14 reasons why Windows Update doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)

If you’ve ever been frustrated by Windows Update not functioning as it should, you’re not alone. Many users encounter issues with updates in Windows 10, often leading to confusion and delays. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Windows Update doesn’t work in Windows 10, shedding light on common problems and providing straightforward solutions to get your system back on track.

Key Takeaway

The most important step in resolving Windows Update issues is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, which can automatically identify and fix problems.

Quick Fix Guide

Reason for the Problem	Quick Solution
1. Corrupted Update Files	Use the Disk Cleanup tool to delete temporary files.
2. Network Issues	Check your internet connection and firewall settings.
3. Insufficient Disk Space	Free up disk space via Storage Settings.
4. Third-party Antivirus Conflicts	Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
5. Windows Update Service is Stopped	Start the service via the Services app.
6. Pending Updates	Restart your computer to complete pending updates.
7. Corrupt System Files	Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan.
8. Misconfigured Settings	Reset Windows Update components manually.
9. Previous Update Failures	Uninstall problematic updates through Settings.
10. Device Manager Conflicts	Update or rollback your device drivers.
11. Time and Date Settings	Sync your time and date settings with the internet.
12. VPN or Proxy Configuration	Disable VPN/Proxy settings to ensure proper connection.
13. Group Policy Settings	Check and reset relevant Group Policy settings.
14. Windows Update System Files Not Present	Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Detailed Fixes for 14 Reasons Why Windows Update Doesn’t Work in Windows 10

1. Corrupted Update Files

Corrupted update files can prevent Windows Update from completing properly.

Solution:

1. Open the Start Menu and type Disk Cleanup.
2. Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
3. Check the box next to Temporary files and click OK to delete them.

2. Network Issues

A dysfunctional network can hinder Windows Update functionality.

Solution:

1. Make sure your internet connection is active.
2. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Select Internet Connections and run the troubleshooter.

3. Insufficient Disk Space

Windows Update requires adequate disk space to install updates.

Solution:

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Identify large files and delete unneeded items to free up space.

4. Third-party Antivirus Conflicts

Antivirus software may interfere with the update process.

Solution:

1. Right-click on the antivirus icon in the system tray and select Disable.
2. Try running Windows Update again. Remember to re-enable your antivirus after updating.

5. Windows Update Service is Stopped

If the Windows Update service is not running, it will block updates.

Solution:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Locate Windows Update in the Services list, right-click it, and select Start.

6. Pending Updates

Pending updates could require a system restart to finish installing.

Solution:

1. Restart your computer.
2. After booting, try checking for updates again in Settings.

7. Corrupt System Files

Corrupt system files can prevent Windows Update from functioning correctly.

Solution:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
3. Wait until the scan is completed, then restart your computer.

8. Misconfigured Settings

Incorrect settings can interfere with Windows Update.

Solution:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Run the following commands one by one:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver

9. Previous Update Failures

Failed updates may need uninstallation before applying new ones.

Solution:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click on View update history, then Uninstall updates.
3. Select any failed updates and uninstall them.

10. Device Manager Conflicts

Driver issues can block updates.

Solution:

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Look for any devices with a yellow triangle, right-click, and choose Update driver.
3. You can also try to roll back drivers if recent updates caused issues.

11. Time and Date Settings

Incorrect system time and date can disrupt the update process.

Solution:

1. Right-click the time in the taskbar and select Adjust date/time.
2. Toggle on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.

12. VPN or Proxy Configuration

VPNs or Proxy settings can block necessary connections.

Solution:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
2. Disable any active VPN connections.
3. Under Proxy, ensure all options are turned off.

13. Group Policy Settings

Group Policy may restrict updates.

Solution:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
3. Disable any policies that restrict updates.

14. Windows Update System Files Not Present

Missing system files can hinder updates.

Solution:

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.

FAQ – Reasons Why Windows Update Doesn’t Work in Windows 10

Q1: How can I prevent Windows Update issues in the future?
A1: Regularly maintain your system by checking for updates and running Disk Cleanup to free up space.

Q2: Can I manually download Windows updates?
A2: Yes, you can download updates directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog website as a temporary solution.

Q3: What should I do if multiple fixes fail?
A3: Consider resetting Windows or seeking professional technical support for advanced issues.

Q4: How do I know which updates to uninstall?
A4: Look for recent updates that show installation failure or are linked to known problems in the system.

Q5: Will performing a system restore help with Windows Update issues?
A5: Yes, restoring your system to a previous state can resolve conflicts. Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection to access this feature.

Conclusion

Fixing Windows Update issues can be straightforward once you identify the underlying causes. From checking network settings to running the Troubleshooter, there are various methods available. Remember, understanding the reasons why Windows Update doesn’t work in Windows 10 is crucial for maintaining a healthy operating system.