If you are having trouble installing update(s) in Windows 10, this guide can help you. Before you start troubleshooting Windows update error message(s), you should check a few things in advance.
- Check whether your internet connection works properly.
- Check your antivirus package. Temporarily disable security where necessary.
- Check the date and time settings on your computer.
- Check that you are not connected via a VPN connection.
- Check available disk space on your primary drive, usually the C drive. You must have at least 10GB of available disk space for the Windows 10 update, then you are good to go.
These are the list of most famous error messages that you may encounter while updating Windows 10.
- 0x80092004
- 0xc1900223
- 0x80070002
- 0x80070003
- 0x80240fff
- 8007000e
- 80072ee2
- 0x8024402c
- 0x800f081f
- 0x800f0922
- 0x80d02002
- 0x80070652
- 0x8000ffff
- 800f0831
- 0x8024402F
- 0x80244007
- 0x8024D009
- 0x8024000E
- 0x8024000B
- 0x80073701
- 0x80246013
- 0x800706b5
- 0x8024001E
In addition to these error messages, problems with updates 20H2, 21H1, 21H2, 22H1, and probably future 22H2 and more are also reported. You can also resolve these error messages with the tips below.
Windows 10 update won't install
Windows update troubleshooter
Microsoft has built an application into Windows that can diagnose and automatically resolve Windows update problems.
When this Windows update troubleshooter is started, all components such as configurations and services related to Windows update are checked. If errors are found, you are advised to take action to resolve the problem.
In the Windows search bar type: Windows update. Select “Check for updates” or “Windows update” from the results list.
Click Troubleshooting in the menu on the left.
In the Recommended Troubleshooting menu, click the Additional Troubleshooters link
In the Additional Troubleshooters settings you will find a Troubleshooter application. Click Run the troubleshooter.
The Windows Update Troubleshooter will start and look for any problems or errors that occur when starting or searching for Windows updates.
If problems are found after the diagnosis, you can follow Microsoft's advice to resolve the error message.
Delete Windows update files
Sometimes a Windows Update will not install due to problems with update files. It is therefore advisable to use the temporary Windows Update files to delete.
To start with, we are going to stop the Windows update service. Stopping this interrupts running or pending update processes in Windows and helps us to delete the temporary files.
In the search box at the bottom of the Windows taskbar, search for: services. Open the services result.
In the Windows service window look for the service: Windows update. Click on the result and click Stop the service at the top left.
Leave the Services window open. When we are done, the Windows update service must be restarted.
Open Windows Explorer (1) and open the following folder (2): C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\ then select all files and folders in the Download folder with CTRL+A (3) and delete the files and folders with the remove button (4).
Now go back to the Services application. Click on the Windows update service and click on Start the service at the top left.
Close all windows. In the Windows settings, go to Windows update and check and reinstall the incorrect update.
If all goes well, the update files that were not installed previously will now be installed.
Windows Update Reset Tool (WUReset)
If you are able to solve technical problems in Windows yourself, you can use the WUReset Tool. WUReset is a tool that can perform actions to solve Windows Update problems for you. This tool is available in several languages, but not in Dutch.
You can Download WUReset here. Once downloaded, you can install the tool and then a shortcut will appear on the Windows desktop called: Reset Windows Update Tool. Click on it to open.
Enter the specific number of the language in which WUReset should be displayed. For example “0” for English.
Then accept the terms and conditions by pressing “y” for yes.
I recommend you start with option 3. This removes temporary files in Windows update that are holding things up. Then check for Windows updates.
Then I recommend that you option 2 to choose. Option 2 restores all components related to Windows update. Once these components have been repaired, you can check again via Windows Update whether the update is now being downloaded and installed.
To check for Windows update you can go to the Windows update settings of Windows or option 15 key in. The Windows update settings will then be opened for you.
If this does not have the desired effect, I recommend typing option 11 and starting. WUReset first makes a backup of your Windows registry and then adjusts and restores a selection of keys. Once this process is complete, check again with option 15 (checking for Windows updates).
