Windows Update not working or showing an error: what to do

When Windows Update can't install updates, start with the Windows troubleshooter, which finds and fixes most errors on its own. If that's not enough, check in this order: Internet connection, free disk space, date and time, connected external devices. Windows 11 also has a last resort that deletes nothing: reinstalling the current version of Windows through Windows Update.

These instructions are for Windows 11, where Microsoft keeps releasing updates. For Windows 10, free security updates ended on October 14, 2025.

Before you start

• Back up your important files. Microsoft itself recommends it before any repair attempt: see how to back up a Windows PC.
• Plug the laptop into power and leave it plugged in until the end.
• Write down the error code, if there is one (for example 0x80070002): it helps find the cause.
• You need administrator access. If you use a standard account on the PC, ask whoever has the administrator account to install the updates.

On Windows 11

1. Run the troubleshooter

1. Open Start > Settings > System.

2. Select Troubleshoot and then Other troubleshooters.

3. Next to Windows Update, select Run.

   

4. Follow the on-screen instructions and, at the end, try the update again.

On the most recent versions of Windows 11 the troubleshooter may open inside the Get Help app: it works the same way.

2. Check the connection

1. Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Check that you're connected to Wi-Fi or the cable. If you're disconnected, reconnect.

If Wi-Fi shows as connected but pages won't load, first follow the guide on Wi-Fi connected but no internet.

3. Free up disk space

For updates, Microsoft asks for at least 20 GB free on 64-bit Windows (16 GB on 32-bit). If you're below that, follow the guide on how to free up disk space in Windows 11 and try again.

4. Disconnect external drives and accessories

Unplug external drives, USB sticks, docks and any accessory you don't need to use the PC. Then try the update again.

5. Check the date and time

A wrong date can block updates.

1. Open Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
2. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
3. If needed, select Sync now.

6. Try again and restart

1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and install whatever appears.
3. Many updates only finish when you restart: save your work, open the power button in the Start menu and choose Update and restart.

7. Reinstall Windows without losing anything

If the error persists, Windows 11 can reinstall the same version of Windows you already have, through Windows Update. According to Microsoft this keeps your apps, files and settings and repairs system files.

1. Open Start > Settings > System > Recovery.

2. In the Fix problems using Windows Update section, select Reinstall now.

   

3. Decide whether to let the PC restart on its own 15 minutes after the installation finishes.

   

4. Select OK. Windows downloads and installs the repair version: keep the PC on, plugged into power and connected to the Internet.

Sometimes the Windows Update page itself suggests it, with the message "Reinstall your current version of Windows to repair system files and components": there too, you choose Reinstall now.

If this option doesn't appear, the PC may be managed by a company or school, or it may not have the required updates yet: the feature needs Windows 11 22H2 or later with the updates from February 2024 onward.

For those comfortable with Command Prompt

Microsoft suggests these commands only to people already familiar with the command line. You need administrator access.

1. Open Start, type Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator, then Yes.
2. To repair system files, type this command and press Enter:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

3. When it's done, type this one and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

4. Wait until it reaches 100%, close the window and try Windows Update again.

If it still doesn't work

• Did the error appear after an update that made things worse? You can uninstall it: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history, then under Related settings choose Uninstall updates, select the update and choose Uninstall. Some can't be removed.
• Do you have antivirus from another brand? It sometimes blocks updates. Microsoft suggests turning it off for a short time, or uninstalling it temporarily and reinstalling it after the update: first make sure you have the license key to reinstall it.
• Do you use a VPN? Turn it off and try again.
• Is the code 0xC1900101? It's usually an incompatible driver, often the network card or graphics card: check the PC manufacturer's website for updated drivers.
• Nothing worked? There's still a full reset, which can keep your files: see how to reset Windows 11 without losing your files.
• When to call a technician: if the error keeps coming back after all these steps, or if the PC won't restart after an update, have someone look at it before you try a full reset, especially if you don't have a recent backup of your files.