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.

синий экран. достал уже.

подскажите в чём причина и как от неё избавится, сдавала в сервисный центр 2раза и бесполезно. говорят, что внутри всё в порядке, нужно было несколько неустановленных драйверов, но после их установки всё-равно экран не исчез, а выключ моментально, даже если только зашла в ситему. на счёт системы, переустанавливала 3 раза, и даже пробовала загружаться с другого жёсткого диска и всё-равно. в диспетчере устройств вроде все дрова установлены, кроме одного, подписано, как -другие устройства-неизвестное устройство. как быть подскажите.

вот тот самый текст, который вылазит на синем экране

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage
to your computer.

If this is the first time you ve seen this Stop error screen,
restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow
These steps:

Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.
If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer
For any windows updates you might need.

If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware
or software. Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing.
If you need to use Safe Mode to remove or disable components, restart
your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup Options, and then
Select Safe Mode.
Technical information:
STOP: 0X000000D1 (0X00000000, 0X0000001C, 0X00000001, 0X8077574C)

Beginning dump fo physical memory
Phisical memory dump complete.
Contact your system administrator or technical support group for further
assistence.

Проблема была обнаружена и окна были закрыты, чтобы предотвратить повреждение
к компьютеру.

Если это первый раз, когда вы видели этот экран неустранимой ошибке,
перезагрузите компьютер. Если этот экран появляется снова, следовать
Эти шаги:

Убедитесь, что новое оборудование или программное обеспечение установлено правильно.
Если это новая установка, спросите вашего оборудования или программного обеспечения производителя
Для любого окна обновления может понадобиться.

Если проблемы по-прежнему, отключите или удалите все недавно установленные аппаратные средства
или программного обеспечения. Отключить BIOS памяти варианты, такие как кэширование или затенение.
Если вам нужно использовать безопасном режиме, чтобы удалить или отключить компоненты, перезапустите
компьютер, нажмите F8 чтобы выбрать дополнительные параметры запуска, а затем
Выберите пункт Безопасный режим.
Техническая информация:
STOP: 0x000000D1 (0x00000000, 0X0000001C, 0x00000001, 0X8077574C)

Начало дамп физической памяти
Физические полный дамп памяти.
Обратитесь к вашему системному администратору или в группу технической поддержки для дальнейшего
Помощь.

A problem with your hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

I am going quietly nuts over the following. I am not using the beta versions of Wiindows 10 available in Windows Insider. The problem has occurred several times since last week I installed the latest cumulative update for Windows 10 version 1607, build 14393.351

A problem with your hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: LiveKernelEvent
Code: ab
Parameter 1: 1
Parameter 2: 790
Parameter 3: 1680
Parameter 4: f0000000b
OS version: 10_0_14393
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 256_1
OS Version: 10.0.14393.2.0.0.256.48
Locale ID: 3081

My computer is a Toshiba Laptop P50T. 16 BG RAM, Intel 7 processor, plenty of hard drive space! sfc /scannow and DISM scan health report no problems. No signs of viruses with 2 full scans (Windows Defender and MalwareBytes.)

I have had 2 kernel power system Event 41 critical errors during the last 7 days that this problem has occurred. The task category is 63. There are no problems shown in device manager.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Replies (27) 

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It appears that you have already run SFC and DISM scan to troubleshoot the issue.

In this case, you may refer to this link to troubleshoot it further. If still no luck, our next step would be to perform Hardware Diagnostics with your Original Equipment Manufacturer’s guidance as this matter is already best handled by their level of support and expertise.

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My sincere thanks for your prompt reply. It is much appreciated.

This morning, I turned my computer on and I checked reliability and found the following. This was done when the desktop screen was seen and reliability was accessed through control panel.

A problem with your hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: LiveKernelEvent
Code: ab
Parameter 1: 1
Parameter 2: 790
Parameter 3: 1680
Parameter 4: f0000000b
OS version: 10_0_14393
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 256_1
OS Version: 10.0.14393.2.0.0.256.48
Locale ID: 3081
Please notice the similarity in what I originally posted.

On checking Event Viewer no critical errors are reported for this morning. Therefore, it appears that the hardware error shown above is independent of Event 41.

I have run the Windows 10 hardware troubleshooter. It has nothing to report. The various Toshiba apps report nothing wrong. Not that they enable detailed testing.

I suspect that this problem occurred as a result of installing the latest Windows 10 cumulative update for version 1607. There are other reports in various news groups, but their authenticity is unknown.

Please note that Toshiba is no longer marketing computers here in Australia and their support has been downgraded.

My device manager shows a clean bill of health.

The Toshiba web site for my model lists a BIOS update but shows this for Windows 8.1. It only shows a wi-fi update for Windows 10 which is installed. Flashing a BIOS is not my favourite occupation but I will do it if I have to.

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I seem to have almost the same problem at startup & restart with my Toshiba Satellite Pro L70. 8 GB ram Intel core i7 processor.

A problem with your hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: LiveKernelEvent
Code: ab
Parameter 1: 1
Parameter 2: 440
Parameter 3: 970
Parameter 4: 900000007
OS version: 10_0_14393
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 256_1
OS Version: 10.0.14393.2.0.0.256.48
Locale ID: 3081

This error started with the install of cumulative update KB3197954

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To better assist you with your concern, we would like to ask if you have already tried running our Hardware and devices troubleshooter? If not, you may click here to run the troubleshooter.

If you’ve already run the Windows 10 hardware troubleshooter, you might want to consider updating your BIOS to the latest version.

There’s also a possibility that your computer is overheating.

If you’re using a laptop, it could be a common problem. Having the computer on a soft surface blocks the air vents. Laptops should only be used on a hard surface.

If you’re using a desktop, start by removing the plugs, and holding the power button for 10 seconds. Once done, open the side panel, and blow out all the dust. You may have to remove the front panel as well to clean it out.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

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Hi Ruizell & everyone

Thank you for your reply I ran the h ardware and devices troubleshooter.It said made some changes that should fix your problem.restart your PC for changes to take affect.(have try there in the past with no luck) There is no BIOS update for my Toshiba Satellite Pro laptop.My laptop is on a desk & always runs cool no problem there.All drivers are up to date & the device manager has no problems. Will let you all know if there are any changes.

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Thank you for your reply.

1. Other users of Windows 10 version 1607 are reporting the same problem. Some use desktops, others are laptop users of various makes.
2. The problem first appeared for me after the October cumulative update was installed.
3. There is no entry in Event Viewer corresponding to this hardware error. Very strange! Is it a false positive?
4. Device manager reports no problems. Nor does sfc /scannow or DISM online scan health. As well Chkdsk /f C: reports no problems
5. I have found that the hardware error is most likely to appear after a number of updates for Windows /Office have been installed and the computer is restarted.
6. My computer is well ventilated as it sits on a stand designed for cooling.
7. I have run the Windows hardware troubleshooter. No problems detected. I have also run the Toshiba troubleshooters.
8. Toshiba Service Station reports no available downloads. This does not agree with the Toshiba download pages for my model Toshiba. Getting info on what the updates are supposed to do has been difficult. I finally succeeded today! 3 different pages give different results!
9. There is a BIOS update for my computer. With difficulty I found what it is supposed to correct, but nothing appears to be relevant to the problem. But if this hardware error continues I will install it with great care. Flashing a BIOS is not my favourite occupation!