Finally, I recommend that you option 9 to start. Any errors will then be automatically resolved for you in Windows. Windows components are repaired if necessary. This is necessary if Windows update settings or components are damaged by software or any malware on your computer.
Other tips to troubleshoot Windows update errors
I recommend that you restart your computer and try again. Restarting the computer can solve many problems. Also check firewall software and/or whether you have a legal version of Windows.
If you have any questions, please use the comment field below to ask your question. Please provide as clear a description as possible of what you have already tried to install the update in Windows.
I hope this helped you. Thank you for reading!
Dear Stephen,
Regarding: problem that I cannot contact the update server in Windows 10 from 21H2 (completed on 5/12/2021). I don't get any specific error indication with all this.
Now it says in red (rightly) after each press of the "try again" button that the device is currently missing important security and quality fixes
I have done the various things you suggest in this article, I am connected to the internet. No result. Now I try to download WUReset tool and without result.
Because I use some special software, I fear that I will lose the licenses if I try more drastic solutions.
Do you know of another possible solution that I can try?
Kind regards, Jean
Now I try
Hallo, you first create a restore point: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-herstelpunt-maken-en-terugzetten-uitgebreide-instructie/. This allows you to always return to the restore point you created at that time. Then you can try running WUReset. I cannot tell from your text whether the download was not successful or whether the execution was successful. If necessary, check the “HOSTS” file for blocked references:
https://support.microsoft.com/nl-nl/topic/hoe-het-hosts-bestand-opnieuw-op-de-standaardwaarden-kan-worden-ingesteld-c2a43f9d-e176-c6f3-e4ef-3500277a6daeAfter this, you can try to use “Windows update blocker” to activate the updates again:
https://www.sordum.org/9470/windows-update-blocker-v1-8/You then click on “Enable updates”.Success!
Hello Stefan,
I also have problems installing update 20H2.
Windows update tries to start the download but at 1% I get the following message:
Download error – 0x80070002
Any idea how I can best solve this?
gr. Peter
Hello, you can try to reset Windows update: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-update-resetten/
All settings will then be reset to default values as intended. Unintentional changes to Windows updates are reversed and processes and settings are restored. Also check additional software on your computer, such as a firewall or antivirus with firewall, and disable it during updates. Good luck! Greetings, Stefan
Always notified when I want to perform updates.
We cannot connect to the update service
Everything works, and the connection to the net is ok.
How do I solve this?
Hello, then the update service will be blocked in Windows. It is possible that you have accidentally done this yourself with software or that components in Windows have been damaged.
I recommend resetting Windows update: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-update-resetten/.
If it still didn't help, try this: https://answers.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windows/forum/all/we-kunnen-geen-verbinding-maken-met-de/c8a35a3a-bafd-4bb8-83bf-4b8f3159b148
If nothing works, the update service may be blocked via the HOSTS file, then run the following: https://support.microsoft.com/nl-nl/topic/hoe-het-hosts-bestand-opnieuw-op-de-standaardwaarden-kan-worden-ingesteld-c2a43f9d-e176-c6f3-e4ef-3500277a6dae
In all cases, create a restore point first to avoid problems: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-herstelpunt-maken-en-terugzetten-uitgebreide-instructie/
Good luck! Greetings, Stefan
Hello Stefan
I am also trying to install Windows 10 update version 20H2 but this has not worked for 3 days. The troubleshooter indicates that there is an error in the Windows update database. How can I solve this? Many thanks in advance. Greetings Alice
Hello, I have sent you an email requesting more information. Greetings, Stefan
I have a problem for which there is no solution yet. Lenovo all in one, always updated well over the years. Once you reach version 1904, an attempt is made to install version 20H2 on the PC. But every time the message comes: installation failed (no error message). Last week it finally seemed to work, the result: I now have version 1703. Two very experienced men in the computer world have not managed to do it either. The hard drive has been completely empty and scanned for malware, viruses and possibly damage/errors. Installed new drivers, installed Windows 10 instead of 20H2, it became 1703. Asked Microsoft and Lenovo for help, no one at home. In any case, a Lenovo product will never come home again. Greetings Johan.
Hello Stefan,
After I finally made time (after so many months) and I also received the message "end of service", I freed up space on my Surface.
