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Windows 11 Update Error: Why it Fails & How to Fix it

Make sure the Update service is enabled

9 min. read

Updated onOctober 17, 2024

updated onOctober 17, 2024

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Windows 11 automatically downloads and installs updates to keep your system safe and stable. However, sometimes, these updates might fail to install, and you may have a Windows 11 Update error.

The Windows Update error is a broad description that includes many problems, issues, and mistakes preventing the update process from going smoothly.

Generally, in most cases, users encounter issues with Windows Update not working on Windows 11 when installing new updates on their computers.

It contains a long list of error codes, but they prevent you from updating your PC. Some of the common error codes include 0x800f0816 and 0xc1900101.

Why am I getting a Windows 11 Windows Update error?

Windows updates are core to your computer and laptop’s performance. They are there to ensure that your computer is running at its full potential.

However, there can be many reasons you may not be able to install the latest Windows Updates on your computer.

Some of the reasons include:

If you experience any of these issues, do not fret; there are many solutions you can attempt to fix the problem.

This being said, let’s see our seven ways to fix the Windows Update error and get back to your daily tasks.

How can I fix the Windows Update not working on Windows 11 issue?

1. Enable the Windows Update Service

This solution also works for the0x8024d001 Windows Update errorbut the highlighted guide provides more solutions.

2. Use a third-party tool

Corrupt or missing files usually cause update errors. Specialized software is helpful because it is designed to replace corrupted files with new Windows files and components.

Athird-party toolcan solve Windows 11 Windows Update errors by scanning your PC for missing or corrupted files that could be causing these issues with your operating system. Once it has narrowed down the problem, it will repair the affected areas using its massive database.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Another quick fix is torun the Windows Update troubleshooter. We have a dedicated guide on it if you need more info about this tool.

4. Free up disk space

Ensuring you have sufficient disk space can also help you avoid thePlease insert the external storage media and press OK; read this to learn more.

5. Run DISM and SFC commands

6. Disable Windows Defender temporarily

7. Manually update the Windows Update

I’m still getting the Windows 11 Update error, what can I do?

If you have tried all the solutions listed above but are still getting the Windows 11 Windows Update error, you should proceed to do a clean boot.

To perform a clean boot, follow the steps below:

What Windows Update errors can I get on my PC?

Many Windows update errors might pop up on your screens. Some of them are the following:

Why is Windows 11 failing to install?

There are a few reasons why the installation may fail, including:

Will a clean boot delete my files?

No, stopping unnecessary services and processes will not remove your files. Clean booting does not access, modify, or delete personal data from your computer.

A clean boot is a troubleshooting technique that starts Windows with the minimum drivers and startup programs so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program.

It helps eliminate software conflicts (for example, you might encounter a problem installing a program or an update).

However, as a precaution, you will need tomake a backup of your files. To do this, you can use a software program that will allow you to back up your entire system.

You can alsodelete backup cache filesto free up more disk space if you still face the Windows Update error.

Can’t install Windows 11 even though I meet the requirements?

While the minimum requirements are essential in installing the OS, other factors should be considered.

Earlier in this guide, we shed light on some of them, including old and non-essential apps, compatibility issues with antivirus apps, and outdated drivers. Before retrying the upgrade or installation, you should ensure none of these are an issue.

Taking note of these will help you if Windows 11 installation has failed even with no error code.

We hope you know how to fix Windows 11 update errors. It is important to note that we have not made these solutions in any particular order, and we expect that you pick the solutions that seem most appropriate to your case.

For further solutions, you may also refer to our guide on fixing theWindows Update error 0x8024a21e. We also have a great guide oninstall error – 0x800705b9, so don’t miss it for more solutions.

We also have a guide onerror code 0x80010105, so don’t miss it for more information.

If you were experiencing this error, we hope one of our solutions was able to come to your rescue. Feel free to share any additional tips in the comments section below.

Windows 11 Update Error: Why it Fails & How to Fix it#

How can I fix the Windows Update not working on Windows 11 issue?#

1. Enable the Windows Update Service#

2. Use a third-party tool#

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter#

4. Free up disk space#

5. Run DISM and SFC commands#

6. Disable Windows Defender temporarily#

7. Manually update the Windows Update#

I’m still getting the Windows 11 Update error, what can I do?#

What Windows Update errors can I get on my PC?#

Why is Windows 11 failing to install?#

Will a clean boot delete my files?#

Can’t install Windows 11 even though I meet the requirements?#