How to Fix Windows Update Errors: The Complete Guide

Windows Update errors are frustrating — the system won't update, shows a cryptic error code, and "Try again" does nothing. Here's how to actually fix them.

Step 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter fixes the most common problems automatically.

Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run

On Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Windows Update

Restart after it finishes, then try updating again.

Step 2. Reset Windows Update Components

If the troubleshooter didn't help, reset the update service manually. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

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

This clears the update cache and forces Windows to re-download update metadata from scratch.

Step 3. Run SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files are behind many update errors.

sfc /scannow

Wait for it to finish (5–15 minutes), then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart and try updating again.

Step 4. Free Up Disk Space

Windows needs at least 10–15 GB free on drive C to install major updates. Check with:

Get-PSDrive C | Select-Object Used, Free

If space is low: Win + R → cleanmgr → select drive C → Clean up system files → check Windows Update Cleanup and Temporary files.

Step 5. Fix Specific Error Codes

0x80070005 — Access Denied

Usually caused by a third-party antivirus blocking the update. Temporarily disable it and retry.

Also check Windows Update service is running:

sc query wuauserv

If it shows STOPPED, start it: net start wuauserv

0x800f0922 — Failed to Install

Not enough space in the System Reserved partition, or VPN/proxy is blocking Microsoft servers.

Disable VPN/proxy, then:

netsh winhttp reset proxy

0x80073712 — File Is Missing or Corrupt

Run DISM with the /RestoreHealth flag (Step 3 above). If that fails, mount the Windows ISO and point DISM to it:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\install.wim /LimitAccess

Replace D: with your ISO drive letter.

0x80070422 — Service Cannot Be Started

The Windows Update service is disabled.

sc config wuauserv start= auto
net start wuauserv

0x80240034 — Update Not Applicable

The update doesn't apply to your Windows version. Check which build you're on:

winver

If you're several versions behind, you may need to use the Windows Update Assistant to upgrade directly.

Step 6. Install the Update Manually

If automatic update keeps failing, download the update directly from Microsoft.

Find your error-failing update KB number in Settings → Windows Update → Update history
Go to Microsoft Update Catalog
Search for the KB number, download the .msu file
Double-click to install

Step 7. Use Media Creation Tool (Last Resort)

If nothing works and you're stuck on an old version, the Media Creation Tool performs an in-place upgrade — reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps.

Download from microsoft.com/software-download/windows11, run it, choose Upgrade this PC now.

What Not to Do

Don't disable Windows Update permanently — security patches are critical
Don't use registry "fixes" from random forums — they often break more than they fix
Don't interrupt an update mid-install — wait even if it seems stuck (some updates take 30+ minutes at a certain percentage)

Summary

For most errors: run the troubleshooter → reset update components → run SFC + DISM. If you're getting a specific error code, use the lookup in Step 5. Manual KB download (Step 6) solves ~90% of stubborn cases.