Finally installation completed after 2nd attempt but it stuck on restart (0%).
I force shut it down and restart it and have to start the installation from 0 again.
Hello Seher, what exactly is your question?
Greetings, Stefan
Hi Stefan, I received a message about lack of space on my second attempt. Then I followed your instructions under the title “remove update files…” and reinstalled them. When restarting it initially went to 100% and then it is still stating "installation in progress" still 0% and also that "PC is being restarted several times".
Is it normal for it to take so long? Thank you in advance.
Hi Seher, yes this may take a long time. It also depends on which update it concerns and the specifications of your computer. You cannot solve the message about lack of space (too little disk space) by deleting the update files. You can do this by deleting temporary files in Windows as shown in the first chapter in this article: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-cache-legen/. If the installation still does not work, first free up GB (gigabytes) of disk space and then try installing the update(s) again. Good luck! Greetings, Stefan.
Dear Stephen,
It finally worked. Let me summarize briefly.
1. In addition to my external drive, I also had to free up some GB on my PC. Then the installation worked, but I quit when I restarted because it took so long. But maybe I should keep waiting.
2. Now with second attempt I have followed the steps to delete the “update files” as explained in your blog. Afterwards I had to remove some GB again. After installation it took a long time to start up. I left the PC all night. By this morning the installation was successful.
Now it appears that an optional quality update is available for deee 20h2. Should I go into it or is it not necessary?
Thank you in advance.
Hello Seher, glad it worked out. I wouldn't install the optional updates if you aren't having any computer problems. These are not directly security updates or new features.
Good luck! Greetings, Stefan
Hi Stephen,
First of all, a compliment for the explanation. Super clear steps.
I have been trying for a number of months through various channels ('search for updates', Windows Update Assistant and attempt via www) to get Windows 10 to the 20H2 level (current version 1909). So far, still without results. I followed all the tips in your article (also several times, each time against my better judgement, hoping for a different outcome). Performed up to three times - Windows reset while retaining own files. (I don't really dare to completely reinstall, because I'm afraid of losing files)
I have seen various texts such as: 'your device is missing important security and quality fixes' (this is almost standard) and 'Your PC is not updated, your version of Windows has reached the end of service'
A few error messages that I have noted (but not all and often no error code is given) are: 0xc1900101, 0xc1900130
After the last attempt to reset Windows (while retaining my own files), I received a message from Windows Assistant that my version is outdated and the latest version would be 21H1. That was new, so I clicked 'install now' in good spirits. That seemed to go well, including the 'installation complete' and restarting. Until I looked at 'check for updates' and was back to square one...
Oh yes, the troubleshooter indicates that the problem cannot be determined by troubleshooting.
And the updates always take a terribly long time. Despite turning off the internet and virus scanner (I deleted my 3rd party virus scanner).
Do you have any bright ideas?
Greetings Kitty
Addition: the current version is because I reset Windows yesterday 😉
Hello Kitty,
thank you for your message. I read that you have already done just about everything to get it working. However, I still miss SFC and DISM. These are actions to repair Windows components if they are damaged. I recommend running SFC and DISM: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/3-tips-om-een-probleem-in-windows-op-te-lossen/
Also check your PC for malware with Malwarebytes: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/alles-wat-u-wilt-weten-over-malwarebytes-uitgebreide-informatie/
I understand that you say I don't want to reinstall Windows, but if it doesn't work, the options are simply gone. If you decide to reinstall Windows 10 anyway: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-10-installeren-vanaf-usb/
Another option is to register Windows with Windows Insider. You will then be offered Windows 11. I have been working with it for a long time and this version is simply stable. Windows 11 will be pushed to all Windows 1 computers in 10 month from October 5, 2021. Installing Windows 11 also preserves your files and (I hope) Windows 11 can update: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/windows-11-downloaden/
Greetings, Stefan
Hi Stefan,
Thanks for your quick response!
I have already performed the SFC and DISM in previous attempts (also following the instructions on your website). That didn't yield any results at all. Would it be useful to try again?
