Windows usually has no problem installing the update itself. But there are times when user settings or other issues prevent Windows from doing its job. In this post, we will discuss some of the things you can do to get Windows updates installed again.
Restart the computer
Sometimes, a simple system restart can resolve update errors. Therefore, before trying anything else, restart your computer and see if that solves the problem.
If not, you can try other solutions listed below.
Check your settings
Certain Windows settings may prevent the installation of required updates. Here are some things you should check.
Measured compound
Windows has features that prevent you from downloading updates over a metered connection. You should review your Wi-Fi settings and see if this is the problem.
Go to Windows Settings Network & Internet Wi-Fi. Click on the Wi-Fi you are currently connected to. Look in the “Measured connection” section and check if the “Set as measured connection” option is enabled.
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There are many reasons why you would like to keep this enabled, especially if you have a limited internet plan and don’t want to incur an additional fee. But disabling it will give you Windows updates as soon as they’re ready.
Windows Update
If you want to receive updates regardless of whether your connection is configured as limited or not, you need to change your Windows Update settings.
Select Windows Settings Update & Security Windows Update Advanced Options.
In the “Update options” section, enable “Automatically download updates, even when the data connection limit is exceeded.” Be aware that enabling this option may incur costs depending on your network provider.
Windows Update troubleshooter
Windows 10 has created a program that tackles update issues. It’s called “Windows Update Troubleshooter”. It checks your computer for errors that are preventing Windows Update from working as expected.
Download Windows Update Troubleshooter and run the app after installing it. When finished, restart your computer. Then go to Windows Settings Update & Security Windows Update.
Click Check for Updates to see if there are any. Windows should start downloading and installing updates.
Add disk space
Windows will not be able to install updates if your computer has insufficient disk space. If there is no more space on your hard drive to update your system, consider adding more space. Alternatively, you can also do a disk cleanup.
Find the Disk Cleanup utility and run the program. Select the drive you want to clean up. Select the drive and click OK.
Disk Cleanup will calculate how much disk space you can free up. Select the files you want to delete and click “OK” to continue.
Look for malware
There is a small chance that what you are experiencing is caused by malware. Run your antivirus software to check. Quarantine malware if found to prevent additional damage.
Restart Windows Update
If Windows Update does not install updates as expected, try restarting the program manually.
Run search and enter command line. Right click and select Run as administrator. Type the following command and hit Enter:
NET STOP WUAUSERV
The command line will run the command. When finished, a message will appear stating that Windows Update has been stopped. Enter the following command:
NET START WUAUSERV
This command will restart Windows Update. Go to Windows Settings Update & Security Windows Update and see if you can install updates now.
If you’re having this problem on Windows 7, read our post about fixing Windows Update on Windows 7.
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