7 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Updates Not Downloading or Installing

Quick Tips

• Windows requires at least 20GB of free storage to install updates smoothlyso ensure your PC has enough space.
• Try restarting services related to Windows Update and turning off the metered connection.
• Consider booting your PC in clean boot mode to avoid interference from third-party apps and programs.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a dedicated troubleshooter that can automatically scandetectand fix any issues with Windows Updates. It’s a good idea to run this tool before trying anything else.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings appthen go to System > Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Go to Other troubleshooters.

Step 3: Click the Run button next to Windows Update. The tool will start scanning your system for any problems and fix them.

Fix 2: Check Services Related to Windows Update

Another reason Windows 11 may fail to download or install updates is if some of the services related to Windows updates are not running. SpecificallyWindows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (or BITS) are the two services that must run in the background for Windows updates to be applied.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog boxtype services.mscand press Enter.

Step 2: Locate and double-click the Windows Update service to open its properties.

Step 3: Change the Startup type to Automatic > hit Apply.

Similarlychange the startup type for Background Intelligent Transfer Service to Automatic and then restart your PC.

Fix 3: Disable Metered Connection

Windows may fail to download large update files if you have enabled the metered connection option. Henceit’s best to turn it off.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app > go to the Network & internet tab > click on Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Click on your Wi-Fi network to open its properties.

Step 3: Disable the toggle for Metered connection.

Fix 4: Delete Existing Update Files From SoftwareDistribution Folder

If the Windows 11 update appears stuckthere could be an issue with the downloaded update files. To fix itdelete the existing update files from the SoftwareDistribution folder and start over.

Step 1: Click on the search icon on the taskbartype services in the boxand select the first result.

Step 2: Locate and right-click on Windows Update > select Stop.

Step 3: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box. Type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and press Enter.

Step 4: Select all files in the SoftwareDistribution folder and click the trash icon at the top to delete them.

Step 5: Return to the Services window > right-click on Windows Update > click Start.

Fix 5: Run SFC and Check Disk Scans

Issues with the system files on your PC can also affect the Windows update process. To rule this outrun an SFC (System File Checker) scan and Check Disk to repair corrupted or missing system files on your PC. Here’s how.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu icon > select Terminal (Admin).

Step 2: Paste the following command in the console and press Enter.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Paste the following command in the console and press Enter to run the check disk scan.

chkdsk C: /f

Restart your PC after running the above commands and try to install Windows updates again.

Fix 6: Check Device Manager for Errors

Third-party drivers on your PC can also sometimes interfere with Windows processes. If one of the drivers on your PC is causing an issueyou must fix it first by employing the steps below.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Scroll through the list and look for drivers with a yellow exclamation sign. If one is foundright-click on it and select Update driver.

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish updating the driver. Once updatedcheck to see if Windows can install updates.

Fix 7: Try Clean Boot

If nothing workstry booting Windows in a clean boot state. This will load your PC without third-party apps and programs and prevent them from interfering with the update process.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog boxtype msconfigand press Enter.

Step 2: Under the Services tabcheck the box for Hide all Microsoft services box. Thenclick the Disable all button.

Step 3: Switch to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.

Step 4: Select a third-party app or program and click the Disable button at the top. Repeat this step to disable all the third-party apps and programs.

Restart your PC to enter the clean boot stateand you should be able to install Windows updates without a problem.