How to Fix Corrupted Windows Update [Windows Update Failed]

Are you struggling with a corrupted Windows update that’s causing issues with your computer? While Windows updates are crucial for keeping your operating system secure and stable, sometimes they can go wrong and result in corrupted system files.

In this article, we will explore some troubleshooting steps and methods to help you fix update errors and get your computer back on track.

What is a corrupted Windows update?

A corrupted Windows update refers to a situation where the update becomes damaged or incomplete during the update process. This can result in various issues, such as complete update failure, error messages, system crashes, or a restart loop.

What causes corrupted Windows updates?

There are several potential reasons why your Windows update may become corrupted. Some of the most common include:

• Interrupted update – If the update process is interrupted abruptly by a power outage, system crash, or manually ending the process, it can result in corruption. This can leave the system in an inconsistent state where the update files are only partially installed, leading to issues with system stability, functionality, and compatibility.
• Hardware issues – Faulty RAM, disk errors, or overheating, can also cause a corrupted Windows update. For example, if there are issues with the system’s hardware components during the update process, it can affect the integrity of the update.
• Malware – Viruses and malicious software can modify or delete system files, interrupt the update process, and target system files, leading to a corrupted update.

What do I do if Windows update failed?

The fix for a corrupted Windows update depends on how much damage has been caused. In some cases, restarting your PC will simply resume the process and finish the update. However, if there is a lot of corruption, you must follow these fixes:

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows has an in-built troubleshooting tool to help diagnose Windows Update errors.

To use this, open Settings and go to Update & Security. Next, click on Troubleshoot, and select Additional troubleshooters. Find the Windows Update troubleshooter and run it, then follow the on-screen instructions to fix the issue.

2. Repair the Windows system files

If you can boot to the desktop following an update, most of the core files are present. You can then use the System File Checker or a third-party tool like Fortect to plug in any missing or damaged system files.

To run the System File Checker, type cmd into the Windows Search bar and open the Command Prompt. Then type sfc /scannow to start the process.

To benefit from Fortect’s repository of more than a million fresh Windows components:

1. Download and Install Fortect on your PC.
2. Launch the software and accept a scan, which takes less than 5 minutes.
3. Click Start Repair to repair all Windows problems.
4. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

You can then Check for updates to see whether you have recovered the update or need to repeat the update process.

3. Disable the antivirus and third-party programs

Windows Update requires full access to the system and your internet connection. Sometimes an overbearing antivirus program or firewall can interfere with the update process, so it’s best to turn them off, even if just temporarily.

A tool like Fortect can also scan for potentially unwanted programs that may be interfering with Windows’ regular tasks.

4. Reset the Windows Update service

If the update does not resume itself, you should open the Windows Update area and Check for updates. If this is unresponsive, it means the update service has failed and needs to be manually reset.

1. Type cmd in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

3. After stopping the services, type the following commands to rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

4. Finally, restart the services by typing the following commands:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

5. Close the Command Prompt window and try running Windows Update again.

5. Manually download and install the updates

Another method to fix corruption and kickstart the update process is to install the failed update manually.

1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
2. Search for the specific update that failed to install using its KB number or a relevant keyword.
3. Download the appropriate update for your system architecture (e.g., 32-bit or 64-bit).
4. Run the downloaded update package and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

6. Rollback the update

If you are stuck and unable to complete an update, one method is to roll back to a previous version and begin automatic updates again.

To do this go to System Settings and select Update & Security.

1. Click View update history.
2. Click the Uninstall updates link at the top to open the Control Panel window with a list of all the installed updates on your system.
3. Find the update that you want to roll back in the list, right-click and select Uninstall.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts and wait for your computer to restart.

A similar fix is to load a system restore point:

1. Type Recovery in the search bar to open the Recovery area.
2. Click Open System Restore and follow the prompts to view the list of available restore points.
3. Choose a restore point that is dated before the corrupted Windows update.
4. Click on the Finish button to confirm your selection and wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

6. Use the Advanced Boot Options

If the operating system is heavily corrupted and won’t even boot to the desktop, you can enter Advanced Boot Options by holding the F8 key on your keyboard as soon as the computer starts booting.

From here you can run a program like Fortect in Safe Mode or enter the Command Prompt to run SFC or roll back to before the update using a restore point. The Startup Repair feature can also help you repair Windows enough to get to the desktop to perform other troubleshooting tasks.

While Windows updates are generally designed to be smooth and error-free, issues can occur due to various reasons, leading to a corrupted system. Resolving this problem may require repairing system files, rolling back, and reinstalling the update.

Windows has some in-built utilities to recover the system, but third-party tools like Fortect can also help.