Restart your PC
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update)
Check date/time settings (Settings > Time & language > Date & time > Set time automatically)
Ensure you have a stable internet connection
Disconnect VPN/proxy (if used) and try again
Run System File Checker: open Command Prompt (Admin) and run `sfc /scannow`
Run DISM: open Command Prompt (Admin) and run `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth`
Clear Windows Update download cache:
Stop services: `net stop wuauserv` and `net stop bits`
Delete contents of `C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDownload`
Start services: `net start wuauserv` and `net start bits`
Reset Windows Update components (Admin Command Prompt):
Run:
`net stop wuauserv`
`net stop bits`
`net stop cryptsvc`
`ren %windir%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old`
`ren %windir%System32catroot2 catroot2.old`
`net start cryptsvc`
`net start bits`
`net start wuauserv`
Check disk space (keep at least 10–20 GB free) and retry
Install the latest servicing stack update (SSU) and then try the failed update again
Manually download and install the update from Microsoft Update Catalog
Temporarily disable third-party antivirus/firewall and retry
Perform a clean boot and retry Windows Update
Check for pending updates/reboots and restart if prompted
Update device drivers (especially chipset, storage, and network) using the manufacturer’s site
Run in-place repair/upgrade (keep files and apps) if updates repeatedly fail
Check Windows Update error code in Settings > Windows Update > Update history and search the exact code for targeted steps