Windows Updates are essential for your computer. Some updates bring noticeable improvements; others are just security patches designed to protect your computer from new threats.
Additionally, it fixes bugs in your current version of Windows. Unfortunately, sometimes updates don’t install properly, leaving you with little idea of what to do next.
This article is designed to address all possible issues with updating Windows 10. But first;
Why did Windows Update fail?
The Windows Update process may encounter challenges that cause Windows Update to error or fail. Some common reasons why Windows Update fails include:
- Broken/Incompatible Updates: One of the most common reasons for not being able to install an update. Sometimes the update file may be corrupted, or the update may not be compatible with your current setup. In most cases, deleting the corrupted file might fix the problem. To delete files, start your computer in safe mode.
- Multiple updates are queued: Sometimes updates fail due to being queued for installation. If there are multiple updates waiting to be installed, Windows will install them one at a time. So if you have multiple updates pending, the system may try to install them all at once. This may fail all or some of the queued updates. You can fix this by restarting your computer and trying the update again.
- Hardware conflict: Sometimes, updating Windows can create some hardware conflicts. Make sure all your devices are working properly by going to Device Manager, removing conflicting devices, restarting your computer and reconnecting them.
- Insufficient drive space: New updates require enough free space to install. Therefore, running out of disk space can cause problems when installing new updates on Windows 10. If you’re running low on space (especially the system drive), consider freeing up some space.
- Third-party programs can interfere with installing updates: Certain third-party applications can interfere with Windows 10 updates. When this happens, you will see an error message that there was a problem with the installation process and you must try again.
- Pending updates require a restart: Sometimes, updates may require your system to restart to work properly. However, if you don’t restart your PC within a few days of being notified about the update, updating your Windows may fail.
These are just some of the reasons why your Windows Update might not work perfectly. Fortunately, there are some solutions to try if you encounter errors with your update.
Regardless of why your Windows 10 update failed, here are some solutions that can help you fix the problem quickly. Note that you don’t have to try all the solutions in this post. If you successfully updated Windows 10 after trying any of our solutions, you can ignore the rest.
1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with a troubleshooting tool that can help resolve various issues in Windows, including Windows Update issues. Running the troubleshooter may automatically resolve any issues with the update process. run the troubleshooter;
step 1: In the search field on the taskbar, type troubleshooting and select Troubleshooting settings.
Step 2: click Additional Troubleshooting (the last item on the white screen), then select Windows Update†
Step 3: click Run the troubleshooter And follow the on-screen prompts to let the troubleshooter scan the system.
Step 4: After troubleshooting is complete, quit Windows, restart your computer, and restart the updater.
The troubleshooter will resolve any issues that prevent the update from happening.
2: Re-run Windows 10 Update
In most cases, restarting your computer and re-running Windows Update may fix Windows Update errors. If restarting doesn’t solve the problem,
step 1: Shut down your PC and disconnect it from any power sources such as chargers and external batteries.
Step 2: Please wait a minute or two, connect it to power and restart.
Step 3: Start the Windows Update process again.
If you still get the Windows 10 update failed message, proceed to the next solution.
3: Temporarily disable third-party security software
Sometimes third-party security software, such as antivirus software, interferes with the Windows 10 update process, causing it to fail. To check if this is the case, disable your antivirus software and try installing the update again. If it still works after disabling your antivirus, it means your antivirus is causing the problem. After successfully installing the update, you can re-enable it later.
Disable your third-party security applications;
step 1: type control in the search field found on the taskbar and select control Panel†
Step 2: In the Control Panel window, click Programs and Features.
Step 3: Scroll and select Third Party Security Software, right click and select.
Step 4: After uninstalling, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.
4: Check your free drive space
New Windows 10 updates require enough space to install.you can Settings app under system † storage† The drive where Windows updates are installed should have enough space.
If there is no space, the update will fail. It’s best to clear the cache by deleting unused files such as the Downloads folder, temporary files, recycle bin items, and applications. Alternatively, move your files to an external drive. Or you can use a reliable compression tool to compress the file.
5: Repair corrupt system files
Corrupted files may prevent Windows from updating properly. The easiest way to resolve these issues is to run a System File Checker (SFC) scan at a command prompt.
step 1: type Order on the search bar of the taskbar.
Step 2: under command prompt applicationchoose run as administrator†
Step 3: On the next screen, click yes Confirm your choice.
Step 4: type SFC/scannow and press Enter, The system will start scanning.
Step 5: The results of the scan will depend on whether any corrupt files are identified by the system.
If there are any corrupt files, the system will display either of the following statements;
Windows Resource Protection finds damaged files and repairs them.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files, but was unable to repair some of them
The first statement means that Windows has repaired the corrupt file. To complete the process, restart your computer. Conversely, the second statement means that the system was unable to repair the corrupted file.So restart your computer in safe mode and run again SFC/scannow Order.
After running the repair, restart your computer and retry updating Windows.
6: Manually download and install the update
If all the above steps are ineffective, download the update file manually and install it yourself. You need to search the Internet for the latest version update. If updates are available, download them from Microsoft’s official website and install them manually on your PC or laptop.
7: Restore your Windows 10
Update errors may be caused by recent changes made on your computer. If you think this is the case, performing a system restore can fix the problem. System Restore returns your computer to a state in which Windows Update was working properly. restore your computer;
step 1: click start Buttons and Types recover, and in the result list, select Create a restore point. This will open a System Properties dialog window.
Step 2: Select the System Restore button to start the System Restore wizard.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to select a system restore point to restore Windows.
Step 4: Wait for the recovery process to finish. During this process, Windows will undo all recent changes to your computer, including uninstalling recently installed applications and drivers.
Step 5: After the recovery process, restart your computer and try running the Windows 10 update. Your Windows Update should now work.
If none of the above solutions seem to fix your Windows 10 update failure, there may be a problem with your hardware. Please contact a certified computer technician for assistance!
The last sentence
The next time your Windows 10 shows Windows Update failed or an error, you’ll know what to do! Any of the above solutions will fix the error; if one of them doesn’t work, continue to the next step until you find a solution.
Don’t forget to visit a professional computer technician if you can’t get a solution to the Windows 10 update failed message.