Troubleshoot problems updating Windows 10

If you are receiving an error message with a specific error code, see Fix Windows Update errors to help resolve common update issues.

Many updates require you to restart your device. Save your work and close all open applications. Then, go to Start  > Power  , and select either Update and restart or Update and shut down.

Make sure that your device has enough space. Your device requires at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade a 32-bit OS, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS. If your device has a small hard drive, you may need to insert a USB drive to update it.

If your PC is running low on storage, try the techniques at Free up drive space in Windows 10.

Even if you have downloaded some updates, there may be more available. After trying the preceding steps, run Windows Update again by going to Start > Settings  > Update & Security > Windows Update  > Check for updates. Download and install any new updates.

Check for updates in Settings

Remove any external storage devices and drives, docks, and other hardware plugged into your device that isn’t needed for basic functionality.

If you've added hardware to your device, check for third-party driver updates and installation instructions on the hardware manufacturer’s website.

1. Select Start .
2. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager.
3. Choose Device Manager from the results.
4. In the window that appears, look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark next to it. (You may have to select each category to view the list of devices). Select the device name.
5. Go to Action.
6. Select either Update driver or Uninstall to correct the errors.

You may not have permission to install some updates if your account doesn’t have Administrator access. If someone else at home or in your office has an Administrator account on your device, try logging in and updating using that account.  

Windows 10 is the most secure Windows ever, and we recommend you stay updated to protect your PC from security risks and to keep it running smoothly. Learn more about controlling how and when you update at the Windows Update: FAQ page.

You will only receive a notification when it’s time to restart your computer to apply the installed updates.

Monthly quality updates on Windows 10 are quite small and have a minimal impact on data usage. Feature updates happen twice per year. They require more data but are less frequent.

If you’re on a metered connection, some updates for Windows won’t be installed automatically. Learn more in the Metered connections in Windows 10 article.

The time required to download and install updates depends on connection speed, network settings, and the size of the update. If the installation remains stuck at the same percentage, try checking for updates again or running the Troubleshooter.

Get help by going to the Start  button, then type Get help in the search box on the task bar and choose from the list of results. You can leave feedback if you run into further problems by going to the Start  button and typing Feedback hub into the search box on the task bar. Choose Feedback hub from the list of results.

Your computer may be slow for a number of reasons, but updating to the latest version of Windows 10 can improve its performance. Learn more at Tips to improve PC performance in Windows 10.

If you are having trouble finding your files after an upgrade, see Find lost files after the upgrade to Windows 10 for other things to try.

In some instances, third-party antivirus or security software can cause errors when you try to update to the latest version of Windows 10. You can temporarily uninstall this software, update your PC, and then reinstall the software after your device is up to date. We recommend using third-party antivirus or security software that’s compatible with the latest version of Windows 10. You can check compatibility by visiting the software manufacturer’s website.

Select the Start  button. In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt. Choose Command Prompt from the list of results. In the window that appears, type chkdsk/f C: and press the Enter key. Repairs automatically start on your hard drive, and you’ll be asked to restart your device.

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update that may cause issues updating your PC. Learn how to do a clean restart. 

Select the Start  button. In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt. Choose Command Prompt from the list of results. In the window that appears, type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press the Enter key. Learn how to repair a Windows image.

Go to the software download page and select Download tool now to download the clean installation tool. Make sure to carefully read the notes on the software download page before using the tool.