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How to Fix Windows Updates Failing or Looping
Windows ProblemsIntermediate20-45 minutes

How to Fix Windows Updates Failing or Looping

Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
20-45 minutes
Category
Windows Problems

Windows updates stuck in an endless loop or failing repeatedly? Here's how to break the cycle and get your system updated properly.

💡What's Happening

You're trying to install Windows updates, but instead of completing successfully, they either fail with an error code, roll back, or get stuck in a frustrating loop where they download, fail, retry, and fail again. This is one of the most common Windows issues, and it's usually caused by corrupted update files, insufficient disk space, or conflicts with existing software.

The good news? Most update loops can be fixed without reinstalling Windows, and you don't need to be a tech expert to do it.

✓Quick Checks

Before diving into detailed fixes, try these quick things:

  • Restart your computer - Sometimes a simple reboot clears temporary issues
  • Check your disk space - Windows needs at least 10-20GB free to install updates
  • Disconnect external devices - USB drives, printers, and other peripherals can interfere with updates
  • Wait it out - If an update says "Installing" or shows a percentage, give it at least 2-3 hours before assuming it's stuck

🔧Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool designed specifically to fix update problems. It's surprisingly effective and should always be your first stop.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
  3. Find Windows Update and click Run
  4. Follow the prompts and let it scan for problems
  5. Restart your computer and try updating again

Fix 2: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Corrupted files in the update cache are a leading cause of update failures. Clearing this cache forces Windows to download fresh copies.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
  2. Find Windows Update in the list, right-click it, and select Stop
  3. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  4. Delete everything inside the SoftwareDistribution folder (you may need administrator permission)
  5. Go back to services.msc, right-click Windows Update, and select Start
  6. Try running Windows Update again

Fix 3: Use the DISM and SFC Tools

These built-in Windows tools repair corrupted system files that might be preventing updates from installing.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. Type this command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for it to complete (this can take 10-20 minutes)
  4. Then type: sfc /scannow and press Enter
  5. Wait for this scan to finish as well
  6. Restart your computer and attempt the update again

Fix 4: Install Updates Manually

If automatic updates keep failing, you can download and install them manually from Microsoft's Update Catalog.

  1. Note the KB number from the failing update (like KB5034441)
  2. Go to Microsoft Update Catalog
  3. Search for your KB number
  4. Download the version that matches your Windows version (check Settings > System > About)
  5. Run the downloaded .msu file and follow the installation wizard

⚠️If Nothing Worked

If you're still stuck in an update loop after trying the above fixes:

  • Check for driver conflicts - Outdated or incompatible drivers (especially graphics and chipset drivers) can block updates. Try updating your drivers from Device Manager.
  • Disable antivirus temporarily - Third-party antivirus software sometimes interferes with Windows updates. Disable it temporarily and try updating.
  • Use System Restore - If updates started failing after a recent change, restore your system to a point before the problem began.
  • Perform an in-place upgrade - Download the Windows Installation Media and perform an upgrade install, which repairs Windows without losing your files.

📞When to Call a Pro

Some update issues indicate deeper problems that need professional diagnosis:

  • You see error codes related to hardware (like 0x800F081F or 0x80070570)
  • Updates fail even after multiple repair attempts
  • Your computer is extremely old and might not support newer Windows versions
  • You're getting Blue Screen errors during update attempts
  • You're not comfortable using Command Prompt or editing system files

A professional can diagnose whether the issue is software-related or if there's a failing hard drive, insufficient RAM, or other hardware problem preventing updates.

Need Professional Help?

If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.

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Related Topics

updatestroubleshootingwindows-updateerror-codes

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