Windows 10 Updates Not Downloading — What to Do?

Windows 10 updates are designed to install automatically, but sometimes things don't go as planned. If you're having trouble with updates not downloading, don't worry — there are several straightforward steps you can take to fix this issue. Let’s explore the common causes and solutions.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

One of the most common reasons updates fail to download is an unstable internet connection. Make sure your device is connected to a reliable network. Open a few web pages to test the speed and stability of your connection before attempting to download the updates again.

2. Free Up Disk Space

Windows updates require enough free space on your system drive (usually C:). If your disk is full, updates might not download. To free up space, delete unnecessary files, empty the recycle bin, or use the built-in "Disk Cleanup" tool.

3. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. Restarting your computer can end any active processes that might be interfering with the update download. After restarting, check for updates again via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

4. Use the Troubleshooter Tool

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix update problems. To use it:

• Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
• Select Troubleshoot and then choose Windows Update.
• Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Reset Windows Update Components

If the updates still won’t download, you might need to reset the Windows Update components manually using the Command Prompt:

  net stop wuauserv

  net stop cryptSvc

  net stop bits

  net stop msiserver

  ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

  ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

  net start wuauserv

  net start cryptSvc

  net start bits

  net start msiserver

These commands stop the update services, rename the folders storing update cache, and restart the services. Once done, restart your computer and try updating again.

6. Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Sometimes, third-party antivirus programs or the built-in Windows Firewall can block the update download. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall, then check for updates again to see if it resolves the issue.

7. Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can also cause issues with updates. Use the SFC tool to scan and repair these files:

  sfc /scannow

Run this command in an elevated Command Prompt (with admin rights). Wait for the scan to complete, and if any errors are found, the tool will attempt to fix them automatically.

8. Manually Install Updates

If none of the above methods work, you can try downloading and installing updates manually from the official Microsoft website. Use the Windows Update Assistant tool to get the latest updates.