How to Fix Windows Update Not Working
When Windows Update stops working, the cause is often a mix of service failures, corrupted update files, network issues, or policy settings.
This guide walks through the most reliable fixes so you can restore updates without guessing.
Check the Basics First
Before digging into advanced repair steps, confirm that the problem is not caused by a simple interruption.
Windows Update depends on an active internet connection, enough disk space, correct system time, and an update service that is running normally.
- Restart the PC and try Windows Update again.
- Verify that your internet connection is stable.
- Make sure Date, Time, and Time zone are set correctly.
- Free up storage space on the system drive.
- Disconnect VPN software if it is active.
If Windows cannot reach Microsoft’s servers or cannot validate certificates due to a wrong clock, update checks may fail immediately.
Run the Built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft includes a Windows Update troubleshooter that can detect common problems such as broken services, misconfigured components, and pending restart states.
It is not a complete repair tool, but it often resolves the most common update failures automatically.
Open Settings, go to System, then Troubleshoot, and select Other troubleshooters.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and follow any recommended fixes.
Restart the Windows Update Services
Windows Update relies on several background services, including Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), and Cryptographic Services.
If one of these stops responding, updates may hang, fail to download, or never start.
You can restart them from the Services console:
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Cryptographic Services.
- Right-click each service and choose Restart.
- If a service is stopped, choose Start.
Also check that the startup type is not disabled.
For most systems, these services should not be turned off.
Clear the Windows Update Cache
Corrupted download files are a common reason Windows Update gets stuck at a percentage or returns install errors.
Clearing the update cache forces Windows to download fresh files from Microsoft.
Use the following process:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt or Windows Terminal.
- Stop the update services with these commands:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc