How to Fix Windows Update Error

This practical guide walks through how to fix Windows update error, explains the main requirements, and highlights common issues that may appear along the way.

1. Restart the computer

As usual, this is a common method and should be done first every time Windows shows an error. After the computer restarts, try updating Windows again to see if the problem persists.

A common cause when you get an 'Update Fail' error is that there are two updates waiting. You must pre-install an update and reboot before installing the next. And that's how the problem is solved.

2. Check your disk space

One case where updates may fail is when your system drive is running low on space. Double check to make sure you have at least 10GB of free space.

First, press Windows + I to open Settings on Windows. You navigate to System.

Select the Storage section in the left sidebar, here you can see how much free space your drive has (free).

If you find that the drive is too full, proceed to free the drive to make more space for the new Windows update. The article 'Fastest way to clean your computer on Windows 10' helps you do this job.

In addition, you can also use computer cleaning software such as CCleaner to help remove unnecessary space on the system.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The default Windows troubleshooting tool still works fine in some cases. You should try running it. Press Windows + I to open settings, go to Update & Security.

Select Troubleshoot in the left pane >> Additional troubleshooters.

This will display the entire Troubleshoot panel, select Windows Update >> Run the troubleshooter.

Clicking this will cause the Troubleshoot window to appear and your job is just to wait for it to automatically find the error and fix it.

If Troubleshoot says it can't find an error and you still can't update Windows, try the next methods.

4. Check the error codes

If your update fails, it will usually give you an error code. These error codes themselves don't say much, but you can rely on them to identify Windows errors and get support from Microsoft.

Make a note of your error codes and refer to them in Microsoft's guide to Windows 10 upgrade and installation failures.

5. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

If you still can't fix the Windows update error, another way to try is to delete the old update files. To do this, first restart your computer in Safe Mode. While this is not required, it is recommended to be on the safe side.

Next, you open File Explorer, access the C: >> Windows drive. Then delete the folder named SoftwareDistribution.

6. Get the latest feature updates from Microsoft

If Windows Update still fails, you might consider going to Microsoft to download the update directly. Please Visit the URL here.

You click the Update now button that appears on the website to download The Update Assistant application.

Just open the downloaded app and it will automatically install the new updated version for you.

7. Run Windows System File Checker

This is an important trick for you to run a check to see if the error comes from Windows system files. To get started, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Here enter cmd, but instead of pressing Enter as usual, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with administrator rights.

In the Command Prompt window, issue the command DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and then press Enter. It will take some time for the computer to process.

After completing the DISM run, it's time to start the SFC. Let's continue to run the command SFC /scannow.

This command helps you check and repair some errors yourself. Once DISM and SFC are done, try restarting and updating Windows again.

Epilogue

And above are the common ways to help you fix Windows Update failed error. If the error cannot be fixed, you may want to turn off Windows updates and continue with your work. Good luck.