Most Common Windows Update Errors and How to Fix Them
Fix the most frequent failures when updating Windows without having to reinstall the system.
An update gets stuck, fails with a cryptic code, or simply never installs. Before looking up your specific error code, these general steps fix most cases, whatever they are.
Basic checks
Disk space, stable connection, unplug unnecessary USB devices.
Windows Update troubleshooter
Automatic, fixes a significant share of cases.
Reset the Windows Update components
The most powerful fix, via commands.
1. Basic checks
- At least 20 GB of free disk space — large updates need it to download and back up the old files in case something fails.
- A stable internet connection — avoid Wi-Fi with frequent interruptions while downloading.
- Unplug USB devices, external drives and non-essential printers — they sometimes interfere with the process for no obvious reason.
2. The automatic troubleshooter
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → "Windows Update" → Run. It automatically checks related services, permissions and temporary files.
3. Reset the Windows Update components (the most powerful fix)
If the automatic troubleshooter is not enough, this procedure "resets from scratch" the update system. Command Prompt as administrator:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
This command stops the Windows Update service, renames the folder where temporary downloads are stored (so Windows creates a new, clean one) and restarts the service. It does not delete any already installed update — only the temporary files from the download process.
Note: after this command, the next update check will take somewhat longer than usual, because Windows is rebuilding that folder from scratch. This is expected, not a new failure.
If you have a specific error code
We cover two of the most common ones in detail: error 0x80070057 and error 0x8007000d. For any other code, our guide on how to read a Windows error code helps you search for it effectively.
Last resort
If none of the above works, checking system file integrity (SFC) before considering a clean install — damaged system files are a common cause of persistent update failures.
Frequently asked questions
Does resetting the Windows Update components delete my already installed updates?
No, it only affects the temporary files from in-progress or failed downloads. Updates that already installed correctly remain intact.
How long does it take for Windows Update to work again after this process?
The next update check may take somewhat longer than usual, because Windows rebuilds the download folder from scratch — this is normal and does not indicate a new problem.
Do I need to do this every time an update fails?
No, save it for when the automatic Windows Update troubleshooter has not solved the problem. For one-off failures, the basic checks are usually enough.