How to fix Windows Update not working

It is really important that you regularly install updates available to your Windows operating system. Updates usually applies patches to your system as well as add new features. Additionally, they help you to keep your system safe and secure to operate. We have already seen how to check for updates in Windows 11. Now, if for some reason Windows Update not working in Windows 11/10, this article will show you how you can fix it.

By Windows Update not working, you might observe following symptoms:

• You can’t check for Windows Update
• You can’t download Windows Update
• You can’t install Windows Update
• Windows Update stuck at download or installation
• Windows Update not installed and changes reverted back
• You can check for Windows Update, but newer updates not detected

If you see either of above mentioned symptoms, we usually count it as Windows Update not working, which is a common issue, and may be faced by anyone.

Now here is how you can fix out this problem.

How to fix Windows Update not working in Windows 11/10

Fix 1: Try Windows Update troubleshooter

The most common and useful solution to fix this problem is Windows Update troubleshooter. This troubleshooter comes preinstalled with Windows 11 and can help you to get rid of common windows update issues. It has ability to found issues related to Windows Update and automatically fix them.

You can just go to Settings app and then go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Click Run next to Windows Update. Follow on-screen instructions then.

Fix 2: Using Update database

Open administrative Command Prompt and type following commands one-by-one followed by Enter key.

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Close Command Prompt and see if Windows Updates works then.

Fix 3: Reset Windows Update components

If FIX 1 and FIX 2 doesn’t resolve your issue, then it’s time to reset Windows Update components.

You can follow this video guide to reset Windows Update components.

We hope after resetting windows update components, this issue should be finally resolved. Still, if you continue to face the problem, perform repair upgrade.

Hope this helps!