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How to Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

| IT Fixes

If your Windows updates are failing or getting stuck, the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter can help. This guide applies to employees using Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11, and walks through how to run the troubleshooter to identify and resolve common update problems automatically.

Run the Troubleshooter on Windows 10 and Windows 11

  1. Open Settings: Press Win + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. Alternatively, click the Start Menu and select Settings.
  2. Navigate to Troubleshoot: Inside Settings, go to System > Troubleshoot, then click Other troubleshooters.
  3. Run the Troubleshooter: Under the Most frequent section, locate Windows Update and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The troubleshooter will scan for issues and suggest fixes. Apply the recommended solution, then check whether the problem is resolved.

Run the Troubleshooter on Older Versions (Windows 7 and 8.1)

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to Troubleshooting > Fix problems with Windows Update.
  3. Click Next to run the troubleshooter and follow the steps provided.

Additional Tips

  • Restart your computer after applying any fixes to make sure changes take effect.
  • Run the troubleshooter with administrative privileges for the best results.
  • If the problem continues after running the troubleshooter, consider resetting Windows Update components manually or reaching out for further assistance.

Still having trouble? Contact the ACS support team for help.

Common questions

What does the Windows Update Troubleshooter actually do?

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in Windows tool that scans your system for common update-related problems, identifies the cause, and suggests or applies fixes automatically.

Do I need administrator access to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter?

Running the troubleshooter with administrative privileges is recommended, as it produces better results and allows it to apply certain fixes that require elevated permissions.

What should I do if the troubleshooter does not fix my Windows Update issue?

If problems persist after running the troubleshooter and restarting your computer, the next step is to manually reset Windows Update components. You can also contact ACS support at https://acsapp.com/contact-us/ for further assistance.