A Feature update failing can be frustrating, but it usually has a clear cause and fix. If your Feature update doesn’t work in Windows 10, this article walks you through the most common reasons and step-by-step fixes so you can get updated safely and quickly.
You’ll learn why updates fail (disk space, drivers, services, policies, corrupted files, hardware/firmware, etc.), how to diagnose the root cause, and how to apply tested fixes—from simple restarts to running DISM/SFC and resetting Windows Update components.
Key Takeaway
Most Windows 10 feature update failures are caused by corrupted update components, insufficient disk space, or incompatible drivers/firmware; run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, free sufficient disk space, update or roll back problematic drivers, and reset Windows Update components (rename SoftwareDistribution/Catroot2 and restart update services) to resolve the majority of cases.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Insufficient free disk space | Free up at least 20 GB (Disk Cleanup, uninstall apps, external drive). |
| Corrupted system files | Run sfc /scannow then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. |
| Broken Windows Update components | Reset update components (stop services and rename SoftwareDistribution/Catroot2). |
| Third-party antivirus or firewall interference | Temporarily disable or uninstall third-party security software. |
| Pending restart or other updates | Reboot and complete all pending updates before retrying. |
| Incompatible or outdated drivers | Update or roll back drivers via Device Manager. |
| Metered connection or Group Policy blocking updates | Disable metered connection and undo GP/registry deferrals. |
| BitLocker / TPM / encryption issues | Suspend BitLocker and ensure TPM firmware is updated. |
| Corrupted downloaded update files | Clear SoftwareDistribution contents and retry. |
| Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware | Update BIOS/UEFI from manufacturer’s support page. |
| Network, proxy or DNS problems | Reset network, disable proxy, run netsh winsock reset. |
| Compatibility hold from Microsoft | Wait for the compatibility hold to be lifted or use Media Creation Tool. |
| Hardware compatibility or system requirement shortfall | Verify hardware meets requirements or run Windows Update Assistant/Media Creation Tool. |
Detailed Fixes for “Windows Feature update doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Insufficient free disk space
Why it causes the problem:
Feature updates need substantial temporary space to download and expand packages; if drive C: is low, the update will fail.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > System > Storage. See what’s using space.
- Run Disk Cleanup: Press Win, type Disk Cleanup, select your system drive, check Windows Update Cleanup, Temporary files, and click OK.
- Use Storage Sense: Settings > System > Storage > Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
- Uninstall large, unused apps: Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Move large personal files to an external drive or cloud.
Tip: Aim for 20–30 GB free for major feature updates.
2. Corrupted system files
Why it causes the problem:
Missing or corrupted system files can break update routines and integrity checks.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin): Press Win, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator.
- Run System File Checker: sfc /scannow (bold command). Wait for completion.
- If SFC reports errors it can’t fix, run DISM: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
- After DISM completes, rerun sfc /scannow.
Note: DISM may take 10–30 minutes. Ensure internet is available for DISM to download components.
3. Broken Windows Update components
Why it causes the problem:
Windows Update services or their cached data can become corrupted, causing failures or error loops.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Stop services:
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
- Rename folders:
- ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
- Restart services:
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver
- Retry Windows Update: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Tip: This preserves old files while forcing Windows to rebuild caches.
4. Third-party antivirus or firewall interference
Why it causes the problem:
Some antivirus products intercept update files or block installers, causing update failures.
Step-by-step solution:
- Temporarily disable third-party AV from its system tray icon or app settings.
- If disabling doesn’t help, uninstall it from Settings > Apps > Apps & features, then reboot.
- Retry the feature update.
- Reinstall or switch to Windows Defender once update completes: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
Warning: Do not forget to re-enable protection after updating.
5. Pending restart or other updates
Why it causes the problem:
Windows requires pending operations to complete; trying a feature update while other updates are pending can block progress.
Step-by-step solution:
- Restart Windows to complete any pending installs.
- After reboot, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all updates.
- Reboot again if requested, then attempt the feature update.
6. Incompatible or outdated drivers
Why it causes the problem:
Device drivers cause compatibility conflicts during major updates; Windows may block updates when critical drivers are incompatible.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager: Press Win+X, choose Device Manager.
- Look for devices with a yellow triangle. Right-click and choose Update driver or Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver if the problem started after a driver update.
- For key devices (graphics, network, storage), download latest drivers from manufacturer website and install.
- If update still fails, boot into Safe Mode and retry the update process or use the Media Creation Tool (see below).
Tip: Use vendor OEM tools (Intel/AMD/NVIDIA) for chipset or GPU drivers.
7. Metered connection or Group Policy blocking updates
Why it causes the problem:
Windows won’t download large feature updates on metered connections; Group Policy or registry settings can defer feature updates.
