Now that we know what the issue is and what causes it, let’s solve this issue.
1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Our first step is simple but essential. The Windows Update Troubleshooter can often fix common issues, though it might not always show immediate results. It’s important to start with this step because it runs several automated processes that could resolve part of the problem, making the next steps easier.
2. Use Disk Cleanup
Corrupted cache files might be causing the issue, and if that’s the case, we will use Disk Cleanup to remove these corrupted cache files, which can help resolve the error. It’s a quick and effective way to clear unnecessary files that could be interfering with the update process. Now, we will clear the Windows update cache.
3. Manually Download Update
If the previous methods didn’t work, it’s likely that there’s an issue with your Windows Update configuration or its services. In such cases, manually downloading and installing the update is a reliable alternative that can help resolve the problem.
4. Run SFC and DISM Commands
If manually updating your Windows doesn’t work for you, then it’s likely a problem with your system image or corrupted Windows files. In this step, we’ll use the SFC and DISM commands to scan and repair these issues.
5. Remove WUServer and WIStatusServer Registry Entries (Optional)
You can try removing WUServer and WIStatusServer keys from the Windows Registry. These entries are typically present only if your PC is a part of an organization using policies to manage updates, or you’ve previously applied registry tweaks or used tools like WSUS, where custom update settings were configured manually. These entries can sometimes interfere with update processes. While this step is optional, it can be helpful in resolving persistent update errors. Note: Please only follow this method if you know what you are doing; misconfiguring Registry settings can be very dangerous for the stability and functionality of your computer. It’s recommended that you make a backup of your entire registry before proceeding.
6. Use Windows Update Assistant
The Windows Update Assistant is a convenient tool to manually update your system. It’s designed to bypass common update errors and directly install the latest version of Windows, which includes all recently released Cumulative and Security Updates.
7. Repair Using Installation Media
As a last solution, you can repair your Windows installation using installation media. With this method, we will create a bootable USB drive with Windows installation files and use the Repair Your Computer option to fix system errors without losing your data. It’s a powerful tool for resolving major update issues when other methods don’t work. I know a lot of you don’t have a USB device at the moment, but don’t worry; you can do it even without a USB by extracting the ISO file in a separate drive and double-clicking to launch the Windows setup. This method allows you to repair Windows without a USB drive, making it easy to resolve common system issues.
