What Causes Windows Update Failure [How To Prevent It]

Windows Update is an essential part of keeping your computer safe and up-to-date. However, sometimes the process can fail. This can be frustrating and worse, lead to security vulnerabilities and system instability.

In this article let’s explore the most common causes of Windows Update errors, how to prevent them, and how to fix things when it fails so your PC remains in top condition.

Why is Windows Update essential?

If your latest Windows updates fail, you may be tempted to ignore the issues, but this is ill-advised. Windows updates are essential because they fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features.

What happens when Windows Update fails?

There are a few different ways that a Windows update can fail. Some of the most common ways include:

• A message in the update area where Windows usually checks for new updates.
• A blue screen error message during the update process says: We couldn’t complete the updates. Undoing changes.

In both these cases, should remain working as normal and you can simply retry the update later.

Note: In some cases, a Windows update failure can cause a Blue Screen of Death. This is a serious error that can prevent your computer from starting up. You may be faced with a corrupted operating system and the inability to complete the update later.

Why does Windows Update fail?

Updates can go wrong for many reasons, but here are the most common:

• No internet connection – Windows Update requires an internet connection to download and install updates. If you are not connected to the internet or it is interrupted, Windows Update will not be able to download the updates, or the files can become corrupted.
• Lack of storage space – You need free space on your hard drive to download and install updates. If you do not have enough free space, Windows Update will not be able to download the updates, or worse, fail during the update process and corrupt system files.
• Corrupted update files – Sometimes, the update files themselves can be corrupted even if they appear to have downloaded ok.
• Antivirus software – Some antivirus software can interfere with Windows Update. If you are using an antivirus, try disabling it temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
• Other Background services or processes – Running background services, such as video exporting or system maintenance tasks, during the update process, can disrupt the installation and cause failures. It is recommended to temporarily disable such services before initiating updates.
• Hardware problems – In some cases, hardware problems can prevent Windows Update from working properly. This is more likely when the hard drive has bad sectors but can occur when many different components are malfunctioning.
• Incompatible or outdated drivers – Outdated or incompatible device drivers can interfere with the update process. If the required drivers are not updated or are not compatible with the new update, it can result in failures.
• Timing and server issues – Sometimes, Windows update servers may experience high traffic or undergo maintenance, leading to delays or failures in obtaining the necessary update files. Additionally, attempting to install updates during peak usage hours can result in slower download speeds and potential update failures.
• User intervention or interruptions – If you interrupt the update process, by restarting the computer or shutting it down prematurely, it can cause failures. This also applies to power surges or hardware failures that cause sudden shutdowns. It is crucial to allow the update process to complete.
• Software conflicts – Certain software applications or security programs running on your computer can conflict with Windows updates. These conflicts can prevent the update from installing or cause errors during the process.
• Malware and viruses – Malware such as viruses and trojans can block the Windows Update process to reduce the security of your computer. This can damage the Windows registry and other areas of your PC too.

How do I prevent Windows Update failure?

Although you cannot always stop an update from failing, there are some common things to do to prevent less serious update problems and recover from failed updates.

1. Check your internet connection – Make sure that you are connected to the internet and that you have a strong signal and no other network problems.

2. Temporarily turn off the antivirus and firewall – Only do this temporarily as you may need to remove malware that also interfered with the update as well.

3. Check your storage space – Make sure that you have free space on your hard drive. If it’s reaching its limit, run a utility like Disk Clean-up or Storage Sense. Windows tune-up tools like Fortect can also help you scrub unneeded temp files and other junk that native Windows utilities can miss.

4. Use a Windows repair tool – Fortect is an excellent solution for failed updates. After a quick scan, it will detect any missing or damaged system files and registry items and repair them automatically.

Depending on the problem, this could fix a corrupted update or repair your PC so it can reinstall the failed update.

1. Download and Install Fortect on your PC.
2. Launch the software and accept the scan, which takes no more than 5 minutes. It also works in Safe Mode.
3. Click Start Repair to repair all Windows problems, including corrupted system files and broken registry items.
4. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC if prompted.

5. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter – Windows includes a troubleshooter that can help you fix problems with Windows Update.

• To do this type troubleshoot into the Window Start menu search box and open Troubleshoot settings. Scroll down to find Windows Update and follow the onscreen prompts.

6. Reset Windows Update – If all else fails, you can reset the Windows Update service. To do this:

Type cmd in the Windows Search bar and open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Then type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter:

• 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

Once your computer has restarted, Windows Update will be reset, and you should be able to download and install updates again.

7. Download updates manually – You can manually download Windows updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

First, search for the update that failed using the KB number or release name. Then double-click the executable and it will run like any other installer, kickstarting the update process.

While there are many different reasons why Windows Update can fail, by following the tips in this article, you can help ensure that your computer always has the latest updates and is protected from security threats.

Whatever the cause, a tool like Fortect will repair Windows and bring it to optimum condition, ready for the latest updates.