server 2022 issues with windows update

Question

i am having issues on some of my servers where they will not update. when i run the "check for updates" in windows updates it comes back with the following error:

"We couldn't connect to the update service. We'll try again later, or you can check now. If it still doesn't work, make sure you're connected to the Internet."

The servers are connected to internet and can browse the internet fine, it cant be gateway firewall issues as not all servers are affected, some can update fine. They all have the same static ip configuration except for there ip address, dns servers are set the same, i am scoured the internet and tried every fix i can find but the issue persists.

Any help would be appreciated

Answer 1

Hello mark fidler,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Please try the suggestions below and check if it helps.

1. Restart Windows Update Service:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Run the following commands:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop bits
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start bits
2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
   • Select Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.
3. Reset Windows Update Components:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
   • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver
4. Disable any third-party antivirus or firewall temporarily to see if they are blocking the update service.

Note: Please back up all the data before you make any changes.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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