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How to Fix Free Reservation for Windows 10 Not Working: Step-by-Step Solutions

Windows 10 Free Reservation is a feature that allows users to reserve space on their device for the upcoming Windows updates. Sometimes, this reservation may not work as expected, causing issues with updating your system. Fortunately, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix this problem.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to get the Free Reservation working again. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along without any confusion.

By following these instructions, you can ensure your device is ready for the latest Windows updates without any reservation problems.

Let’s get started and fix the Free Reservation issue on your Windows 10 device.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin

  • Windows Version: Ensure your Windows 10 version supports the Free Reservation feature. The feature was introduced in Windows 10 version 1903 and later.
  • Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is needed for Windows to communicate with Microsoft servers and manage reservations.
  • Disk Space: Check if you have enough free disk space on your system drive (usually C:). Lack of space can prevent reservation from working.
  • Windows Update Settings: Make sure Windows Update is enabled and not paused or blocked by any third-party software.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, simple problems can be fixed by restarting your computer. Restarting clears temporary system glitches that might be preventing the reservation from working.

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Click the Power icon.
  3. Select Restart.

After your device restarts, check if the Free Reservation issue is resolved.

Step 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to find and fix common update problems. Running this tool can help identify why the reservation isn’t working.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Click Troubleshoot from the left menu.
  4. Select Additional troubleshooters.
  5. Click on Windows Update and then click Run the troubleshooter.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Once done, restart your computer and check if the Free Reservation works.

Step 3: Check and Enable Required Services

Windows Update depends on certain services running in the background. If these services are disabled, the reservation may not work properly.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, look for the following services:
    • Windows Update
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
    • Cryptographic Services
  4. Make sure each service’s status is Running. If not, right-click the service and select Start.
  5. Also, ensure the Startup Type is set to Automatic by right-clicking the service, selecting Properties, and adjusting the Startup type dropdown.

After enabling these services, restart your PC and see if the issue is fixed.

Step 4: Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If the problem persists, resetting Windows Update components can help fix corrupted files or settings.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator:
    • Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    3. net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
  3. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

This process clears and resets update-related files that might be causing the reservation to fail.

Step 5: Use the Windows 10 Update Assistant

If Free Reservation still isn’t functioning, try using the official Windows 10 Update Assistant. This tool helps upgrade your system and may resolve reservation issues.

  1. Go to the official Microsoft Windows 10 download page: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
  2. Click Download tool now under the Update Assistant section.
  3. Run the downloaded tool and follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade your PC.

This method updates your system directly and often bypasses reservation problems.

Alternative Method: Clear Reserved Storage Space

Sometimes clearing the reserved storage can help fix reservation issues. Here’s how:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Storage.
  3. Click on Temporary files.
  4. Check the box for Reserved storage if available, then click Remove files.

Clearing reserved storage frees up space and allows Windows to manage reservations better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Windows 10 Free Reservation?

Free Reservation is a Windows feature that reserves disk space to ensure smooth updates and avoid installation failures.

Why is my Free Reservation not working?

It can be caused by insufficient disk space, disabled services, corrupted update files, or network issues.

Will deleting reserved storage cause problems?

No, clearing reserved storage frees space and allows Windows to reallocate it for updates when needed.

Do I need to be connected to the internet for Free Reservation to work?

Yes, internet connectivity is required to communicate with Microsoft servers and manage reservations.

Can third-party antivirus software interfere?

Yes, some antivirus or firewall settings may block Windows Update services. Temporarily disabling them can help diagnose the issue.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the Free Reservation issue, consider the following options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official support page at support.microsoft.com/windows for personalized assistance.
  • Perform a System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous point when updates and reservations were working.
  • Reset or Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, you can reset your Windows installation or perform a clean reinstall. Be sure to back up your data first.

Conclusion

Fixing Windows 10 Free Reservation not working can be straightforward by following the right steps. Start with simple actions like restarting your PC and running the Windows Update troubleshooter. Verify essential services are running, reset update components if necessary, and consider using the Update Assistant for a direct upgrade.

Always make sure you have enough disk space and a stable internet connection. If problems persist, advanced options like system restore or contacting Microsoft support are available. With these solutions, you can ensure your Windows 10 device stays updated smoothly and without reservation issues.

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