How to fix and reset the Windows Update components when updates keep failing

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix and reset the Windows Update components when updates keep failing. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

When Windows updates repeatedly fail to download or install, the underlying cause is often a corrupted Windows Update client or a stuck SoftwareDistribution folder. Resetting these components clears cached update files, restarts the relevant services, and forces Windows to rebuild its update infrastructure from scratch. The steps below walk you through the process on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Before You Begin

• Sign in to Windows with an account that has administrator privileges.
• Ensure your device is plugged in (if a laptop) and connected to the internet.
• Close any open applications, particularly third-party antivirus software, as it can interfere with the reset process.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Press Win + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
2. Run the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits
   net stop cryptsvc
   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   net start cryptsvc
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv

3. Close Command Prompt and try running Windows Update again.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Stop the Update-Related Services

The Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Windows Update service must be stopped before you can rename the SoftwareDistribution folder.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and locate each of the following services:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Cryptographic Services
3. Right-click each service, select Stop, and wait for the status to show as blank or "Stopped".

Step 2: Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary update files. Renaming it forces Windows to create a fresh folder on the next update cycle.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
2. Right-click the SoftwareDistribution folder and choose Rename.
3. Type SoftwareDistribution.old and press Enter.

If Windows reports the folder is in use, confirm that all three services from Step 1 are stopped, then try again.

Step 3: Reset the Catroot2 Folder

The Catroot2 folder stores signature data used by Windows Update. Resetting it resolves issues caused by corrupted signature files.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (as in the Quick Fix Steps).
2. Run the following commands one at a time:

   net stop cryptsvc
   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
   net start cryptsvc

Step 4: Restart the Update Services

1. Return to the Services window.
2. Right-click each of the following services and select Start:
   • Cryptographic Services
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Windows Update
3. Confirm each service shows a status of Running.

Step 5: Clear the Windows Update Cache (Optional)

For stubborn issues, clearing the BITS and Windows Update download queues can help.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run the following commands:

   bitsadmin /list /allusers
   bitsadmin /reset /allusers

3. Restart your computer when finished.

Step 6: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and repair common update issues.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Locate Windows Update and click Run.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts and apply any recommended fixes.

Step 7: Manually Trigger Windows Update

1. Press Win + I and go to Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Allow Windows to download and install any available updates.
4. Restart your computer when prompted.

Related Articles

• How to update Windows
• Troubleshooting Windows 11 Update Issues
• Optimizing Windows 11 Performance
• Windows 11 Security Best Practices

Still Having Issues?