Windows Update errors usually show up as "There were some problems installing updates" with a code like 0x800f0922 or 0x80070002. The codes vary, but the fixes are mostly the same. Start at the top and stop when updates install again.
1. Basic checks
- Restart the PC, then go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates again.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable. If you use a VPN, turn it off for now.
- Check Settings > Time & language > Date & time. A wrong clock can break the connection to the update servers.
- Unplug USB drives and other external storage you don't need.
2. Free up storage space
If the C: drive is nearly full, updates can fail to download or fail mid-install. Check Settings > System > Storage, clear Temporary files, and uninstall apps you don't use. Big feature updates need noticeably more free space than monthly patches.
3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run next to Windows Update. On Windows 11 this launches the Get Help app, which diagnoses the problem automatically. Restart afterwards and try updating again.
4. Reset the update cache (SoftwareDistribution)
When downloaded update files get corrupted, Windows keeps failing on them. Renaming the cache folders forces a fresh download.
Open Command Prompt with Run as administrator and run these commands one at a time:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start wuauservThe first three lines stop the update-related services, the two ren lines rename the cache folders, and the last three start the services again. If a rename fails with "Access is denied," a service hasn't fully stopped yet; wait a moment and retry. Once updates work, you can delete the .old folders.
5. Repair system files with DISM and SFC
In the same admin Command Prompt, run these two commands in order. Each can take a while, so let them finish.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannowDISM repairs the Windows component store first, then SFC uses it to fix protected system files. Our Windows repair guide explains the results in more detail.
6. Windows 11: reinstall the current version
Windows 11 can reinstall itself through Windows Update while keeping your files, apps and settings.
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
- Keep the PC plugged in and online until it finishes.
This option may be missing on PCs managed by work or school, or on older Windows 11 builds.
7. If nothing works
- Search the failing KB number in the Microsoft Update Catalog and install the update manually.
- For a feature update that keeps failing, run an in-place upgrade from Windows 11 installation media and choose to keep your files and apps.
FAQ
The update is stuck at 0% or 100% for hours.
Large updates can be slow. If the drive activity light is still flickering, give it time. If nothing changes for a long while, restart and do the cache reset in step 4.
Where can I see the error code?
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Failed updates are listed with their codes.
Can I just keep postponing updates?
You can pause them for a while with Pause updates, but security updates matter. Install them as soon as you can.