleshooters stating there’s still a «paper jam» with no way to clear it from YOUR software. I’ve tried uninstalling/reinstalling the printer, turning my PC/printer on and off again, and updating the WIN 10 software—which it states is up to date. Tried rolling it back. Cleared all previous jobs. There isn’t a spooling error. There is no external driver to download. the unit works by interfacing with yours. My PC does not have a CD drive so I cannot install the original software. which would also not be current with WIN 10 anyway.
The only option for printer drivers is YOUR software and there does not seem to be a way to clear the «paper jam» error from your software. Please reply with a fix.
Printer is an HP 4315 Office Jet All-In-One and it works great otherwise so I’m not buying a new one. Please reply to me at *** Email address is removed for privacy *** with a fix for this specific issue and provide the info online with a link because according to the blogs, there are hundreds of other people struggling with this issue. which I’m also having with my Epson printer, so that’s 2 printers worth over $500 disabled by Win 10 software issues.
It seems like every time MS creates the «newest and best» thing, there are expensive (and often crippling) issues with pre-existing products, usually at the worst possible time, for example, when when facing a deadline. like now.

Please fix these Win 10 bugs or I’m trading in my PC for a MAC. again!