Why Windows Update Keeps Failing and How to Fix It

Windows Update is the cornerstone of keeping your PC secure, stable, and compatible with the latest software. Yet one of the most frustrating experiences for users is when Windows Update keeps failing — whether it’s repeatedly stopping at a certain percentage, displaying error codes, or refusing to install updates altogether.

This article explains why Windows Update fails, walks through common error codes, and provides practical, step‑by‑step solutions to fix the issue. Whether you’re on Windows 10 or Windows 11, these troubleshooting methods help restore reliable updates and keep your system protected and current.

Why Windows Update Keeps Failing

Windows Update can fail due to a range of issues, including:

• Corrupted system files and update components
• Insufficient disk space
• Network interruptions
• Conflicts with third‑party software
• Damaged Windows Update cache
• Misconfigured services or policies
• Hardware driver issues
• Faulty updates or partial installs

Identifying the root cause helps determine which fix will succeed.

Common Windows Update Error Codes and What They Mean

When updates fail, Windows often shows an error code. A few common ones include:

• 0x80070422 — Windows Update service disabled
• 0x80070002 / 0x80070003 — Missing update files
• 0x800f081f / 0x800f0906 / 0x800f0907 — Corrupted component store
• 0x8024a105 — Simultaneous update failure
• 0xC1900101 — Driver conflict during feature upgrades
• 0x80072EFE — Network timeout or connectivity
• 0x80240034 — Downloaded update failed to install

While error codes vary, the troubleshooting steps in this guide target root causes rather than focusing only on the numeric code.

Before You Begin: Basic Pre‑Checks

Before applying deeper fixes, start with these basics:

Restart Your PC

A simple restart can resolve minor glitches or stuck update processes.

Ensure You Have Sufficient Disk Space

Windows needs room to download and stage updates:

• Open Settings → System → Storage
• Free up space (20 GB+ recommended for feature updates)

Check Your Internet Connection

Updating requires a stable network:

• Use a wired connection if possible
• Pause VPNs and proxies
• Retry the update

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built‑in tool that can automatically identify and fix common update issues.

1. Settings → System → Troubleshoot
2. Select Other troubleshooters
3. Click Windows Update → Run

Let the troubleshooter detect and apply fixes.

Fix 2: Restart Windows Update Services

If update services aren’t running, updates can fail.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter
2. Find and ensure these services are Running and set to Automatic:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Cryptographic Services
3. If any are stopped, right‑click → Start

Fix 3: Clear the Windows Update Cache

The update cache can become corrupted, blocking new downloads.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Stop update services:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

3. Navigate to the cache folder:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

4. Delete all contents inside SoftwareDistribution
5. Restart update services:

net start wuauserv
net start bits

Retry Windows Update.

Fix 4: Repair System Files with SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files often cause update failures:

Step 1: Run System File Checker

sfc /scannow

Step 2: Run DISM (for deeper repair)

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After both complete, reboot your PC and try updating again.

Fix 5: Reset Windows Update Components

A more thorough reset can fix persistent update errors:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Stop update services:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

3. Rename update folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

4. Restart services:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Retry updates after this reset.

Fix 6: Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers — especially for storage, network, and chipset — can cause feature update failures.

1. Open Device Manager
2. Check for devices with warnings
3. Right‑click → Update driver
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers

For older PCs, downloading drivers from the manufacturer’s website can yield better results.

Fix 7: Install Updates Manually

If Windows Update repeatedly fails, you can manually install specific updates:

1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog
2. Search for the KB number of the failed update
3. Download and install the correct version for your OS

This bypasses Windows Update’s download and installation mechanism.

Fix 8: Disable Third‑Party Antivirus Temporarily

Third‑party security software can conflict with update processes. Try:

• Temporarily disabling real‑time protection
• Running updates
• Re‑enabling your antivirus afterward

If updates succeed, consider updating or replacing the security software.

Fix 9: Use Windows Update Assistant

For major feature updates that repeatedly fail, the Windows Update Assistant can often succeed where the built‑in updater does not:

1. Download the tool from Microsoft
2. Run and follow on‑screen prompts
3. Allow the update assistant to download and install a feature update

This method forces the update to proceed.

Fix 10: Perform an In‑Place Upgrade

If all else fails, an in‑place upgrade reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps:

1. Download the Windows 10/11 Installation Media
2. Run Setup.exe
3. Select Keep personal files and apps
4. Follow the upgrade prompts

This replaces system files and often fixes stubborn update problems.

Quick Fix: Check for Corrupt Update Logs

System logs can reveal clues:

1. Open Event Viewer
2. Navigate to:
   • Windows Logs → System
   • Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → WindowsUpdateClient

Look for recurring errors around update attempts.

Tips to Prevent Future Windows Update Failures

• Keep drivers updated regularly
• Don’t postpone feature updates indefinitely
• Ensure consistent internet connectivity
• Maintain sufficient free disk space
• Avoid major system changes during updates

FAQs

Q: Why does Windows Update fail repeatedly at the same percentage?
Often due to corrupted cache, missing system files, or driver conflicts.

Q: Can I skip updates?
Security updates are critical; skipping them increases risks. Feature updates can be postponed briefly, but not indefinitely.

Q: Will resetting Windows Update delete my files?
No — reset operations target system components, not personal data.

Q: Should I reinstall Windows?
Reinstallation is a last resort but often fixes persistent update failures permanently.

Conclusion

Windows Update failures are common but usually resolvable. By following these systematic troubleshooting steps — from resetting the update cache to repairing system files, updating drivers, or using the Windows Update Assistant — you can restore reliable update functionality on your PC.

Regular updates are essential not only for new features but also for security and stability, so resolving update issues promptly helps protect your system in the long run.