Windows Update Troubleshooter: Solve Update Problems in Windows 11, 10, and 7
Windows delivers updates through Windows Update, a built-in service that checks for, downloads, and installs updates. While useful in theory, the Windows Update service has had its share of problems from the start. Updates often fail to install or introduce issues that require rolling them back.
The Windows Update troubleshooter is a helpful tool for resolving some of these issues automatically. This article explains how to run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 7. We’ve also included directions for some Windows Server operating systems.
How to Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft isn’t oblivious to problems with its updates or its update service. It acknowledges when an update has broken something and either releases an update to fix it or provides instructions to roll it back.
If you have problems with the Windows Update service though, it means you won’t be able to check, download, or install the necessary update. The process may break at any point but it leaves you with an outdated system.
If you’re unable to get updates via Windows Update, you should run the built-in troubleshooter. The steps are a little different between the various versions of Windows:
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter in Windows 11
Windows 11 keeps its troubleshooter in the Settings app. Follow along with these steps to learn how to use Windows Update troubleshooter in the latest version of Windows:
1. Open Settings. You can search for it or trigger it via the Win+i shortcut.
2. Select System on the left.
3. Scroll down on the right and choose Troubleshoot.
4. Choose Other troubleshooters.
5. Select Run next to Windows Update.
6. The Windows Update troubleshooter will attempt to fix the problem. All you need to do is wait.
7. Select Close on the final screen.
8. Restart Windows 11 and then try to check for updates again.
Run the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter
The same Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 11 is also available in Windows 10, but the steps to get there are a little different. Here’s what to do:
1. Open the Settings app (press Win+i).
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Select Troubleshoot on the left.
4. Choose Additional troubleshooters.
5. Select Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
6. Apply all the fixes it recommends.
7. Restart Windows and then confirm that you can now check for updates.
Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter in Windows 7
Despite Microsoft ending its support for this version of Windows in 2020, you can still update Windows 7 if it’s not caught up with all the latest fixes and features. If you’re having trouble updating Windows 7, you won’t be able to run the exact same Windows Update troubleshooter found in newer versions of the OS. However, there is an option for you.
Follow these directions that explain how to run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 7 via Control Panel:
1. Open Control Panel. One quick way to get there is through the Start menu; click Control Panel.
2. Select Find and fix problems from the System and Security group.
3. Select Fix problems with Windows Update from the System and Security group.
4. When the Windows Update troubleshooter opens, select Next, then wait for the tool to find the problem.
5. Restart Windows 7 and then take another look at Windows Update to see if it’s been fixed.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter for Windows Server 2016
Windows Server operating systems also include the Windows Update troubleshooter. These directions apply to Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 Server R2, and 2012 Server.
1. Open Control Panel. The control Run command is one way to get there.
2. Search for troubleshoot using the search bar at the top.
3. Select Troubleshooting.
4. Choose View all on the left.
5. Click Windows Update from the list of troubleshooters.
6. Select Advanced.
7. Tick the box next to Apply repairs automatically. This will let Windows Update troubleshooter try to fix any issues it finds.
8. Select Next to have the Windows Update troubleshooter make attempts to repair any Windows Update problems.
9. When finished, the update troubleshooter will list problems it found and tell you whether they were fixed. If problems were found, reboot the server and try to use Windows Update again.
Manually install updates
If you’re still unable to get an update, you can manually install it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. It is an online repository of all the updates that Microsoft releases. Follow these steps to determine which update you need, and then finish up by downloading and installing the update manually.
1. Open Windows Update by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. Monitor the updates Windows tries to download. Record the KB number next to each update.
4. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
5. Search for the update.
6. Select Download next to the one you need for your system (e.g., x64 for a 64-bit version of Windows).
7. Select the link in the pop-up window to start the download.
8. Double-click the file like you would to launch any executable. This will install the update without using Windows Update.
General troubleshooting steps
In addition to running the Windows Update troubleshooter, you should also try the following.
