Windows update doers NOT OPEN. I had and update installed earlier today

Question

an update was installed earlier today. Now I cannot open "windows update"

Answer 1

Hello,

The update you installed is most likely a preview update. Preview updates are optional cumulative updates that are typically used for early validation of the monthly security release. If the update does not include a fix that you urgently need, it is not necessary to install it.

Please try uninstalling the update you installed.

For the steps, refer to the section “Uninstall updates from Windows RE” in the support article below.

How to uninstall a Windows Update

Answer 2

After an update, if Windows Update settings will not open, use the general Windows Update troubleshooting steps to restore normal behavior.

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
   1. Select Start > Settings > System.
   2. Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Locate Windows Update and select Run.
   4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes offered.
2. Verify power and internet connection
   1. Make sure the device is plugged into power.
   2. Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
   3. Confirm the device is connected and online. If disconnected, reconnect to Wi‑Fi or Ethernet.
3. Confirm administrator access Some update operations require administrator rights. If the current account is not an administrator, sign in with an administrator account or create one as described in Create a local user or administrator account in Windows.
4. Disconnect external hardware
   1. Unplug nonessential USB drives, docks, and peripherals.
   2. Try opening Settings > Windows Update again.
5. Clear the Windows Update cache (if Update still will not function correctly)
   1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   2. In Services, find Windows Update, right-click it, and select Stop.
   3. In File Explorer, go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
   4. Delete all files and folders inside SoftwareDistribution.
   5. Go back to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
   6. Open Settings > Windows Update and try again.
6. Restart the device
   1. Select Start > Power.
   2. Choose Update and restart or Restart.
   3. After restart, open Settings > Windows Update and check if it opens normally.

If Windows Update opens but shows specific error codes (for example 0x8007000d, 0x800705b4, 0x80240034, 0x800f0922, 0x80070057, 0x80080005, 0xC1900101, 0x80248014, 0x80070005, 0x80070002), use the corresponding troubleshooting steps for that code from the same Windows Update troubleshooting page.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
• You receive an access violation error and the system may appear to become unresponsive when you try to install an update from Windows Update or from Microsoft Update
• "Windows Update" Updates failed - Microsoft Q&A
• Surface Pro 8 Not Updating to 24H2 - Microsoft Q&A
• Plethora of issues relating to windows and possibly security. - Microsoft Q&A
• New laptop MSI won't go past update installation at first boot - Microsoft Q&A
• PROBLEMAS COM ATUALIZAÇÃO 02/10/2025 WIN - Microsoft Q&A