This error occurs when critical Windows Update components malfunction, preventing your system from checking for or installing updates. Follow these detailed steps to resolve the issue systematically.
1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. In the Services window, locate these services:
3. For each service:
Why this matters: These services are interdependent. All must run for updates to work.
Why this matters: Automatically repairs common issues like service crashes or corrupted settings.
1. Open Command Prompt (Admin):
2. Run these commands sequentially: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
3. Restart your PC.
Why this matters: Deletes corrupted update caches and resets all update components.
1. In Command Prompt (Admin), run: sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
2. Restart after completion.
Why this matters: Fixes underlying system corruption affecting update services.
1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
3. Ensure these policies are Not Configured or Disabled:
4. Restart your PC.
Why this matters: Misconfigured policies can override default update behavior.
Why this matters: Identifies if third-party software is interfering with update services.
Why this matters: Bypasses broken update services for critical patches.
1. Open PowerShell (Admin) and run: $WUService = Get-Service -Name wuauserv if ($WUService.Status -ne "Running") { Start-Service -Name wuauserv } Set-Service -Name wuauserv -StartupType Automatic
Why this matters: PowerShell provides deeper control over service management.
If the issue persists after all steps, consider:
This methodical approach addresses both surface-level and deep-seated Windows Update failures. Let me know if you encounter specific sub-errors during the process!