I'm going to run the check for malwarebytes. And fingers crossed that there is nothing in it, because then my virus scanner would not work properly..
Then the next step is to install the laptop from scratch...
I quickly see on the Windows Insider site that there is no charge, but you have to give feedback on Windows 11 or am I misunderstanding that?
Hi Kitty, the Windows Insider previews are completely free. You can provide feedback, but it is not necessary. You can use Windows 11 the same way you use Windows 10.
Greetings, Stefan
Hi Stephen,
One more question: I read on another site that I first have to make sure I save drivers and installation files somewhere before I boot Windows from USB?
How do I do that? There are a lot of drivers when I look in device manager...
Hi Kitty, if you are going to reinstall Windows from USB, it is advisable to make backups of drivers. This can save time if you need to reinstall hardware devices. You can backup the drivers by following the steps in this article: https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/backup-maken-van-windows-10-drivers-en-drivers-herstellen/
Windows will also reinstall a lot of drivers after a new installation. It depends entirely on how much hardware is connected to your computer, but making a backup is always a good idea. Greetings, Stefan
Top! That looks a lot easier than what I had in mind.
Thank you again for this quick response!
I'll make the backups and then I'll start the major cleaning (new installation) tomorrow. Just spend a night gathering courage.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Hi Stephen,
I've been dealing with this for a while...
There are problems installing the updates, but we will try the installation again later. If you receive this message again and want to find more information online or get support, the following may be helpful: (0x80070017)
I had given up until I came across your site!
First of all, my compliments for clearly describing potential solutions.
Did everything as described, but unfortunately I still get the message again.
Have new plans of attack already emerged to tackle this problem?
Greetings,
Do
Hello Do,
I see that you have already tried the tips in the article. It therefore strongly seems to me that the problem lies in Windows Update. The problem may therefore be in Windows. In the following article I describe 3 ways to solve a problem in Windows. I recommend running the: SFC and DISM scan.
https://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-tips/3-tips-om-een-probleem-in-windows-op-te-lossen/
The SFC and DISM tools repair damaged Windows system files and restore services. This process can take a while, so take your time (the lead time is long). Restart your computer when it is completed.
Hi Stefan, I can't get past 61% during installation. Do you have an explanation for this? Sincerely
Hi Reg Klein, this is a common problem. There are quite a few rigorous solutions. However, I recommend trying the following first, namely clean booting Windows. In most cases it is a software conflict and this allows you to boot Windows without third-party software: http://www.pc-tips.info/tips/windows-10/windows-schoon-opstarten/
The following is important. If you clean boot Windows, you must then delete the Windows update files as indicated in this instruction. Only then start the Windows update. Good luck! I'd like to hear if it has been resolved. Greetings, Stefan
Hi Stefan, I have followed all your steps, unfortunately the installation is stuck again at 61%, do you have any ideas?
Kind regards Reg
Hi Reg Klein, I have another possible solution.
Conexant drivers would be the problem if some solutions are to be believed. Give it a try. Perform the above but restart your computer did not. Let me know if it worked.
Good luck! Greetings, Stefan
Hi Stefan, the update has been installed 🙂 . Thanks for the help! Kind regards Reg
Top! thanks for the feedback. Greetings, Stefan
Hi Stefan, I followed all your steps (did it several times myself). The installation seemed to be successful because I was guided through the wizard, which I also continued on my other computer to a successful update, but I again get the message that the update has failed. Error: 0xC1900101 – 0x20017. The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during the BOOT operation. Do you have any more tips? Thank you in advance
Hello Marieke,
Have you ever read this information? This is someone with the same problem. There is also a solution/advice:
https://answers.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windows/forum/windows_10-winpc/foutmelding-0xc1900101-0x20017-bij-installeren/0efcaf14-df07-4705-adf0-399dd349c080
Good luck! Greetings, Stefan
I have now tried all options, even resetting/updating ISO from ISO, but it was not possible to get 20h2 into the Windows system.
Do you have any other solution?
Hello Henk, when you start Windows update to download and install Windows 20H2, do you get a specific error message? Your reaction please. Normally the 20H2 update must be installed via Windows Update.
Greetings Stefan