Fail Windows to update

Question

How do I troubleshoot a Windows update that keeps failing to install?

Answer 1

Hi Kundan Jaiswal,

Thank you for reaching out. In addition to the questions already asked by the Independent Advisor, could you let me know whether the update fails during the download stage, the installation stage or after the restart process begins?

If possible, please also share a screenshot of the Windows Update page showing the failed update entry and any related error message. This may help me better understand what is preventing the update from installing.

In the meantime, if you have not already done so, you can try the following:

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter. Once it completes, restart your PC and check for updates again.
• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

 sfc /scannow

After the scan completes, restart your PC.

• If the issue persists, try resetting the Windows Update components. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following commands one at a time:

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Once finished, restart your PC and check for updates again.

As a side note, support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. If your device is eligible for Windows 11, it may be worth considering an upgrade after the update issue is resolved, as Windows 11 continues to receive security and feature updates.

I look forward to your reply and will be happy to take a closer look.

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Answer 2

Hi, good day!

To narrow down the cause, could you provide

• What is the KB number of the update that's failing? You can find it in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Do you see an error code?
• Which Windows 10 version are you running (22H2, 21H2)? Press Windows key + R to open Run, type winver, and press Enter.

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I look forward to your update and am willing to collaborate with you until we resolve the issue. Keep me posted by clicking "Add comments" below.