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In the realm of Windows operating systems, Windows Update plays a significant role. Microsoft regularly provides security patches, bug fixes, and enhancements to certain features through regular updates and major feature updates. Sometimes, however, the installation process of these updates may fail.
This means the entire process of installing or downloading updates has failed. Sometimes, if Windows Update fails repeatedly, it may indicate that you need to consider reinstalling Windows as a solution.
Moreover, you may encounter various issues after successfully installing Windows Update.
Below are some solutions to help you fix Windows Update failures.
Why does Windows Update fail?
There are several reasons that disrupt the Windows update process, including network connectivity issues, third-party services, antivirus software, or Firewall. Corrupt or damaged update files are also common causes of Windows update failures. Or if you're using an outdated computer, Windows updates may not function properly.
What to do when Windows Update fails?
Depending on each scenario, there are various solutions to fix different errors. If the Windows update process is interrupted by a specific error code or error messages, there will be different solutions to fix the error.
If you see error messages appear during the Windows Update window configuration process or installation before booting, you only need a single solution to fix the error. But if your computer is unstable after the update process, the situation will be different. Below are some solutions to fix Windows Update failures.
In case of sudden Windows Update errors, refer to how to fix sudden Windows Update errors here
Method 1: Fixing interrupted Windows update process by error codes or other error messages
If the Windows update process is interrupted and error messages appear on the screen, all you need to do is identify the program or service that is the 'culprit' causing the error. However, this is quite difficult. Alternatively, you can perform a Clean Boot and try updating Windows again.
During Clean Boot, you won't encounter any update errors. However, if the Windows update process is still interrupted, here's what you can do:
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter. To do this, you navigate to Settings =>Update & Security =>Troubleshoot =>Windows Update. If you're not a Windows 10 user, you can find the Troubleshooter by accessing Control Panel => System and Security => Security and Maintenance => Troubleshooting.
- If Troubleshooter is unavailable, try resetting the software distribution folder.
- Additionally, you can reset the catroot2 folder to resolve update issues.
Method 2: Steps to fix Failure configuring Windows Update
You may be quite familiar with the following error message:
FAILURE CONFIGURING WINDOWS UPDATES. REVERTING CHANGES. DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER
During the restart process of Windows to complete the Windows Update installation, error messages like the above appear on the screen. The cause of the error may be due to corrupted or damaged Windows Update files, or other underlying issues. And below are the steps to fix this error:
- First, wait until your computer finishes restarting, then perform a clean boot and update your computer.
- If performing a clean boot doesn't work, try running Windows Update Troubleshooter as mentioned above.
- Additionally, unplug all external hard drives on your computer, such as Pendrive, DVD drive, etc. Then try updating Windows again to see if it works.
- If applying all the above methods fails to fix the error, consider restoring Windows to a previous restore point.
- The last resort is to reinstall Windows if none of the above solutions work.
Furthermore, if you encounter a stuck Windows Update error, refer to how to fix stuck Windows update errors here to resolve this issue on your computer.
Method 3: Fixing unstable Windows after update
Assuming the Windows Update installation process is successful, but then you face performance issues and specific errors on the system. To address when Windows Update fails, you can apply some solutions below:
- After updating Windows, you should also update drivers on your computer, as this may resolve many issues related to Windows Update.
- If any Windows Update affects your computer's performance, you can uninstall that update. To do this, you access Control Panel =>Programs =>Programs and Features. Then find and click on View Installed Updates and uninstall the specific update on your computer. Hopefully, this solution can resolve the issue.
- If the above solutions are not available, you can perform a system restore to a previous restore point.
- Some major updates like Windows 10 Anniversary or Creators Update may be the culprit for some issues on your computer. In this case, you can easily 'roll back' to a previous version of Windows. To do this, simply access Settings =>Update & Security =>Recovery.
At this point, you'll see the option Go back to the previous version of Windows 10, click on the Get Started button below this option and follow the on-screen instructions.
Here are some of the most effective solutions for fixing Windows Update failures that Mytour wants to introduce when readers don't know what to do when Windows Update fails. Also, make sure your network connection is stable and not using any problematic antivirus software or programs. If you don't want Windows to update automatically, you can turn off Windows Update to avoid unwanted incidents, and the method of turning off Windows Update is the same for each version of Windows.
