Troubleshoot problems with installing updates


Here are solutions to some common problems with installing updates. You might be able to solve some problems by running a troubleshooter that will automatically fix some common issues with Windows Update.
  • Open the Windows Update troubleshooter by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Troubleshooting in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Troubleshooting. Under System and Security, tap or click Fix problems with Windows Update.

    I tried to install updates but one or more wasn't installed.

    Did you try to install the update again manually? There are some errors that are just a matter of bad timing, and they can be caused by busy websites or Internet connections, or a number of other factors. Sometimes you can fix these problems just by trying to install the updates again. For more info about solving connection problems, see How to solve connection problems with Windows Update.

    Tip

    • You can also check for updates in PC settings. Open PC settings by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer down), tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Change PC settings. Under PC settings, tap or click Windows Update, and then tap or click Check for updates.


    Did you accept the Microsoft Software License Terms? If not, install the update again and review and accept the license terms.

    • Is there enough free space on your PC? If you need more free space on your hard drive, you might need to uninstall apps, delete your temporary Internet files, delete files that you don't use, or empty the Recycle Bin, and then try again to install updates. To check the amount of space available on your hard drive and see what can be freed up, you can use the Disk Cleanup tool that's included in Windows.

      • Open Disk Cleanup by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Disk Cleanup in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files

    • Did you cancel the installation process or disconnect from the Internet? If you did, just check for updates again when you're back online, and install any updates that were canceled or interrupted.

    • Were you installing a driver update? Driver updates for devices, such as video cards, can occasionally cause errors because the files being installed are damaged or aren't the right files for your Windows operating system. Windows Update should provide you with the most up-to-date drivers for your Windows operating system. However, if you have a problem installing device drivers from Windows Update, contact the manufacturer of the device.


    I don't know what updates have been installed.

    Windows Update keeps an update history so that you can check which updates were installed and when.

    To view your update history

    1. Open Windows Update in Control Panel by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Windows Update in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Install optional updates.
    2. In the left pane, tap or click View update history.



    I keep being offered an update from Windows that I don't want or I already removed.

    You can hide the update, and then Windows Update won't offer it to you again unless you choose to restore it.

    To hide an update

    1. Open Windows Update in Control Panel by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Windows Update in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Install optional updates.
    2. Do one of the following:
      • If you have any important updates, click the link that tells you important updates are available.
      • If you have any optional updates, click the link that tells you optional updates are available.
    3. Select any update that you want to hide, press and hold or right-click it, tap or click Hide update, and then tap or click OK.
      You need to restore the update to the list, and then install it.

      To restore an update

      1. Open Windows Update in Control Panel by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Windows Update in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Install optional updates.
      2. In the left pane, tap or click Restore hidden updates.
      3. Select the update that you want to install, and then tap or click Restore.
        Windows will automatically check for updates, and then prompt you to install the update that you restored, as well as any new updates that might be available.

        I restored hidden updates, but I can't find the one that I want to install.

        This happens when a more recent update addresses the same thing as the update that you tried to restore. Windows Update only offers you the more recent update. 

        My PC was turned off during a scheduled update.

        When you start your PC after missing a scheduled update, Windows will check for updates. You can install them immediately or postpone them. If your PC is on during the next scheduled update, the updates will be installed then. You can also install any available updates when you shut down your PC.

        I keep getting prompted to restart my PC to finish installing updates.

        Some updates apply to files or services that Windows is using, so these updates can't be installed while Windows is running. You should save your work, close any open apps, and then restart your PC to finish the update process.

        My PC stopped responding while checking for or installing updates.

        If your PC stops responding while it’s checking for updates, or while it’s installing updates, here are some steps you can try to fix the problem

        If your PC stops responding while checking for updates

        1. Try checking for the updates again.
        2. If step 1 doesn’t work, try running the Windows Update troubleshooter at the top of this page.
        3. If you continue to experience problems, you can try to search the forums or ask a question on the Microsoft Community website. 

          If your PC stops responding while installing updates after restarting

          Use System Restore to restore your PC to an earlier point in time. To do this, follow these steps:

          1. Turn your PC off by pressing the power button, and then turn your PC back on my pressing the button again.
          2. Wait for the Automatic Repair screen to appear.