HomeWindows 7 HelpUpdaterWindows Updates fail to install in Windows 10/8/7

3.1. Windows Updates fail to install in Windows 10/8/7

Sometimes, some Windows Updates fail to install, and just refuse to get installed on your computer even when you try a couple of times. If you face this problem where Windows Updates will not install, this tutorial will help you identify and troubleshoot the problem. Do create a system restore point first. You may then try any of these, in no particular order.

Windows Updates Fail To Install

1. If you are unable to install Windows Updates, first clear up your Temporary Files and Internet Cache, reboot and try again. See if this helps resolve the issue. Best and easy to use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility or CCleaner.

2. Disable your Firewall and Anti-virus software and try again.

3. As mentioned earlier, many a times, an update may fail to install in the first instance, but for some inexplicable reason, succeeds in the 2nd or 3rd try. So try a couple of times.

4. Search on Microsoft, for the patch using the Update KB number, and download its stand-alone installer. Now apply the patch manually. Search for just the number; don't include KB ! Also, go here to see the Complete Master List of Windows Update Error Codes.

5. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Microsoft. It resets Windows Updates settings to defaults.

6. Use our Fix WU tool and see if it helps. It re-registers all the dllocx and ax files required for the proper functioning of Windows Updates.

7. Run System Update Readiness Tool. It can help fix problems that might prevent Windows Updates and Service Packs from installing.

8. Right-click Computer > Manage > Services > Stop the "Cryptographic Service" and rename the "Catroot2" folder situated in C:\Windows\System32\Catroot to something else like say Catroot2X.

cryptographic services

Reboot.

Now run the update or the installers again. This action will re-generate a new Catroot2 folder and the updates or hotfixes, should hopefully install.

9. If still you have a problem then, go to C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log and look for the most recent entry. This will be present towards the end of the log. Any failed updates will have error code/s written next to them. Note them down. If you find just too many entries too confusing delete this WindowsUpdate.log and try installing the problematic updates again.

Now open the newly re-created WindowsUpdate log file and have a look at its contents.

Windows Updates fail to install

The warnings will probably appear as -: WARNING: Failed to find updates with error code XXXXXXXX.

Now Right-click Computer > Manage > Event Viewer > Applications and Service Logs > Microsoft > Windows > WindowsUpdateClient > Operational . Check out for any Critical Message or Warning.

computer management

Next refer the Windows Update Error Codes . This will give you the direction in which you may have to look for the solution.

11. Flush the Software Distribution Folder. Run Command Prompt as administrator. In the CMD box that appears on the computer screen, enter the following strings of text, one at a time, and hit Enter.

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

Now browse to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and delete all the files and folders inside.

If the files are in use, restart your device. After rebooting, run the commands above again. Your Windows Store App needs to be closed by the way, so do not start it.

Now you will be able to delete the files from the mentioned Software Distribution folder. Now in the Command Prompt windows, type the following commands one at a time, and hit Enter:

net start wuauserv

net start bits

Reboot. If you are using Windows Update try using Microsoft Updates or vice versa.

11. Read this, if Windows Update is not working or the Windows Update page itself is blank. Add the mentioned few websites to the whitelist.

12. This will help you if Windows Update is stuck downloading updates.

13. See this if Windows Update Page Is Blank.

14. Go here if you get error Failure configuring Windows updates. Reverting changes.

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