Quick answer
When Windows Update fails, the most common causes are insufficient free space on drive C, incorrect date and time, a corrupted update cache, or the Windows Update service not running. First check free space on drive C and the date and time, run the troubleshooter, then reset the update components and restart the download.
How to recognize the problem
- The update stops with an error code (e.g. 0x80070002, 0x800f081f, 0x8024402c)
- The download stalls at a certain percentage and does not continue
- The computer restarts and returns to the same point
- Settings shows "Update failed" or "Try again"
- Some patches install, but one keeps failing
Most common causes
Not enough space on the system drive
Updates require several gigabytes of free space for temporary files and rollback. If drive C is full, the installation stops.
Corrupted update cache
Files in the update download folder may be incomplete or corrupted, so Windows keeps trying the same faulty package.
Update services and components not running
The Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service services must be running. If they stop, downloads and installations are blocked.
Incorrect date, time or time zone
A misaligned clock prevents digital certificate validation, so the server rejects the update request.
Corrupted system files
Damage to the components that manage updates causes repeated errors even when the connection and space are fine.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check free space on drive C
Open
Settings > System > Storageand see how much space is free. For a large update, leave at least 15 to 20 GB. If it is low, delete unnecessary files viaStorage > Temporary filesand empty the Recycle Bin. - 2
Check date, time and connection
Go to
Settings > Time & language > Date & timeand turn on automatic time and time zone setting. Then check that the internet works in a browser and turn off VPN if you use one, as some VPNs block update servers. - 3
Run the troubleshooter
Open
Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshootersand run "Windows Update". In Windows 10, go toSettings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Wait for the process to finish and restart the computer. - 4
Reset update components
Open Command Prompt as administrator (
cmdvia search, then "Run as administrator"). Stop the services withnet stop wuauserv,net stop bitsandnet stop cryptsvc. Then in the same Command Prompt rename the folders withren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldandren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old, then restart the services withnet start wuauserv,net start bitsandnet start cryptsvc. - 5
Check and repair system files
In Command Prompt as administrator, run
sfc /scannowand wait for it to finish. Then runDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Both processes can take 10 to 20 minutes and may require an internet connection. - 6
Restart the download
Return to
Settings > Windows Update(in Windows 10:Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and click "Check for updates". If a "Try again" button is available, use it. After installation, be sure to restart the computer for changes to take effect. - 7
Install the patch manually
If the same patch keeps failing, note its number (e.g. KB5034441) and download it from the official Microsoft Microsoft Update Catalog page. Install it by double-clicking and restart the computer. Do not download patches from third-party sites.
- 8
Check if the system is supported
If it is Windows 10 and you get an end-of-support message, check which version you have with the
winvercommand or inSettings > System > About. Updates for unsupported versions no longer arrive, so the only solution is to move to a supported version or a newer Windows.
If nothing helped
When all steps have been tried and the error persists, the remaining option is to restore to a previous restore point or backup. Open Settings > System > Recovery (in Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery) and check if there is a restore point created before the problem appeared. If there is, restore the system to it, but know that programs installed after that point will be removed. As a last option, the same menu has "Reset this PC" with keeping personal files, but it deletes installed programs and settings. Before any reset, back up important files to an external drive or cloud. If the error occurs on multiple computers in the office, the cause is probably the network, proxy or update server, not an individual computer.
How to prevent it
- Leave at least 15 GB of free space on drive C, and 20 GB for large upgrades
- Turn on automatic time and time zone setting
- Do not turn off the computer during update installation
- Regularly check that updates were successfully installed, not just downloaded
When to call a professional
If the error repeats after all steps, if the computer cannot boot after an update, or if the problem affects multiple computers in the office, it is better to contact IT support than to run a system reset yourself.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Can I delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?
Yes, removing or renaming that folder is safe. Windows will recreate it on the next update check. Before that, stop the Windows Update and BITS services, and preferably rename the folder instead of permanently deleting it, so you can restore it if something goes wrong.
Why does the update keep restarting?
Most often because the installation cannot complete, so Windows rolls back changes and tries again. Check disk space, run `sfc /scannow` and reset the update cache. If the problem continues, install the specific patch manually.
Is it safe to turn off the computer during an update?
No, unless the computer has been stuck for more than an hour with no activity. Forced shutdown can leave the system in a faulty state. If the computer is stuck, hold the power button until it turns off, then turn it on and wait for Windows to try to finish the process.