Step-by-step solution:
- Check metered setting: Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > [your network], toggle Set as metered connection off.
- Check Group Policy (Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise): gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Ensure policies like Defer feature updates are not enabled.
- Check registry policies: Run regedit and inspect HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
- After changes, reboot and check Windows Update.
8. BitLocker, TPM or encryption issues
Why it causes the problem:
Feature updates might require BitLocker to be suspended to access drive during update; TPM firmware mismatches can block updates.
Step-by-step solution:
- Suspend BitLocker: Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Suspend protection.
- If using device encryption, turn off temporarily via Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption (if available).
- Update TPM/firmware from your PC manufacturer’s site.
- After the update completes, re-enable BitLocker and verify TPM settings in BIOS/UEFI.
9. Corrupted downloaded update files
Why it causes the problem:
Partially downloaded or broken update files can cause setup to fail.
Step-by-step solution:
- Stop Windows Update services (see section 3).
- Delete contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download (or rename folder).
- Restart services and check for updates again.
10. Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware
Why it causes the problem:
Firmware bugs or incompatibilities can prevent Windows from applying system-level changes.
Step-by-step solution:
- Note your BIOS/UEFI version: Press Win+R, type msinfo32, check BIOS Version/Date.
- Visit the PC/laptop manufacturer’s support page and find BIOS/UEFI updates matching your model.
- Follow maker’s instructions carefully to update firmware (often via executable or vendor tool).
Warning: BIOS updates can be risky—ensure power is stable and follow instructions precisely.
11. Network, proxy or DNS problems
Why it causes the problem:
Failed downloads due to network issues will stop a feature update.
Step-by-step solution:
- Reset basic network: Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset.
- Reset Winsock and TCP/IP: Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh int ip reset
- ipconfig /flushdns
- Check proxy: Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, turn off manual proxy settings.
- Retry the update.
12. Compatibility hold from Microsoft
Why it causes the problem:
Microsoft occasionally places holds on devices with known issues; Windows Update will block installation until resolved.
Step-by-step solution:
- Check Windows Update for a notice about a compatibility hold.
- If hold exists, either wait for the update to be re-released or use the Media Creation Tool or Windows 10 Update Assistant to manually upgrade after verifying no known issues apply to your hardware.
- To use Media Creation Tool: download from Microsoft, run, and choose Upgrade this PC now.
13. Hardware incompatibility or insufficient system requirements
Why it causes the problem:
Older hardware or missing features may not meet a feature update’s minimum requirements.
Step-by-step solution:
- Verify system specs: Settings > System > About vs. Microsoft’s requirements for the update.
- If hardware is unsupported, consider upgrading components or staying on a supported build until replacement.
- For essential upgrades, use Media Creation Tool to attempt the upgrade after backing up data.
Additional section: Collecting logs and when to seek professional help
If the above steps fail, gather logs and seek help:
- Run Get-WindowsUpdateLog in PowerShell (Admin) to build WindowsUpdate.log on the desktop — this helps technicians analyze failures.
- Save Event Viewer logs: Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System and filter for Source: WindowsUpdateClient or Setup.
- If you’re uncomfortable updating BIOS, editing Group Policy, or modifying disk partitions, contact your device manufacturer or a certified technician. Back up your data before advanced operations.
FAQ
What should I try first if a feature update fails?
Start with a simple reboot, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update), ensure you have sufficient disk space, and disable third-party antivirus.
Can I force the update without waiting for the patch to be re-released?
Yes — if no compatibility hold applies — by using the Media Creation Tool or Windows 10 Update Assistant from Microsoft’s website to perform an in-place upgrade. Always back up data first.
Will resetting Windows Update components delete my files?
No — renaming SoftwareDistribution or Catroot2 only clears cached update files; personal files and installed programs are not removed.
How do I know if a BIOS update is necessary?
If Windows Update or your PC manufacturer explicitly lists a firmware update needed for a feature update, or you see firmware-related error codes (check msinfo32 and support notices), update BIOS/UEFI following vendor instructions.
Can I keep using a third-party antivirus without blocking updates?
Yes — most major AV vendors are compatible, but temporarily disabling or uninstalling the AV during the update is a safe troubleshooting step. Reinstall the latest AV version afterward.
Conclusion
Feature update failures in Windows 10 usually stem from a few repeatable causes—lack of space, corrupted files, blocked update components, drivers or firmware incompatibilities—and most can be fixed with the steps above. If you follow the troubleshooting sequence (free space, SFC/DISM, reset update components, update drivers/firmware), you will resolve the majority of cases where a Feature update doesn’t work in Windows 10.
