Windows Update Won’t Install Updates? How to Fix This Issue
We’ll walk you thru all the steps
Windows would normally have zero problems installing an update on its own. But there are times when user settings or other underlying issues prevent Windows from doing its job. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the things you can do to make Windows install updates again.
Restart
your PC
A simple system restart can sometimes resolve update errors. So before you try anything else, reboot your PC and see if that will take care of the problem.
If not, you can try the other solutions below.
Check Your Settings
Some Windows settings can stop it from installing necessary updates. Here are some of the things you should check.
Windows have features that prevent it from downloading updates over a metered connection. You should go over your Wi-Fi settings and see if this is what’s causing the problem.
Go toWindows Settings>Network & Internet>Wi-Fi. Click the Wi-Fi you’re currently connected to. Look underMetered Connectionand see ifSet As Metered Connectionturned on.
There are plenty of reasons why you’d want to leave this on, especially if you are on a limited internet plan and don’t want to incur extra charges. But turning it off will make sure you get Windows updates as soon as they’re ready.
If you’d like to receive updates regardless of whether your connection is set as a metered one or not, you need to over your Windows Update settings.
Go toWindows Settings>Update and Security>Windows Update>Advanced Options.
UnderUpdate Options, turn onAutomatically Download Updates, Even Over Metered Data Connections. Be aware that turning this on might lead to charges depending on your network provider.
Windows
Update Troubleshooter
Windows 10 has created a program that deals with update issues. It’s called Windows Update Troubleshooter and it will go through your PC and look for bugs that are preventing Windows Update from working as it should.
Download Windows Update Troubleshooterand run the application after it’s installed. Once finished, restart your computer. Next, go toWindows Settings>Update and Security>Windows Update.
ClickCheck for Updatesto see if there are any. Windows should start downloading and installing updates.
Add Disk Space
Windows won’t be able to install updates if your computer does not have enough disk space. Consider adding more space if there’s no more room in your hard drive for a system update. As an alternative, you can also perform disk cleanup.
Search for theDisk Cleanuputility and run the program. Choose which drive you’d like to clean up. Select a drive and hit OK.
Disk Cleanup will calculate how much disk space can be freed. Select which files you’d like to delete and hit OK to continue.
Look for Malware
There’s a small possibility that what you’re experiencing is being caused by malware. To check,run your antivirus software. Quarantine malware if detected to prevent more damage.
Restart
Windows Update
If the Windows Update service is not installing updates as it should, try manually restarting the program.
LaunchSearchand typeCommand Prompt. Right-click and selectRun as Administrator. Type the following command then press Enter:
NET STOP WUAUSERV
The Command Prompt will run the command. Once finished, it will display a message saying Windows Update had been stopped. Enter the following command:
NET START WUAUSERV
This command would restart Windows Update. Go toWindows Settings>Update and Security>Windows Updateand see if the updates can be installed now.
If you’re having this issue on Windows 7, read our post onfixing Windows Update in Windows 7.
Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer for hire who provides actionable and useful web content to small businesses and startups. In his spare time, he religiously watches professional wrestling and finds solace in listening to ’80s speed metal.Read Christopher’s Full Bio
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