Windows 10 and 11: How to fix update installation problems?

Microsoft puts it regularly windows operating system current. Whether for fix errorsto fill security errors Or add new featuresMost of the time they are transparent as long as you enable them. automatic updates. But sometimes they refuse to settle. You will be notified by the display of a screen. message accompanied by error code is often too cryptic to be truly useful.

Regardless of the cause of the problem, there are many general things to do when encountering a Windows update problem. Some are very simple, some are a little more complex, although not insurmountable. The guide below compiles most of the actions to test. They are performed under Windows 11, but in the same way. Windows 10. All kinds of differences are mentioned.

What should you do if you have a Windows update installation error?

There is one important thing to be sure of before attempting anything. Installing a Windows update requires having sufficient hard disk space. Seems obvious but still explains why it doesn’t work sometimes. There are several ways to free up space: Delete unnecessary personal files, transfer them to external media or the cloud, uninstall programs that no longer serve you, use the Windows cleanup utility… After that you can start testing the following, preferably in order.

Check if the update is already installed

It’s rare, but Windows may prompt you for an update while the latter is already available on your PC. Frankly, there is no chance of success. You should then remove the first one to put in the “newest” one. After finding the update number Windows 11 :

1. Go to: Settings PC’s.
2. click windows update Later Update history.
3. Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
4. to the right of the person you identify. Remove.
5. Restart the computer and try searching/installing the update again.

If you are under Windows 10 :

1. Click the button To start.
2. Go to: Settings PC’s.
3. Enter the menu Applications then submenu Apps and features.
4. Check for update.
5. Select it and click Remove.
6. Restart the computer and try searching/installing the update again.

Temporarily disable any antivirus software you use

We’re not talking about the default here. Windows Security, but from someone else that you will install yourself. In some cases, disabling is not enough and you then need to follow these steps: lifting Time to do the blocking update.

Unplug external devices

Sometimes an update refuses to install because it conflicts with a device connected to the computer. So it is recommended Remove USB drives, external hard drives, docking station and other peripherals. Once this is done, search again. Settings > Windows Update and try again.

Update drivers

This step only concerns you if you have added hardware to your computer in addition to or in place of the original hardware. For example: additional RAM memory sticksA. new hard diskA. newer graphics card…If these things can work, A driver that is too old may interrupt the Windows update process. Check the component manufacturer’s website to update their drivers. When it comes to graphics cards, you can also use dedicated software. GeForce Experience For Nvidia And AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition For AMD Do not read anyone else but them.

Check for problems with a device

The purpose of this is to see if there is a bug on any device that might be preventing Windows updates from working properly:

1. Make a click on the button To start then left device Manager.
2. Open the lines using the arrows if necessary, look for the place where the yellow triangle with an exclamation mark is located. This is a sign of an error.
3. Right-click the affected component, and then Update driver.
4. If this doesn’t solve anything, select: remove devicethen it needs to be reinstalled in the same way.

Despite these different steps, is the problematic update still refusing to install? It’s time to step up a gear.

Troubleshooting Windows Updates with Command Prompt

What we will see now is administrator rights on your computer anduse command lines. If you don’t feel comfortable with this, don’t hesitate to get help. For Open Command Prompt in Windows 10 or 11 :

1. Press the keys simultaneously Windows And S on the keyboard to open the search bar.
2. Medicine cmd.
3. click Run as administrator.

For your information, there are other ways to open the program. Use whichever you want.

Rename system folders related to updates

What you need to do at the command prompt write the following lines one by one, exactly as written here, including spaces. Best copy/paste. Verify execution of each with key Entrance before moving on to the next:

• clear stop bits
• net stop wuauserv
• ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
• ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
• net start bits
• net start wuauserv

After completing these commands; close the prompt window and restart your computer Before restarting the update search/installation.

Fix hard drive errors

Even if your machine actually runs smoothly, your main hard drive may have some errors. However, you can: start repair. Notice what we’re talking about here ETC:but you have to do this replace the letter with the letter of the hard drive where Windows is installed on your computer :

1. In Command Prompt, type: chkdsk /f C:
2. Verify with Entrance and let the procedure complete.
3. Windows will ask you to restart the computer, do so.

Repair system files

Still in the command prompt:

1. Type or copy/paste the following line: DISM.exe / Online / Image cleanup / Restorehealth
2. Verify with Entrance.
3. Wait to see the message The restore process completed successfully Or The operation was completed successfully.
4. If the confirmation message does not appear, retype the command and retry the operation until it appears.
5. Then write sfc /scannow
6. Verify with Entrance.
7. When Command Prompt appears one hundred% After completing the analysis, close the window.
8. Run a search/installation again for updates.

What if none of this works?

In theory, any of the steps detailed in this guide will fix your problem installing Windows updates. Rarely, the problem persists despite everything. If this happened to you, best still wait. When Microsoft noticed too many reports indicating this level of issue, the company usually delivers a fix in a later update.

This is the case when not updating does not affect the operation of the computer. Let’s admit this now Your PC absolutely refuses to update in the slightest and/or cause other problems. Probably the only solution will be the most radical: Completely reinstall Windows. Such symptoms actually indicate that the cause is deeper, too complex to be isolated and repaired.

Before you start, remember to: backup your files. There is an option for your programs that allows you not to delete them. Note, however, that for a truly “clean” reinstall, it is better to start from 0. Of course, you’ll spend time reinstalling your software and reconfiguring the machine, but at least it will fix the most critical errors when installing Windows updates. have your back.