How to fix Windows not updating

Hello,

Please run Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings app > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. See if it works.

If that doesn't work, try this:

Open administrative Command Prompt and type following commands one-by-one followed by Enter key.

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

Close Command Prompt and see if Windows Updates works then.

Let us know if this helps!

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

Please clarify the following:

Do you have a third-party antivirus installed? If yes, which one?

Also. What is the current "OS Build" of your Windows 11?

• Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

I await your reply.

To resolve the Windows Update error 0x800f0991, you can follow these steps:

1. Check for Corrupted Files: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to check for and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command:

sfc /scannow

   This process may take some time to complete.

2. **Run the DISM Tool**: If SFC doesn't resolve the issue, use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair the Windows image. In Command Prompt, run:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

3. **Check Windows Update Service**: Ensure that the Windows Update service is running. You can do this by typing `services.msc` in the Run dialog (Win + R), finding the Windows Update service, and ensuring it is set to "Automatic" and running.

4. **Reset Windows Update Components**: Sometimes, resetting the Windows Update components can help. You can do this by stopping the Windows Update service and renaming the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. Use the following commands in Command Prompt:

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

5. Install the Update Manually: If the above steps do not work, you can try downloading and installing the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

If the problem persists after trying these solutions, you might want to consider contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.

References:

• Troubleshoot Windows Update installation error 0x800f0831 CBS_E_STORE_CORRUPTION
• Windows Update common errors and mitigation
• Windows Update troubleshooting guidance