In some cases, the content in the software distribution folder gets corrupted for several reasons, which leads to Windows update error messages such as this one. Furthermore, interference from third-party applications or having stopped Windows update services can also lead to this error message. Now, let’s talk about the solutions that actually worked for several affected users.
1. Reset the Windows Update Component
Resetting the Windows update component includes clearing the software distribution folder, restarting the Windows update services, and re-registering the Windows update DLL files. Since we know this install error is often caused by corruption in the software distribution folder, we should start by resetting the Windows update component. There are two ways to reset the Windows update component: either you can run the script or manually put the commands in the command prompt. Both methods are intended to reset the Windows component. Thus, you can choose either way to reset the Windows update component.
1.1 Run a script
The script includes all the commands that will be used to reset the Windows update component. We have provided instructions for each command that will be executed. Stopping update services Removing pending update Files Backing-up critical update files Resetting permissions to default Re-registering update DLLs Configuring update services startup settings Starting the update services Cleaning-up cached data
1.2 Do Manually
In a manual way, you will have to put all the commands required to reset the Windows update component. To do so, follow the instructions:
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Running the Windows update troubleshooter is an automatic way to fix the Windows update errors. The Windows update troubleshooter first checks for the pending restarts and then checks for the Windows update services and registry files. Thus, if you haven’t tried running the Windows Update troubleshooter, doing so might fix this error. Follow the steps to do so:
3. Download the Windows update from Catalog
You can also directly download the Windows update from the Microsoft Catalog. Microsoft provides the link to download the update ever released for Windows. Sometimes, downloading the update from the catalog is more reliable than the Windows update utility, especially if the Windows update utility is struggling to install the updates. To download the update from the catalog, follow the steps:
4. Hide the Windows Update
If you are still facing the Windows update error, keep in mind it is not necessary to download every update released by Microsoft for Windows. Therefore, in this step, we recommend to hide the Windows update by following the steps:
5. Upgrade Windows via Windows Update Assistant
Windows Update Assistant is a Microsoft utility available for Windows 10 & 11 that can be used to upgrade Windows. Running this utility can be helpful, especially if the Windows update utility is not installing the update. To update the Windows via the Windows update assistant, follow the steps:
6. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot refers to a process in which Windows boots up without third-party applications and services. Performing a clean boot can be helpful when it comes to diagnosing which application or service is interfering. So if the third-party applications and services are interfering with the Windows update process. To perform a clean boot, follow the steps:
6. Use a System Restore utility or Reinstall Windows
If the Windows Update error still persists and you are desperate to update Windows, we recommend trying reinstalling or restoring Windows. If you have previously created a System Restore point, you can utilize it. Otherwise, resetting or reinstalling Windows might be the final solution remaining for you. So, if your plan is to reset or reinstall Windows, you can follow the steps composed in the articles. Otherwise, you can proceed to restore Windows:
