How to Fix It When Windows 10 Won’t Update
Windows 10 is a constantly evolving operating system, with new updates and patches being released regularly. However, sometimes these updates don’t install properly, leading to a frustrating situation where your computer is stuck in a state where it won’t update. If you’re facing this issue, here’s how you can fix it.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Before troubleshooting anything else, make sure that your computer is connected to the internet. If your internet connection is not working properly, your computer will not be able to download or install any updates. Try resetting your modem or router, and double-check that all cables are plugged in properly.
2. Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, simply restarting your computer is all it takes to fix an update issue. When your computer restarts, it will automatically start the update process again. If the update still fails, move on to the next step.
3. Check Your Disk Space
Insufficient disk space can also prevent Windows 10 from updating properly. Ensure that you have enough free space on your hard drive before attempting to run updates. You can check your disk space by opening File Explorer and selecting This PC. The available space should be visible under each drive’s name.
4. Disable Your Firewall/ Antivirus
If you have a firewall or antivirus software installed on your computer, temporarily disable it while running updates. Sometimes, these programs can interfere with the update process, causing it to fail. Once the update is complete, you can enable your firewall and antivirus again.
5. Use Troubleshooter
Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter that can help to fix update issues automatically. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and select ‘Windows Update’. Follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter, and it will attempt to fix any identified problems.
6. Reset Windows Update Components
If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows Update components can help. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the following commands:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
Rename the folders ‘SoftwareDistribution’ and ‘Catroot2’ by entering the following commands in order:
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Finally, restart the services by entering:
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
After performing these steps, restart your computer and try the update process again.
In conclusion, if your Windows 10 is not updating, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection, free up enough disk space, disable your firewall/ antivirus, use the built-in troubleshooter, and reset Windows Update components. Follow these steps, and your computer will be up-to-date in no time.