How To Fix When Windows Update Not Downloading

To keep devices running smoothly and bug-free, Windows regularly provides users of their operating system with updates that address issues related to security, function, etc. It’s a good practice to install the updates as soon as you receive them.

But what happens when, one day, a Windows update won’t download, you can’t install it, and you don’t know why?

You might be tempted to just keep using your device without the latest updates, but you shouldn’t. Your best bet is to find the reason why a Windows update fails to download. Rather than give up, read this article to find possible solutions to your dilemma and make sure your computer’s system is up to date.

Steps to Fix Windows Update Not Downloading

Some updates require administrator access to install. An administrator has access to anything on the device’s system. To create an administrator account in Windows (if you don’t have one already). Here are the steps:

1. Select “Start” and go to “Settings.”
   
2. Choose “Accounts.”
   
3. Select “Family & Other Users.”
   • Some Windows users will just see “Other Users.”
     
4. Choose “Add Account.”
   
5. Select “I Don’t Have This Person’s Sign-in Information.”
   
6. On the next page, choose “Add a User Without a Microsoft Account.”
   
7. Choose a username, password, and security questions.
   

It is essential to choose a secure password and keep it safe. Administrator account passwords cannot be recovered.

The amount of hard drive space on your devices is crucial too. You need sufficient available disk space for the new update to install and operate. If you’re not sure how much disk space you have, don’t give up hope. Try these suggestions to find out how much space you have and how to create more:

First, check how much hard space you have available. To view how much space you have available:

1. Select File Explorer in the taskbar. You can also press the Windows logo + E.
   
2. Choose “Computer” or “This PC.”
   
3. Go to “Devices and Drives.” (Some devices show Hard Disk Drives for this step.) You will see how much free space you have under the drive (and if there’s enough for the update). If there is more than one drive listed, your system drive will be indicated by a Microsoft Windows logo.
   

There are a few ways to free up space on your drive if you are running low. First, you can run “Disk Cleanup.” This is a Microsoft utility used to safely remove files you don’t need. Follow these steps:

1. Type “disk cleanup” in the taskbar search box.
   
2. Choose “Disk Cleanup” then select the drive you want to clean.
   
3. Select “OK” and choose the file types you want to delete. Tap “OK” to confirm.
   

Disk Cleanup can be used to delete temporary and system files. Select the file to get the description. If you cannot update Windows after running Disk Cleanup try these steps:

1. Uninstall apps you don’t use.
   
2. Delete files you don’t need.
   
3. Move OneDrive files to online only.
   
4. Move OneDrive files to a removable drive.
   
5. Add more storage to your device.
   

Many updates require the device to be restarted. Save your work and close any applications that are open. Then restart the device:

1. Select “Start.”
   
2. Go to “Power.”
   
3. Choose “Update and Restart” or “Update and Shut Down.”
   

Run Windows Update again when the device restarts.

There may be more than one update that needs to be installed. To run Windows Update:

1. Select “Start.”
   
2. Go to “Settings.”
   
3. Choose “Windows Update.”
   
4. Select “Check for Updates.”
   
5. Download and install new updates.
   
   

Sometimes external devices – printers, scanners, headphones or speakers – may be interfering with the download. Remove and unplug any nonessential hardware and disconnect external hard drives and USB flash drives. Additionally, check to see whether you need to update any third-party drivers from the hardware you have installed.

To see if there is a conflict, check the Device Manager for errors. Follow these steps:

1. Type “Device Manager” in the taskbar search box.
   
2. Choose “Device Manager.”
   
3. Look for any device in the pop-up window with a yellow exclamation mark next to it.
   
4. Select “Action.”
   
5. Select “Update Driver” or “Uninstall” to fix the errors.
   

The time it takes to update Windows depends on the connection speed of your device. Network settings and the size of the update also affect how long the update takes. The problem could also be as simple as a dropped internet connection. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter if your update stops installing in the middle of the process.

Windows Update Not Downloading Windows 10

If you’re having trouble downloading an update on Windows 10, you may need an administrator account to install it. Create an administrator account in Windows 10 if you don’t have one.

To create an Administrator Account:

1. Select Start > Settings.
   
2. Go to “Accounts.”
   
3. Choose “Family & Other Users” or “Other Users.”
   
4. Go to “Add Account.”
   
5. Select “I Don’t Have This Person’s Sign-in Information.”
   
6. On the next page choose” Add a User Without a Microsoft Account.”
   
7. Pick a username, secure password, and security questions.
   

You can give a local user administrative permissions as an alternative. To change your local user account to an administrative account:

1. Select “Start > Settings.”
   
2. Go to “Accounts.”
   
3. Select the local account owner under “Family and Other Users.”
   
4. Choose “Chance Account Type.”
   
5. Select “Administrator” and then “OK.”
   

Some of your Windows 10 updates may not download because they need administrative permissions. The updates may install once you have an administrator in place. Once that’s done, you can take further steps to fix the issue.

To download Windows 10 updates:

Check if you have enough storage available. You need a minimum of 16GB of free space. To view how much space you have:

1. Select “File Explorer” in the taskbar or press the Windows logo + E.
   
2. Choose “Computer” or “This PC.”
   
3. Go to “Devices and Drives.” Some devices show Hard Disk Drives for this step. If there are several drives listed select the system drive that has a Microsoft Windows logo.
   

Here are several ways to free up space on your drive if you are running low:

1. Run Disk Cleanup. Type “disk cleanup” in the taskbar to find and run the utility.
   
2. Uninstall unused apps.
   
3. Delete unneeded files.
   
4. Move OneDrive files to a removable drive.
   
5. Add more storage to your device.
   
6. Upload the update to a USB drive with at least 4GB of free space. When finished, navigate to the USB drive. Select “setup.exe” to download the update to your device.

Many updates you to restart the device before they can be applied:

1. Choose “Start.”
   
2. Go to “Power.”
   
3. Choose “Update and Restart” or “Update and Shut Down.”
   

Run Windows Update again when the device restarts. Note that there may still be more updates available. To run Windows Update:

1. Select “Start.”
   
2. Go to “Settings.”
   
3. Select “Update and Security.”
   
4. Go to “Windows Update.”
   
5. Download and install any new updates.
   

Disconnect external hardware not needed for basic functionality. Unplug nonessentials like printers, scanners, headphones, and speakers. Try to run the updates again.

Next, check if third-party driver updates are needed. Update the drivers for the hardware you have installed.

Finally, check the Device Manager for errors. Follow these steps:

1. Type Device Manager in the taskbar search box.
   
2. Choose “Device Manager.”
   
3. Look for any device in the pop-up window with a yellow exclamation mark next to it.
   
4. Select “Action.”
   
5. Select “Update Driver” or “Uninstall” to fix the errors.
   

You may get error messages with a specific code when you are trying to perform updates. You might be able to resolve them by running the Windows Update troubleshooter. You can also visit the Microsoft support website. There you will find a list of common error codes and what they mean. The site provides instructions on how to fix them.

Windows of Opportunity

Each of the nine major Microsoft Windows versions has update reminders integrated into the system. The reminders may seem like a nuisance since they don’t stop coming until the updates are completed. Try the steps in this article if you’re having trouble downloading Windows Updates. A secure and fast running device leaves Windows open for endless possibilities.

Share with us your success with downloading Windows updates. Do you perform your updates as soon as you’re reminded or put them on delay? Let us know in the comment section below.