- Make sure you have enough free space on your system to download the update. Normally, keeping 20 GB empty on the Windows drive is a good idea. You can extend the size of the drive if you need to.
- Restart your system if you have pending updates to install.
- Remove external hardware, like USB disks, external drives, SD cards, and phones.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable. If it disconnects randomly, the update will fail to download or it may download with errors.
- Delete the downloaded updates from
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Downloadand download them again. - Open Command Prompt with admin rights and run these two commands, one-by-one to fix problems with system files:
scf/scannowandDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Other Ways to Fix Windows Update Problems
Microsoft’s method of using the Windows Update troubleshooter to fix update issues can be helpful. But, what do you do when the troubleshooter finds nothing wrong or runs into problems itself? Here are some ideas that are easy enough for anyone to complete:
Scan for Malware
How does checking for viruses help with Windows Update? Well, malware of all kinds can disrupt the normal functionality of core Windows components, including Windows Update. Plus, viruses are very common, especially if you’re not running an antivirus program on your PC.
Grab a free antivirus tool from this list if you don’t yet have one. Or, follow these steps to use Microsoft’s virus scanner, which is built into Windows. Here’s how it works in Windows 11:
1. Search for and select Windows Security.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan.
3. Select Scan now to check your computer for viruses. Windows will delete anything it finds.
Reset Windows Update Tool
This tool, called Reset Windows Update Tool, will run some commands for you that should get Windows Update working again. You’ll have complete control over which commands it should run, and all you have to do to execute them is press some numbers. It’s very easy to use. Here’s how:
1. Visit that link and download Reset Windows Update Tool – Portable.
2. Extract the files from the ZIP archive.
3. Right-click wureset.exe and choose Run as administrator. Accept the admin prompt when you see it.
4. When the program opens, type Y and then press Enter.
5. Type 2 and then press Enter. This will reset various Windows Update components.
6. You should see a message that says The operation completed successfully. Press any key to return to the main menu.
7. See if Windows Update works now. If it doesn’t, run the next command by typing 3 and then pressing Enter. Repeat this as many times as necessary with the other commands until Windows Update is fixed.
Conclusion
Windows updates as a service has stabilized a great deal over the years. If you’re trying to install updates on an exceptionally outdated version of Windows, it may be better to perform a clean install of the latest edition instead. Older Windows versions have problems that were resolved via updates to the OS and there isn’t any way around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if the Windows Update troubleshooter doesn’t fix my issue?
If the Windows Update troubleshooter doesn’t resolve your issue, there are several steps you can try. First, consider manually installing updates through the Microsoft Update Catalog by identifying the necessary update and downloading it directly. And don’t forget the basics: reboot your PC, check your internet connection (both its speed and reliability), and consider scanning for malware.
- Can I run the Windows Update troubleshooter if my system won’t boot?
If your system won’t boot, you won’t be able to run the Windows Update troubleshooter through the usual methods. Fortunately, there are some alternatives. Start by trying to boot into Safe Mode by restarting your computer and pressing the F8 key repeatedly before Windows loads. Once in Safe Mode with Networking, you can attempt to run the troubleshooter again. If that doesn’t work, use a bootable USB or recovery drive to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to explore your repair options, which includes restoring system files to an earlier date or using advanced recovery tools to fix boot issues and regain access to your system.
- Is the Windows Update troubleshooter the same in all Windows versions?
The Windows Update troubleshooter differs slightly between versions of Windows. In Windows 11 and Windows 10, it can be accessed through Settings. For Windows 7, you’ll need to open Control Panel. While the tool’s functionality is similar across versions, its location and interface varies.
- Can I use the Windows Update troubleshooter offline?
The Windows Update troubleshooter can work offline, but only with limited functionality. While it can address some local issues, like fixing corrupted files, certain problems require an internet connection—this is the only way to download missing files, for example. If you need to troubleshoot offline, try clearing old update files from the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder to remove any corrupted downloads.
