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How to Fix Windows 10 Anniversary Update Errors: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Windows 10 Anniversary Update brought many new features and improvements to enhance your experience. However, some users have encountered errors during or after the update process. These issues can range from installation failures to performance problems.

Fixing these errors might seem complicated, but with the right approach, you can get your system running smoothly again. This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to troubleshoot common Windows 10 Anniversary Update errors.

Each step is explained in detail to make sure even beginners can follow along without confusion. Let’s start by checking some basic prerequisites before diving into the fixes.

By the end of this article, you should be able to resolve most update-related problems or know where to seek further help.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Backup your important files: Although these steps are safe, it’s always good practice to keep your data backed up in case something unexpected happens.
  • Ensure enough disk space: The Anniversary Update requires sufficient free space (around 20 GB) to install properly.
  • Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is necessary for downloading update files.
  • Disable third-party antivirus temporarily: Sometimes, security software blocks updates. You can turn it off temporarily during troubleshooting.

Step 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to detect and fix common update problems automatically. Running it first can save you time.

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the left menu.
  4. Click on Windows Update under “Get up and running.”
  5. Press Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

This tool will scan your system for errors related to Windows Update components and attempt to fix them automatically. After it completes, try running the Anniversary Update again.

Step 2: Check and Restart Windows Update Services

Windows Update relies on several services to download and install updates correctly. Sometimes, these services can stop or malfunction.

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Update.
  4. Right-click on it and select Restart. If it is not running, click Start.
  5. Also locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and restart it the same way.

Restarting these services can clear minor glitches and allow updates to proceed smoothly.

Step 3: Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary files related to Windows Update. Corrupt files here can cause installation errors.

Clearing this folder forces Windows to download fresh update files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator: click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Stop Windows Update services by typing these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: 
    net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
  3. Navigate to the folder by typing: 
    cd %windir%SoftwareDistribution
  4. Delete all contents by typing: 
    del /f /s /q Download
  5. Restart the services with: 
    net start wuauserv
net start bits

After completing these steps, try updating again. This process removes potentially damaged files that might be blocking the update.

Step 4: Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

System File Checker scans your Windows installation for corrupted or missing system files that could interfere with updates.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: 
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
  4. If errors are found, the tool will try to repair them automatically.

After the scan finishes, reboot your PC and try the Anniversary Update again.

Step 5: Perform the DISM Repair

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) repairs the Windows system image, which can fix deeper issues that SFC can’t handle.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type this command and press Enter: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait patiently until the process completes. It can take up to 20 minutes.
  4. Restart your computer afterwards.

This step can resolve corruption problems that block updates from installing.

Step 6: Free Up Disk Space

Insufficient disk space is a common cause of update failures. Even if you think you have enough space, it helps to free up additional room.

  • Open Settings > System > Storage.
  • Click on your system drive (usually C:).
  • Use the Temporary files option to remove unnecessary files.
  • Consider uninstalling unused programs or moving large files to an external drive.

After freeing up space, restart your PC and try the update again.

Step 7: Disable Startup Programs Temporarily

Some programs running at startup may interfere with the update process.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on all non-Microsoft programs and select Disable.
  4. Restart your computer.

Try installing the Anniversary Update once more. After the update, you can re-enable your startup programs.

Step 8: Use the Media Creation Tool as an Alternative

If the update still fails, you can manually install it using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

  • Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
  • Run the tool and choose Upgrade this PC now.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

This method bypasses some Windows Update issues by installing the update directly.

FAQs

Q: Why does my Anniversary Update keep failing?

A: Common reasons include insufficient disk space, corrupted update files, or conflicts with third-party software. Following the troubleshooting steps above usually resolves these issues.

Q: Can I uninstall the Anniversary Update if it causes problems?

A: Yes, you can uninstall feature updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and selecting Go back to the previous version of Windows 10 if the option is available.

Q: Will disabling antivirus software harm my computer?

A: Temporarily disabling antivirus during updating is generally safe but remember to enable it again after the process completes to keep your system protected.

Q: How long does the Anniversary Update installation take?

A: It depends on your hardware and internet speed but expect anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Be patient and avoid interrupting the process.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face errors, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: They can provide personalized assistance for your specific problem.
  • Reset your PC: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. This option reinstalls Windows but can keep your files if you choose.
  • Clean install Windows 10: Use the Media Creation Tool to perform a fresh installation, which removes all files and settings but ensures a clean system.

Always back up your important data before attempting these advanced recovery methods.

Conclusion

Windows 10 Anniversary Update errors can be frustrating, but most can be fixed with simple troubleshooting. Start with the built-in tools and basic checks, then move to more advanced options like DISM or the Media Creation Tool if needed.

Remember, backing up your data and ensuring your system is ready before updating are key to a smooth experience. Following this guide step-by-step will help you get the update installed successfully and keep your PC running efficiently.

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