How To Fix ‘Windows 10 Won’t Install or Download Updates’ Issue

By
Nolan Ryan
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Windows 10 Won’t Install or Download Updates: Windows 10 is been gaining massive popularity among its users due to it’s extensively designed smooth OS. Unlike other Windows platforms operating on older versions like Windows XP, Windows 7, etc. its got numerous bugs fixed in its overlay.

One of its major attractions is that its automatic build set-up gives updates to all the existing files and documents in the drive. However, this feature of Windows 10 also has some of the drawbacks. Like even if the user wants to disable this function manually, it’ll sooner or later automatically gets starting updates.

As a result, whenever the overlay of Windows 10 is opened, they’re very prone to errors relating to download systems. A dialogue box will appear. It’ll show them about the files which are downloaded in the background or are having download pending status.

These notifications are not even operating its functions in the background. These notifications might mislead the users that the files are getting updates or are downloading. But the reality is that the overlay is just showing a downloading status. But, in fact,  not updating or downloading the files and documents.

Windows 10 updates are essential for maintaining the operating system’s stability, security, and added features. However, many users find themselves frustrated when Windows 10 won’t install or download updates.

In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll explore the common causes for this issue, how to force Windows 10 to download and install updates, and how to troubleshoot using Command Prompt (CMD).

Causes of Windows 10 Won’t Install or Download Updates Issue

Understanding the root causes of update issues can make troubleshooting far easier. Here are some common factors:

Insufficient Storage Space

Windows updates often require a substantial amount of disk space. If your system drive is nearly full, updates may fail to download or install.

Corrupted Update Files

If the files necessary for the update are corrupt, the update process will be halted.

Software Conflicts

Certain software, especially antivirus programs, can interfere with Windows updates.

Poor Internet Connection

A slow or unstable internet connection can interrupt the download process, causing updates to fail.

Windows Update Services Not Running

If essential Windows Update services are disabled, updates won’t be downloaded or installed.

How to Fix Windows 10 Won’t Install or Download Updates

This problem can also be fixed up in multiple ways. Some of the best ways to fix up Windows 10 Won’t Install or Download Updates issue are given below:-

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows operating system is considered to be one of the best operating systems available across the globe due to its jaw-dropping features, which it provides to its users. One of those features is its inbuilt utility of Windows update troubleshooter.

This feature helps the Windows overlay to fix up multiple problems relating to the concerned topic. One may need to follow up the undermentioned steps for fixing up such bugs issues:-

Step 1: Start the Control Panel box and tap on the icon.

Step 2: Tap on the Troubleshoot option to view all applications in the left panel. Tap on update the Windows and then proceed further as per the screen instructions.

And here you go! The troubleshooter will automatically start navigating and fixing up the errors to make the Windows functioning smoother.

Solution 2: Fix the Issue Via An Elevated Command Prompt

Yet another method which can be followed by the users for fixing up such error is to firstly fix-up the issue arising out of the activation of Windows 10 software through an elevated command prompt.

This command prompt is easily accessible to its users and can be proven very efficient for fixing up the concerned errors. All the user needs to do is just to follow the undermentioned steps properly:-

Step 1: Firstly, the user will be required to open the Start Menu bar. This command given by the user to the system interface, will help the parent folder to set-up and launch the Winx menu.

Step 2: After that, the user will proceed further by tapping on the Admin Command Prompt option. Then the user will be required to give a specific set of coding commands to its prompt overlay as per the schedule.

Step 3: Once the user is done by giving proper commands to the prompt overlay, the system will automatically detect the error and start fixing up the Windows 10 Won’t Install or Download Updates problem.

Solution 3: Ensure that All Services Related to Windows Update Are Running

If the error persists, then there might be some files existing in the Windows software which are crashing with each other, thereby creating errors and problems for the user to operate the Windows 10 operating system smoothly.

There might be Windows update issues arising, which leads the parent folders to not to open and run in the system. This issue can also be fixed by following some of the easy steps alike of another step. These steps are as follows:-

Step 1: Give a command to the system of Windows + R in order to run a dialogue box. User will be required to type services.misc in that appeared dialogue box and then press Enter.

Step 2: Then, he’ll be required to navigate Windows update service throughout its overlay. Then click on the properties option. One may need to ensure that the startup type service option has been set-up to the automatic mode.

Step 3: Afterwards, the user will need to locate the BITS option on the screen overlay for applying the same.

Step 4: BITS is an acronym for background intelligent transfer service, which is used here in the system overlay. This will pop up a cryptographic dialogue box which needs to be enabled for fixing up the bugs issues.

And here you go! The system will automatically start locating the parent folders, which are the root cause of the errors and will fix them up as well.

How Do I Force Windows 10 to Download and Install Updates?

If you’re facing issues with Windows 10 updates, there are ways to manually force the download and installation process:

Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  2. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Select Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.

Use the ‘Check for Updates’ Button

  1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security.
  2. Click on Check for updates.

Manually Install Updates

You can download the update files directly from Microsoft’s Update Catalog and install them manually.

How to Troubleshoot Windows 10 Using CMD

Command Prompt offers a range of commands that can help troubleshoot and fix Windows Update issues.

Restart Windows Update Services

  1. Open CMD as an administrator.
  2. Run the following commands one by one:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
  3. Then, run these commands to restart the services:
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver

Clear Windows Update Cache

  1. Open CMD as an administrator.
  2. Stop Windows Update services by running:
    net stop wuauserv
  3. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and delete all the files.
  4. Restart Windows Update services:
    net start wuauserv

Run the Windows Update Command

You can run the wuauclt.exe /updatenow command in CMD, which forces Windows to check for updates.

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Conclusion

The above-mentioned solutions are some of the best possible methods available in the field for fixing up Windows 10 Won’t Install or Download Updates error. The user is not required to get stuck to only one method for dealing with the problem.

He or She may also try these provided guidelines and steps as their requirements and system OS errors in order to have maximum efficiency in their operations, which will lead them to have everlasting system performance with a very smooth and speedy overlay.

Issues with Windows 10 updates can be vexing but are often solvable. Understanding the causes, such as insufficient storage or software conflicts, can help you target the problem more effectively. Moreover, forcing updates manually and troubleshooting with CMD are viable approaches to overcoming these challenges.

Share this guide with anyone struggling with Windows 10 update issues, and help them enjoy a smoother, more secure computing experience.