Windows Update is a critical component of the Windows operating system that ensures your computer receives the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates. However, sometimes Windows Update can become corrupted, leading to installation failures, error messages, and other problems. In this article, we’ll explore how to fix a corrupted Windows Update and reset Windows Update using the built-in Troubleshooter tool.
Symptoms of a Corrupted Windows Update
When Windows Update is corrupted, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Windows Update fails to install updates
Error messages appear when trying to check for or install updates
Windows Update takes a long time to check for updates
Windows Update gets stuck or hangs during the update process
Your computer is unable to connect to the Windows Update servers
Causes of a Corrupted Windows Update
There are several potential causes of a corrupted Windows Update, including:
Incomplete or interrupted update installations
Corrupted system files or registry keys
Conflicts with third-party software or drivers
Hardware failures or issues
Malware or virus infections
How to Fix a Corrupted Windows Update
To fix a corrupted Windows Update, you can try the following methods:
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Use the DISM and SFC tools to repair system files
Reset the Windows Update components using Command Prompt
Manually install the latest updates and Servicing Stack Update
Perform a clean installation of Windows (as a last resort)
Using the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help diagnose and fix common Windows Update problems. Here’s how to use it:
Download the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
Double-click the WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.diagcab file to launch the tool.
Select the Windows Update option and click the Next button.
Click the Try troubleshooting as an administrator option (if applicable).
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Click the Close button when the troubleshooting is finished.
If the troubleshooter is unable to resolve the issue, you can try using the DISM and SFC tools to repair corrupted system files.
Using DISM and SFC to Repair System Files
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool and System File Checker (SFC) can help repair corrupted system files that may be causing Windows Update problems. Here’s how to use them:
Open an elevated Command Prompt (run as administrator).
Type the following command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait for the DISM process to complete.
Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the SFC process to complete.
Restart your computer and try updating Windows again.
If the issue persists, you can try resetting the Windows Update components using Command Prompt.
Resetting Windows Update Components Using Command Prompt
Resetting the Windows Update components can help resolve issues by restoring the default settings and files. Here’s how to do it:
Open an elevated Command Prompt (run as administrator).
Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
Type the following commands to restart the Windows Update services:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Restart your computer and try updating Windows again.
If none of the above methods work, you can try manually installing the latest updates and Servicing Stack Update (SSU) for your version of Windows.
Manually Installing Updates and Servicing Stack Update
Manually installing updates can help resolve issues related to corrupted or missing update files. Here’s how to do it:
Visit the Windows 10 Update History page and find the latest update for your version of Windows.
Note the “KB” number for the update.
Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the update using the “KB” number.
Download the update and run the installer.
Repeat steps 1-4 for the latest Servicing Stack Update (SSU) for your version of Windows.
Restart your computer and try updating Windows again.
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and Windows Update is still not working, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows as a last resort. This will erase all your data, so make sure to back up important files before proceeding.