How to Fix Windows Update Error (5 Methods)

Few things are more frustrating than clicking “Check for updates” only to see an error message. Whether you’re stuck on a Windows 10 update or facing a Windows 11 error, there are reliable methods to get your system back on track. This guide walks through the fixes that actually work, from the built-in troubleshooter to manual component resets, so you can stop wondering why your PC keeps failing to update.

Built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter: Available in Windows 10 and 11 ·
Common error codes: 0x80073712, 0x80246007, 0x80070002 ·
Recommended first step: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Five key facts, one pattern: the most effective fixes are built into Windows itself, but you need to know where to find them.

Here is a quick-reference table of the essential tools and locations for Windows Update troubleshooting.

How do I fix a Windows 10 update?

When a Windows 10 update fails, the quickest fix is often the built-in troubleshooter. But if that doesn’t work, you’ll need to reset components or check for deeper corruption.

The implication: starting with the automated tool saves time, but manual steps catch what the troubleshooter misses.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Microsoft Support troubleshooting guide).
• Select Windows Update and click Run. The tool will automatically detect and fix common issues.
• If the troubleshooter finds a problem, it will either fix it automatically or guide you through steps.

One run often resolves issues like stalled downloads or service conflicts. But if the troubleshooter reports “issues detected” and still fails, move to the manual reset.

Reset Windows Update components

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Stop the Windows Update service (net stop wuauserv) and the BITS service (net stop bits).
• Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder (ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old) and the Catroot2 folder (ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old).
• Restart both services (net start wuauserv, net start bits).

This process clears the update cache and forces Windows to rebuild it. Microsoft Learn official resource confirms this as a standard recovery option.

Check for driver or system file corruption

• Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as Administrator to repair protected system files (Microsoft Support upgrade help).
• If SFC finds errors but can’t fix them, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair the system image.
• After DISM completes, run SFC again to fix any remaining corruption.

How do I fix a corrupted Windows Update?

Corruption usually lives in the system files or the update cache. Here’s how to clean both.

Use System File Checker (SFC) to repair corrupted files

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type sfc /scannow.
• The scan will check all protected system files and replace corrupted ones with cached copies.
• If corruption is found, the tool will attempt repair automatically. You may need to reboot.

Microsoft Support upgrade help recommends SFC as a first step for corruption-related errors.

Use Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) to restore health

• Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth as Administrator.
• DISM scans the system image for corruption and repairs it using Windows Update or a local source.
• This can fix issues that SFC cannot resolve, especially when the component store is damaged.

What this means: DISM is the deeper repair tool. If SFC fails, DISM often saves the day.

Delete corrupted update cache files

• Stop the Windows Update service (net stop wuauserv).
• Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and delete all contents.
• Restart the service (net start wuauserv) and try updating again.

Paessler IT troubleshooting guide also recommends this step after the troubleshooter fails.

How do I get rid of Windows Update install error?

Install errors come with specific codes that tell you what’s wrong. Knowing the code is half the battle.

Identify the specific error code

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
• Look for failed updates and note the error code (e.g., 0x80073712, 0x80246007).
• Microsoft’s Windows Update error reference groups codes into automatic update errors, UI errors, and reporter errors to help you narrow the cause.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Same path as before: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update.
• Run it, note any error messages, and follow the on-screen instructions.
• According to Paessler IT troubleshooting guide, the troubleshooter should be your first step for any install error.

Troubleshoot common error codes like 0x80073712 and 0x80246007

• 0x80073712: This indicates a corrupted component store. Run DISM and SFC as shown above.
• 0x80246007: Often a download or file system issue. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder and check disk space.
• 0x80070002: A file is missing. Microsoft Support troubleshooting guide recommends restarting the PC first, then running the troubleshooter.

The pattern: most common error codes have known fixes documented by Microsoft. Searching by the exact code is faster than guessing.

Why is Windows 10 failing to update?

There are four main culprits behind update failures. Here’s how to diagnose each one.

Insufficient disk space

• Windows 10 requires at least 20 GB of free space for feature updates.
• Go to Settings > System > Storage to check available space.
• Free up space by deleting temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, or using the Storage Sense tool.

Microsoft Support troubleshooting guide lists low disk space as a primary cause of update failures.

Corrupted system files

• Run SFC and DISM as described earlier to repair corruption.
• Corrupted files can block update processes entirely.

Outdated drivers or software conflicts

• Check Device Manager for yellow exclamation marks (Microsoft Support upgrade help).
• Update drivers from the manufacturer’s website or via Windows Update.
• Third-party antivirus software can interfere; try disabling it temporarily.

Windows Update service not running

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate “Windows Update” (wuauserv). Ensure its status is “Running” and startup type is “Automatic”.
• If not, right-click and select Start, then set startup type to Automatic.

The consequence: disabling the service to stop updates can cause long-term security gaps. Fixing the service is better than turning it off.

Why won’t Windows 11 update to 25H2?

The 25H2 feature update has specific requirements that can block installation.

Check hardware compatibility

• Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled (Microsoft Support upgrade help).
• Use the PC Health Check app to verify compatibility.
• If your hardware falls short, you may be stuck on an earlier version.

Ensure sufficient space and internet connection

• Feature updates need 64 GB of free space.
• Check your internet connection under Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (Microsoft Support troubleshooting guide).
• A stable, unmetered connection is essential for downloading large updates.

Troubleshoot update-specific issues

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter first.
• If it fails, reset Windows Update components.
• Check the Microsoft Learn error reference for any known issues with 25H2.

The pattern: Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements mean some users simply can’t update without upgrading their PC. For those who can, the same troubleshooting methods apply.

Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Locate Windows Update and select Run.

Microsoft Support official help page

Restart Windows Update service. If that doesn’t work, reboot. If that doesn’t work run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Windows Forum community discussion

Lists 7 ways to fix Windows Update errors, including restarting the computer and resetting components.

Paessler IT monitoring guide

For Windows 10 and 11 users stuck on a failed update, the choice is clear: start with the built-in troubleshooter, then escalate to component resets and system file repairs. Ignoring the error leaves your system vulnerable to security gaps and missing features — taking the time to fix it now saves you from bigger headaches later.

Frequently asked questions