How to Fix “Something Went Wrong” Windows Update
Are you frustrated by the “Something went wrong” error message that frequently appears during Windows updates? This issue can be a major inconvenience, preventing you from installing critical security patches and updates. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix the “Something went wrong” Windows update error and get your system up to date.
1. Check for Background Processes
The first step in resolving the “Something went wrong” error is to ensure that no background processes are interfering with the update process. To do this, follow these steps:
– Press the Windows key + X and select “Task Manager.”
– Go to the “Processes” tab and look for any unnecessary background processes.
– Right-click on the process and select “End Task” to close it.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to help resolve common update issues. To run it, follow these steps:
– Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
– Click on “Update & Security” and then “Troubleshoot.”
– Scroll down and click on “Additional troubleshooters.”
– Click “Run the troubleshooter” under “Windows Update.”
– Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
3. Reset Windows Update Components
If the Windows Update Troubleshooter does not resolve the issue, you can try resetting the Windows Update components. This will help to fix any corrupted files that may be causing the problem. To reset the components, follow these steps:
– Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
– Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
– `net stop wuauserv`
– `net stop cryptSvc`
– `net stop bits`
– `net stop msiserver`
– Navigate to the following directories and delete the contents:
– %WinDir%\SoftwareDistribution
– %WinDir%\System32\catroot2
– Restart the Windows Update services by entering the following commands:
– `net start wuauserv`
– `net start cryptSvc`
– `net start bits`
– `net start msiserver`
– Restart your computer and try running the Windows update again.
4. Manually Install the Update
If the previous steps do not work, you can try manually installing the update. To do this, follow these steps:
– Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website (Error.aspx
– Search for the specific update you need by entering its KB number in the search bar.
– Download the update and save it to your computer.
– Right-click on the downloaded file and select “Run as administrator.”
– Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
5. Seek Professional Help
If you have tried all the above steps and are still unable to resolve the “Something went wrong” Windows update error, it may be time to seek professional help. A certified technician can diagnose the issue and provide a tailored solution to get your system up to date.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “Something went wrong” Windows update error and ensure that your system remains secure and up to date.
