How to run the Windows Update troubleshooter
- Windows 11, version 26H1
- Windows 11, version 25H2
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- Windows 10, version 22H2
Priya Natarajan3 min readQuick answer
To run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and click the Run button next to Windows Update. The tool automatically scans background update components, resolves configuration errors, and clears cached files. After the process finishes, restart your computer and check for updates again.
Windows monthly updates and feature releases deliver essential security improvements, bug fixes, and system capabilities to your PC. However, update processes can occasionally freeze, fail to download, or throw unexpected error messages during installation. These problems affect users across supported operating systems, including Windows 11, version 24H2, Windows 11, version 25H2, and Windows 10, version 22H2. Update hiccups usually happen when background servicing components stop responding or cached download files become corrupted.
When Windows Update stops working, you do not need to perform complex manual repairs right away. Microsoft includes built-in diagnostic tools designed to detect and resolve common servicing issues automatically. Learning how to run the Windows Update troubleshooter and its associated diagnostic applications gives you a quick, reliable path to getting your system back on track.
Method 1: Run the troubleshooter from Settings
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard or select the Start menu.
- Click Settings to open the main configuration panel.
- Navigate to Settings > System from the left sidebar.
- Scroll down the right pane and select Troubleshoot.
- Click Other troubleshooters to display the full list of automated repair tools.
- Locate Windows Update near the top of the page.
- Click the Run button next to Windows Update to initiate the automated scan.
- Follow any on-screen prompts while the utility checks your background services.
Use this method as your primary diagnostic step whenever a monthly update or version update fails to install. After the troubleshooter completes its run, it provides a summary showing which issues were identified and fixed. Restart your PC afterwards to ensure all repaired services reload cleanly.
Method 2: Diagnostic repair using the Get Help app
- Open the Start menu on your device.
- Type Get Help into the search bar.
- Click the Get Help app icon from the search results to launch it.
- Type troubleshoot update issues into the search box at the top of the application.
- Select the automated troubleshooting options provided in the response area.
- Follow the guided prompt steps to allow the app to test system update resources.
Use this option if the standard Settings troubleshooter does not resolve your update issue or if you want guided interactive assistance. The Get Help app performs targeted health checks on system components and recommends direct fixes tailored to your current software state.
Method 3: Verify hardware and system readiness with PC Health Check
- Launch the Start menu on your computer.
- Open the PC Health Check app from your installed applications list.
- Locate the status section on the main screen.
- Click Check now to review overall device performance and update readiness.
- Review the status indicators for storage, memory integrity, and system requirements.
Use this method when preparing your computer for major feature releases like Windows 11, version 24H2 or version 25H2. The PC Health Check app helps verify that your machine meets all system requirements and configuration criteria before initiating large version updates.
Method 4: Reset Windows Update components via PowerShell
- Right-click the Start button on your taskbar.
- Select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) from the power user menu.
- Type the command to stop the background update service and press Enter.
- Type the command to clear the pending update cache folders and press Enter.
- Type the command to restart the update servicing background processes and press Enter.
- Close the PowerShell window and restart your computer.
Caution: Modifying system services and clearing servicing caches through PowerShell requires administrator access. Ensure you enter commands accurately to avoid stopping unrelated background system tasks. Use this advanced method when the automated troubleshooter reports no errors but your update downloads remain stuck indefinitely. Afterwards, go back to Settings > Windows Update to verify that fresh update downloads commence.
If nothing worked
If running the built-in troubleshooter and diagnostic tools does not restore update functionality, the issue may stem from an active safeguard hold or a temporary service alert. Check the official Windows release health portal to see if your current build—such as Windows 11, version 24H2 or Windows 11, version 26H1—has any known issues affecting update delivery.
For personalized remote guidance, you can also launch Quick Assist from the Start menu to let a trusted technical professional help resolve underlying file corruption. Alternatively, opening the Get Help app provides access to additional Microsoft support resources to troubleshoot persistent installation errors.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Windows Update troubleshooter located in Windows 11?
You can find it by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Look for Windows Update in the list and click the Run button next to it.
What should I do after running the Windows Update troubleshooter?
Once the utility finishes scanning and applying fixes, restart your computer. After rebooting, go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates to resume downloading.
What if the Windows Update troubleshooter cannot fix the problem?
If the troubleshooter fails to fix the issue, open the Get Help app for guided diagnostics, check the PC Health Check app for system readiness, or consult Windows release health for known update issues.
Verified: pending — this guide is awaiting a hands-on check on a current build.
Writes Thea's how-to guides for new and changed Windows 11 features: where a setting moved, how to turn it on or off, and what it actually does. Every guide is checked against Microsoft's release notes and updated when a new build changes the steps.
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