Windows 10 update failures may appear in a variety of various ways at various stages in the process of updating. The most common message you’ll see is such as:
- Your Windows Update failed. But don’t worry. We can help.
- We were unable to finish the updates. Reversing changes. Do not turn off your computer.
- Inability to configure Windows updates. Reverting modifications. Make sure you turn on your PC.
In all the above instances and in other similar situations the message is displayed in a blue display unless you’ve made adjustments to Windows 10 color settings. The message can also appear after you’ve tried an update, and sometimes minutes or even hours after the update.
Cause of Windows 10 Update Failures
If you’re Windows 10 update failed, the most likely causes are:
- Multiple updates in queue One of the most frequent reasons for this is that Windows requires multiple updates. If that occurs, restarting and attempting again will bring about an update that is successful. It is also possible to fix any other issues that aren’t obvious and not major with the same solution.
- Insufficient drive space If your computer does not have enough space to run the Windows 10 update the update will be stopped and Windows will show an error message as a failed update. Clearing space can usually be the solution.
- Update files that are corruptly Eliminating the corrupt update files is usually the best way to fix this issue. It is possible to switch to Safe Mode to clear the files.
- Hardware conflict It is possible that you have some device that’s interfering with the process of updating. If you remove all your peripherals that aren’t needed and restart the update, it may be completed.
- driver conflicts The issue is a similar issue that has an identical solution. Unplug all of your peripherals like USB hubs, printers, or USB hubs, then try the update once more.
Errors related to Windows 10 updates failing
For resolving the issue with your Windows 10 update failure and successfully updating your operating system, test all of the fixes below in sequence. It is not necessary to test them all. If you are able to successfully upgrade Windows 10 after attempting a fix, you can be sure to ignore the rest and continue to your previously updated system.
- Try rerunning Windows Update. In most cases, restarting your PC and running the update should fix the issue. In the event that Windows 10 has multiple updates waiting to be downloaded, it’s quite normal that one of them fails during the first update procedure. In this case, it’s possible to restore the system by rebooting and then resuming the process of updating. If you find that your Windows 10 installation is significantly outdated it may be necessary to complete the update several times.
- Remove your peripherals from the socket and reboot. If running the update again doesn’t work it could be due to an issue with your driver or hardware. Try disconnecting all of the peripherals such as webcams, scanners, and microphones prior to rebooting. If only the essentials of a mouse and keyboard remain connected, launch Windows Update.
- Check your available drive space. One of the primary reasons for failing Windows 10 updates is insufficient space on your drive. Windows 10 already reserves space for updates, but there’s an opportunity that you’ll have to re-download when you’re only having a tiny amount of available storage. Make sure to clear out all the files that you don’t need or connect an external drive for moving files to, and try the update.
- Make use of to use the Windows 10 troubleshooting tool. Windows 10 includes a troubleshooter application that will help you fix many of the issues that arise with updates. Try using the troubleshooter and check if the upgrade will be successful.
To start this Windows 10 update troubleshooter:- Enter troubleshooting into the search box and then select troubleshoot options.
- Click for additional troubleshooting options to open Windows Update.
- Click to run for the Troubleshooter.
- Follow the prompts on the screen.
- Pause Windows 10 Updates. This technique temporarily halts updates. They will usually erase updated files from your PC and allow users to download fresh files, and hopefully complete your update.
- To update Windows, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Advanced Options.
- Find the Pause Updates Click on Pause Updates, then turn the toggle to turn it off.
- Make sure to restart your system.
- Return to Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Advanced Options.
- Select the Pause Updates to toggle to turn it turn off.
- Try rerunning Windows Update.
- Manually remove the Windows Update files. The first step should typically erase all of your Windows Update files, including the files that may be corrupt or downloaded files that have become stuck. If it does network, you’ll need to remove the SoftwareDistribution directory manually.
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode.
- Launch File Explorer, and navigate to C: Windows
- Find and remove your SoftwareDistributionfolder.
- Restart your computer and launch Windows Update.
- Install and download the most recent update manually. If you’re still unable to upgrade Windows 10, navigate to the official Download Windows 10 page, and select upgrade now. Save the update file on your personal computer and then launch it once it has finished downloading.
- Use the System File Checker. In this instance, there could be an issue with the Windows 10 installation. Use the System File Checker to check for, and hopefully correct any problems. Once it is finished you are able to reboot your system and try to update it.
- Restore the issue with your Windows 10 installation. There could be a problem in the Windows 10 installation that the System File Checker can’t fix. If you’d like to continue with the next step, it’s to do a reset or a reinstall, conserving all your files. It’s just one step short of the complete installation of Windows and is, therefore, an extremely drastic decision.
Make sure you backup your settings and files prior to you start and make sure that you choose the save your files option during the repair.
Is It Okay to Skip a Windows Update?
As a guideline, it is recommended to apply Windows updates. There are however some exceptions. If you encounter an update that is particularly problematic it is possible to decide whether to skip the update and execute an entirely new installation of Windows 10. In addition, some Windows 10 updates have been infamously difficult in that they are either difficult for many users to install, or cause huge problems for certain hardware configurations.
While you must always make an effort to regularly update Windows 10 to keep on current with the most recent security patches and enhancements, However, you might need to disregard the latest update and just keep waiting for the next.