Windows Security Updates (failed)

Question

My Windows Security Updates Fail to "update security in my Windows" My Norton Security Products fail to load after restarting computer. Norton told me to contact you for services on this issue. Note: I also have issue with "optimize disc" option stating need to FIX ( C ) Drive, to restart computer to Fix, it scans & fixes ( C ) Drive, but is not fixed. And a Hardware component is @ 100%. Please help so i can use my Norton Security. looking for "Free download products" if possible, Thank You, Corey 😎

Answer 1

Hi Corey Domer,

Regarding the information that you have issue with "optimize disc" option stating need to FIX ( C ) Drive, you may have data corruption or your drive has hardware issue.

Please scan and repair your system by running these commands with Command Prompt (Run as administrator):

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

After done so, please reboot your system and check if the problem with Windows Security Updates can also being resolved.

If you have further information, please feel free to let me know.

Answer 2

Hi,

There are two types of updates:

1. Windows Security definition updates.
2. Windows Security updates, which are released monthly.

May I know which updates are failing?

An even better idea, please go to Settings > Windows updates > Update History.

Take a screenshot and post in the next reply.

I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.

Answer 3

Follow these steps in order on Windows 10:

1. Run the Windows Security troubleshooter (automatic fix)
   This can automatically repair common security settings and Windows components that may be blocking Norton or Windows Update.
   1. Download the Windows Security troubleshooter from this page: select Download on the "Automatically fix Windows security issues" article, or use the direct Download button for EasyFix_WinSecurity.
   2. When the browser asks, choose Run or Open.
   3. Follow the steps in the Windows Security Troubleshooter to let it check and repair:
      • Windows Firewall
      • User Account Control (UAC)
      • Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
      • SmartScreen/Phishing filter
      • Antivirus protection status
2. Fix Windows Update failures
   Problems with Windows Update can break security components and third‑party security products. a. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
   1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security.
   2. Select Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
   3. Under Get up and running, select Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
   4. Let it detect and fix issues, then restart the PC.
   b. Reset Windows Update cache (SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2)
   This helps if updates keep failing or are stuck.
   1. In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt.
   2. Right‑click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator, then Yes.
   3. In the Command Prompt window, run these commands one by one (press Enter after each and wait for it to 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. Close Command Prompt and restart the computer.
   5. Go back to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install all important and security updates.
3. Check for common Windows Update error causes
   If a specific error code appears (for example 0x80070005, 0x80070002, 0x80070057, 0x80246007, etc.), use these built‑in repair steps:
   • Run System File Checker (repairs corrupted system files):
     1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
     2. Run:

                sfc /scannow
        

     3. Wait for it to complete, then restart.
   • Check disk space if you see codes like 0x800f0922, 0x80070002, 0x80070003, 0x80070057:
     Make sure there is at least 20 GB free on a 64‑bit system (16 GB on 32‑bit). Free space if needed.
   • Ensure Windows Update service is enabled if you see 0x80070422:
     1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
     2. Find Windows Update, right‑click > Properties.
     3. Set Startup type to Automatic.
     4. If the service is stopped, select Start, then Apply > OK.
     5. Restart the PC and try Check for updates again.
4. Temporarily disable or remove third‑party security software while repairing
   If Norton is partially installed or failing to start, it can interfere with Windows Update and Windows Defender.
   • Temporarily disable Norton while running Windows Update and the Windows Security troubleshooter.
   • If problems persist, consider uninstalling Norton completely, completing all Windows Updates and repairs, then reinstalling Norton.
5. Repair disk issues (Optimize/Fix C: drive loop)
   Since Optimize Drives keeps asking to fix C: and it never completes, run a disk check:
   1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
   2. Run:

            chkdsk /f C:
      

   3. When prompted to schedule on next restart, choose Y and press Enter.
   4. Restart the PC and let the disk check complete.
   5. After it finishes and Windows loads, try Optimize Drives again.
6. If Windows remains unstable or security still fails
   If, after all of the above, Windows Update and security components are still broken and Norton will not load correctly, perform a repair of Windows while keeping files:
   • Use Reset this PC with Keep my files (this keeps personal files but removes apps and settings) as described in the Q&A guidance.
   • After reset, run Windows Update until fully up to date, then reinstall Norton.

These steps address Windows security configuration, Windows Update corruption, and disk errors, which are the most common causes of third‑party security products failing to load correctly.

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References:

• Automatically fix Windows security issues
• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows