Guides / Fix a problem
Windows Update will not install
Fixes Windows Update when it is stuck, failing, or downloading the same update over and over. It clears out its working files and lets Windows build them again.
When to use it
- Updates fail again and again, or are stuck at the same percent.
How to use it
- Open Brightfix and go to Fix a problem.
- Choose Windows Update will not install.
- Read what will be cleared, then answer the second question.
- Check for updates again in Windows Settings afterwards.
What it changes
Stops the update services, sets aside the update working folders, and starts the services again.
What it never does
- Never removes installed updates.
- Never turns Windows Update off.
Undo
Windows rebuilds the working folders. Pending downloads start again. A restore point is made first.
Advanced details
- The standard reset: stop wuauserv, BITS and the cryptographic service, set aside SoftwareDistribution and catroot2, start them again.
Every action is logged with the time, the command, the result and the exit code.