Windows Update Fails to Update

Summary: Resolving Windows Update failure to update.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

Occasionally, when attempting to update Windows, you may encounter issues with installing updates and not receive an error code. In addition, some error codes may not provide a lot of information about what caused the updates to fail, making it difficult to troubleshoot. Detailed in this article are a few options for Windows that you can try which may allow updates to proceed as expected.

Cause

Not applicable

Resolution

  1. Search for either Windows PowerShell or Terminal and open it by right-clicking it and selecting Run as Administrator.
  2. Stop Windows Update Service Type by typing net stop wuauserv and then press Enter.
  3. Stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service by typing net stop bits and then press Enter.
  4. Delete temporary files by typing remove-item -Path $env:temp*pending.xml-force and then press Enter. Then, type remove-item -Path C:\Windows\WinSxS*pending.xml -force and then press Enter.
  5. Type get-childItem C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download -recurse | remove-item -force -recurse and then press Enter.
  6. Restart the services by typing net start wuauserv and then press Enter. Then, type net start bits and then press Enter.

Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Dell Laptops, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude , Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max 16 XE MC16250 ...

Products

Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250 , Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000178461
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 18 Jul 2025
Version:  12
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