Windows Update Not Working? Try These Simple Fixes

With more and more people upgrading to Windows 11 — whether by choice or through an automatic update — keeping your computer up to date has never been more important. Windows updates bring new features, improved security, and better performance. But sometimes, those updates don’t go as planned. You might find that an update won’t download, gets stuck, or refuses to install altogether.

Don’t worry — you don’t need to be a tech expert to fix most of these problems. Below are a few easy steps you can try to get things running smoothly again.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Try Again

Sometimes, all your computer needs is a fresh start.

Here’s what to do:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click the power icon (usually bottom right).
3. Choose Restart.
4. Once your computer restarts, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.

This might sound too simple, but it actually works quite often. If it doesn’t, no problem — keep going!

Step 2: Use the Built-In Troubleshooter

Windows has a helpful tool that can automatically find and fix common update problems.

Here’s how to run it:

1. Click Start > Settings.
2. In the search bar at the top, type troubleshoot and choose Troubleshoot other problems.
3. Find Windows Update and click the Run button next to it.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

When it finishes, restart your computer and check for updates again.

Step 3: Do a Full Reset of Windows Update

Still no luck? This step is a little more advanced, but don’t worry — it’s still easy to follow.

There’s a safe tool (called a batch file) that you can download. It resets all the update settings and clears out any stuck files.

What you’ll need to do:

1. Download the reset tool online (search for: Reset_Reregister_Windows_Update_Components_for_Windows11.bat). If you’re on Windows 10, look for the version made for that.
2. After downloading, unzip the file.
3. Right-click the file and choose Run as administrator.
4. Follow the instructions — it will take about 1–2 minutes.
5. When it asks you to Restart, go ahead and restart your computer.

This tool works for most people and can fix even the more stubborn update problems.

Step 4: When Nothing Else Works…

If none of the above steps solve the issue, it might be time to look a little deeper.

Here are a few more things you can try (or ask someone for help with):

• Look up the update code online. Sometimes the issue is widespread, and Microsoft is already working on it.
• Check your storage. A full or failing hard drive can block updates.
• Try a repair install. This keeps your files but reinstalls Windows to fix system issues.
• As a last resort: You may need to do a clean install or have a tech take a closer look.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious and want to understand more about how Windows Updates work, Microsoft has a helpful troubleshooting guide here.

Contact us at 703-790-0400 today for a complimentary consultation on your organization’s cyber strategy.