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5 Ways to Fix Error Encountered During Windows Update

Quick Tips
  • Open Services > right-click on Windows Update > Properties > Start > OK.
  • Launch Command Prompt: Administrator > run SFC /scannow command. Then, try again.
  • Open System settings > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooter > Run button next to Windows Update.

Basic Fixes:

  • Check the network connection: If your internet speeds are less than ideal, it might cause the Windows update to fail mid-way. You can run a speed test to check the same. If there are issues, move closer to your modem and check again.
  • Restart your Windows PC: Temporary system bugs can also prevent Windows updates from installing properly. To fix them, restart your Windows 11 device. Then, try installing the relevant update again.
  • Check hard drive space: Your device can’t store the update if there’s insufficient space. In this case, free up space on your Windows 11 device. Once done, retry the update installation.

Fix 1: Restart Windows Update Service

If the Windows update services are not working properly, it can cause Windows update error. When this happens, restart the Windows update service on your PC and try updating it again. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Services > right-click on Windows Update > click on Properties.

windows update properties

Step 2: Select Start > hit OK.

restart windows update

Fix 2: Run the System File Checker Scan

Known as an SFC scan, it effectively deals with malicious and corrupt files on your computer. It’s a handy trick to fix issues with Windows updates failing, getting stuck, and other errors. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter. Wait for the scan to run and check.

SFC /scannow
run SFC scan 8

Fix 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a troubleshooter tool to fix issues regarding the update process. You can run it to fix errors encountered during the Windows update process. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I key to open Settings.

Step 2: Click on System from the sidebar > click on Troubleshoot.

open troubleshoot menu

Step 3: Click Other troubleshooters.

other troubleshooters

Step 4: Click the Run button next to Windows Update. Follow the recommendations when prompted.

run windows update troubleshooter

Also Read: How to fix Windows update error 0x800f081f in Windows 11

Fix 4: Ensure Secure Boot Is Enabled

Secure Boot helps ensure your Windows 11 device boots up with all the software that your device’s manufacturer trusts. If it is disabled, it can cause issues with certain device functions, like installing updates. So, follow the below steps to check and enable Secure Boot on Windows 11.

Note: The steps to enter BIOS and locate the Secure Boot menu might differ based on your device’s OEM. We’re using an ASUS device for demonstration.

Step 1: Restart your laptop. Once you see your device’s logo, repeatedly press the F2 or Esc key to enter BIOS.

Step 2: Once you enter the BIOS, go to the Security tab.

go to Security tab

Step 3: Go down and select Secure Boot.

Click on the Secure Boot

Step 4: Select the Secure Boot Control drop-down and select Enabled.

select Enabled 1

Once done, use the F10 key to save the changes and exit the BIOS. Once your laptop boots up, try installing the Windows update again.

If one of the services related to Windows updates faces an issue, you may run into an error encountered during the update process. You can use the Command Prompt to restore related services and resolve the issue. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt and type the following command. Press enter to run it.

net stop bits
restart windows update

Step 2: Now, type the following commands and run them using the enter key one by one.

net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc

Step 3: Once done, enter the following commands > press enter to run them.

Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
command prompt

Step 4: Now, start Windows update-related services by running the below commands.

net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc

Once done, close Command Prompt and try installing the relevant Windows update again to check if the issue has been fixed.

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Last updated on 30 August, 2024

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