How to Fix Windows 11 Updates Not Installing

Windows 11 has been a visual revamp on Windows 10 adding features that would make using it easier for regular users. Since Windows 11 is still in the early stages, bugs and issues are common. These bugs are ironed out with regular Windows updates. Therefore, if  Windows 11 fails to download or install new updates for any reason, you would miss out on significant bug fixes. Here is How to Fix Windows 11 Updates Not Installing.

Check this- How to fix Unable to Change Sign-in PIN on Windows 11

Check Storage Space

One of the common reasons why your Windows Update is not installed is that your C drive might be running low on storage. Windows requires at least 20GB on the drive and Windows Updates won’t install if you don’t have ample storage. Therefore, it’s advisable to clear some storage and then check for updates.

Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has an in-built troubleshooter designed to identify and fix issues with a scan. Therefore, it’s a good idea to run this tool first before trying anything else.

1. Open Settings.
2. In the System tab, scroll down to click on Troubleshoot.
3. Go to Other troubleshooters.
4. Click on the Run button next to Windows Update.

Now the Troubleshooter will scan for problems and fix them automatically. After the scan, check for Windows Updates.

Check for Issues in Services Relates to Windows Updates

One of the major reasons why your Windows Updates are failing to install is if some of the services related to Windows updates are not running. Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (or BITS) are the two services running in the background for Windows updates to be applied.

1. Press Windows key + R to launch the Run Dialog box, type in services.msc, and press Enter.
2. In the Services window, locate the Windows Update service. Double-click on it to open its Properties.
3. Change the Startup type to Automatic. Then, hit Apply.
4. Next, locate and double-click on the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
5. Change the Startup type to Automatic and click on Apply to save changes.

Restart your PC for the changes to be applied and then check for Windows Updates.

Delete Existing Update Files

If the Windows 11 update appears stuck, there could be an issue with the downloaded update files. Therefore to counter this problem you need to delete existing update files from the SoftwareDistribution folder.

1. In the Search window, type services in the box, and select the first result that appears.
2. Find Windows Update service. Right-click on it and select Stop.
3. Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run Dialog box. Type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, and press Enter.
4. Select all files in the SoftwareDistribution folder and click on the trash icon at the top to delete them.
5. Go back to the Services window, right-click on Windows Update and click Start.

Now check for Windows Updates.

Check System Files and Disk

Issues with the system files on your PC can also affect the Windows update process. To check for issues you can run an SFC (System File Checker) scan to repair corrupted or missing system files on your PC.

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) from the list.
2. In the console paste the below command.

   sfc /scannow

3. After its completion, you’ll see a message conveying if the SFC scan found and fixed any issues.

If the scan detects any problems and manages to resolve them, then restart your PC and run Windows Update again.

Conclusion

Here is How to Fix Windows 11 Updates Not Installing. With the new Windows Update still in its early days, regular bug fixes and updates will be a common sight. Therefore it’s important that your PC can receive regular updates without any issues. However, if any of these methods didn’t work in solving your Windows Update issue, then we recommend contacting Customer Support at Microsoft.