Windows 10 won't update: Possible causes and solutions

When Windows 10 does not update, for whatever reason, prevents the latest version of the operating system from being installed on our computerThese updates include security patches and vulnerability fixes, so it's very important to install them. So, what can you do if you're having trouble updating Windows 10?

Next, we will list the Most common reasons why Windows 10 won't updateAs well as possible solutions In each case, the operating system will usually update automatically and all you have to do is restart the computer to successfully complete the process. But sometimes complications arise that warrant additional adjustments, some simple and others more complicated. Let's take a look.

Windows 10 won't update: Causes and solutions

The worst thing that can happen to Windows 10 users now is that the operating system presents update failuresMicrosoft has announced that official support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025. Therefore, what we want most is to enjoy its last months of life completely normally and without any unpleasant surprises.

However, there may be cases where Windows 10 does not update and it is necessary to apply some corrective measures manually. Perhaps the update process stops at a certain point and the system throws an error message or that the installation could not be completed. When something like this happens, it is normal that Let's restart the computer and run the process again hoping it works this time.

If the problem is not resolved and Windows 10 does not update even with repeated restarts, you need to start rule out possible causes one or more times. We can start by running the Windows Troubleshooter until we have to load a previous restore point.

Check the internet connection

Sometimes Windows 10 fails to update due to poor or unstable internet connectivity, which makes it impossible to download files correctly. So it is best to rule out this problem first and check that we can browse the web without difficulty. To check our Internet connectivity, just open some pages in the browser and see if everything works fine.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

The best way to fix update issues in Windows 10 and 11 is by running the windows update troubleshooterThis native Windows tool is responsible for finding and installing updates to the operating system. And if something goes wrong, it is the best suited to identify errors and fix them automatically. So, follow these steps to run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

1. Click on the button Home and select Configuration.
2. Now choose the option Update and security and click the option Solve problems.
3. Now choose the option Troubleshooting additional issues.
4. Under the list Working, Click on Windows Update.
5. Now press the button Run the problem solver.
6. If the troubleshooter finds a problem, it follows the instructions to fix it automatically.
7. When finished, restart your computer and check for updates again.

Verify the integrity of the operating system

If Windows 10 does not update, the reason may be a failure in the integrity of the operating system. Maybe some of the original system files have been deleted, moved or modified for one reason or another.. Therefore, it is worth checking by running the following commands in a CMD window with Administrator permissions:

• sfc / scannow
• DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/CheckHealth
• DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/ScanHealth
• DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth

By running these commands, the system performs a general check to see if it has all the original files. If any errors are found, The system will try to repair them automatically.. Once the processes have finished, you can restart your computer and try to update Windows 10.

Delete residual files if Windows 10 does not update

Another possible reason why Windows 10 does not update could be the presence of residual files on the systemThese are temporary files that Windows Update used to run past updates. When these processes are finished, the temporary files are automatically deleted. However, it is possible that some files become blocked and cause conflicts when a new update is run.

So if you are having trouble updating Windows 10, you can try manually delete these residual filesTo do this, just type these paths, one by one, into the file explorer:

• C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution
• C:/Windows/System32/catroot2

Once inside each folder, delete all the files inside. Remember that You should only delete the files, not the entire folders., as this may cause more problems. This will clear the way for the new update's temporary files to run smoothly.

Windows 10 won't update: disable antivirus

If you have recently installed an antivirus or any other program, this may be the reason why Windows 10 is not updating. Some antivirus programs may flag update files as potential threats.If so, they will likely be blocked or quarantined from running, making it impossible to update the system.

Therefore, if the problems to update Windows 10 persist, try disabling the antivirus temporarily. Then check for updates and try to install them. If all goes well, you may need to contact the antivirus developer to report the problem. Or you may need to change your protection program to prevent future failures.

Load a previous restore point

Finally, if none of the above solutions have worked, it may be time to restore your computer to a previous state. This action usually solves many incompatibility problems, especially if we have recently installed a program.. In this way, we bring the operating system to a point where it was working normally, and from there we can update it.

If you load a restore point and your computer still doesn't update, it may be that format it and reinstall Windows 10Of course, you should make a backup first to keep your most important files safe. Fortunately, it is rarely necessary to go to this extreme, as restoring to a previous point can fix the problem.