Computers · Repair guide

How to fix Windows Update not installing

10 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Restart the PC, make sure you have at least 20 GB of free space, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter from the Get Help app or Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. If it still fails, clear the update cache and try again.

What it means

When Windows Update gets stuck, fails or shows an error code, it usually means the download was damaged, the PC is short on space, or something on the PC is blocking the install. Most cases are fixed with Microsoft's built-in tools without losing files or apps.

Common causes

  • A damaged or half-finished update download
  • Not enough free disk space
  • An unstable internet connection or VPN
  • External drives or devices interfering with the install
  • Third-party antivirus blocking the update
  • Damaged Windows system files
  • An out-of-date or incompatible driver

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Restart and try againEasy

  1. Save your work and close your apps.
  2. Select Start > Power and choose Update and restart if it is offered, otherwise Restart.
  3. After the restart, go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
  4. If an update seems stuck, give it time: large updates can sit at one percentage for a long while. Do not turn the PC off during the restart stage.

Why it helps: Many updates need a restart to finish, and a restart clears temporary errors.

02Check power, internet and free spaceEasy

  1. Plug a laptop into its charger.
  2. Check you are online in Settings > Network & internet. Disconnect any VPN while updating.
  3. Open File Explorer > This PC and check free space on drive C. Microsoft says you need at least 20 GB free on 64-bit Windows (16 GB on 32-bit).
  4. To free space, go to Settings > System > Storage and remove temporary files or apps you do not use.

Why it helps: Updates fail without steady power, a working connection and enough room to unpack.

03Run the Windows Update troubleshooterEasy

  1. Windows 11: open the Get Help app and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
  2. If it does not fix the problem, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, find Windows Update and select Run.
  3. On Windows 10: type troubleshoot in the Start search box, open the troubleshoot settings and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
  4. Restart and check for updates again.

Why it helps: The troubleshooter checks the update services and settings and repairs many common faults.

04Unplug extra devices and check the date and timeEasy

  1. Disconnect external drives, docks, USB sticks and other devices you do not need.
  2. Go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
  3. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically, then select Sync now.
  4. Try the update again.

Why it helps: Extra hardware can block an install, and a wrong clock can stop the PC talking to Microsoft's update servers.

05Clear the update cacheMedium

  1. Warning: delete only what is inside the one folder named below, nothing else in the Windows folder. Your update history list may look empty afterwards; this is normal. You need an administrator account.
  2. Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Right-click Windows Update and choose Stop.
  4. Open File Explorer, go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, and delete everything inside that folder (not the folder itself). Approve the admin prompt if asked.
  5. Go back to Services, right-click Windows Update and choose Start.
  6. Restart and select Check for updates. Windows downloads the updates again from scratch.

Why it helps: This removes damaged download files that make the same update fail over and over.

06Temporarily turn off third-party antivirusMedium

  1. If you use antivirus from another company, open it and pause its protection for a short time.
  2. Run the update right away.
  3. Turn the antivirus back on as soon as the update finishes.

Why it helps: Some security apps block files Windows Update needs to replace.

07Repair Windows system filesMedium

  1. Select Search, type command prompt, choose Run as administrator, then Yes.
  2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter. Wait for it to finish; it can take a while.
  3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait until it reaches 100%.
  4. Restart and try Windows Update again.

Why it helps: Damaged system files cause many update errors, such as 0x80070057 and 0x80080005.

08Update drivers from your PC makerMedium

  1. Visit your PC maker's support site, enter your model, and install the latest drivers, especially graphics, network and chipset.
  2. If you have a Dell, HP or Lenovo, the maker's own support app can find the right drivers for your model.
  3. If you see error 0xC1900101, a driver is usually the cause; update or reinstall the graphics and network drivers in Device Manager.
  4. Restart and try the update again.

Why it helps: An old or incompatible driver can make a Windows update fail and roll back.

09Reset the Windows Update componentsAdvanced

  1. Warning: type the commands exactly as shown. A typing mistake can rename or stop the wrong thing. Only use this if the steps above did not help.
  2. Select Search, type command prompt, choose Run as administrator, then Yes.
  3. Type each command and press Enter after each one, letting it finish: net stop bits, net stop wuauserv, ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak, ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak, net start bits, net start wuauserv.
  4. If a rename command fails, check you typed it exactly and that the services stopped.
  5. Close Command Prompt, restart, and check for updates.

Why it helps: Renaming these folders makes Windows build fresh copies, clearing deeper update database problems.

10Reinstall Windows 11 with Windows UpdateAdvancedBack up first

  1. Warning: back up your important files first. This repair is designed to keep your apps, files and settings, but a backup protects you if something goes wrong.
  2. Keep the PC plugged in and online for the whole process.
  3. Go to Settings > System > Recovery. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now, choose whether the PC should restart by itself when done, then select OK.
  4. If you do not see this option, your Windows version or a work or school policy may not offer it. This option is for Windows 11 only.

Why it helps: This reinstalls the current version of Windows and repairs system files that block updates.

Check it's fixed

  • Settings > Windows Update says you are up to date.
  • The update appears as successfully installed in Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
  • The same error code no longer appears after you select Check for updates.

When to get help

If updates still fail after the troubleshooter, cache reset and system file repair, contact Microsoft support or your PC maker with the error code. On a work or school PC, contact your IT department, since they may control updates.

Questions

How long should a Windows update take?

Small monthly updates usually finish in minutes, but larger feature updates can take much longer, especially on older PCs. If it shows no change for several hours, restart and run the troubleshooter.

What do Windows Update error codes like 0x800f0922 mean?

Each code points to a cause. Microsoft links 0x800f0922 to low disk space or a VPN, 0x80070002 to a failed install, and 0xC1900101 to an incompatible driver.

Where is the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 11?

Microsoft now points Windows 11 users to the Get Help app. You can also find it at Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update.

Is it safe to turn off my PC while it is updating?

It is best not to, because cutting power mid-update can leave Windows damaged. If the screen has not changed for several hours, restart only as a last resort, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

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