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How to Fix Windows 11 Not Updating After Restart: Effective Troubleshooting Steps

Windows 11 updates are essential for keeping your system secure and running smoothly. Sometimes, after restarting your PC, you may notice that Windows 11 is not updating as expected. This can be frustrating, especially if important updates are stuck or fail to install.

Fortunately, there are several straightforward steps you can follow to fix this issue. These steps are designed to be easy to understand and perform, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

In this article, we will guide you through simple troubleshooting methods to get your Windows 11 updates working again after a restart.

Let’s dive into the solutions and get your system up to date.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure your PC is connected to a stable internet connection, as updates require downloading files from Microsoft servers.
  • Check if your device has enough free storage space. Insufficient space can prevent updates from installing properly.
  • Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software, as it can sometimes interfere with Windows Update.
  • Ensure your PC is plugged in or has enough battery power to complete the update process without interruptions.

Step 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to detect and fix update problems automatically.

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to System and then click on Troubleshoot.
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Windows Update and click the Run button next to it.
  5. Wait for the troubleshooter to scan your system and apply fixes if any issues are found.
  6. Once done, restart your PC and check if updates start installing properly.

Why this helps: The troubleshooter can automatically detect corrupted files, service problems, or settings that are stopping updates.

Step 2: Restart Windows Update Services

If the troubleshooter did not fix the problem, manually restarting the update services can help refresh the update process.

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, locate the following services one by one:
    • Windows Update
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
    • Cryptographic Services
  4. For each service, right-click and select Restart. If the service is stopped, select Start.
  5. After restarting these services, close the window and try updating again.

Why this helps: These services handle downloading and installing updates. Restarting them can clear temporary glitches.

Step 3: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Sometimes, corrupted or stuck update files can cause update failures. Clearing the cache forces Windows to download fresh update files.

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
  2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type these commands one by one and press Enter after each:
    4. net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
  4. Now, open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution.
  5. Select all files and folders inside the SoftwareDistribution folder and delete them.
  6. Return to Command Prompt and type these commands to restart the services:
    7. net start wuauserv
net start bits
  7. Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.
  8. Try running Windows Update again.

Why this helps: The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary update files. Removing them can fix corruption issues.

Step 4: Check for System File Corruption Using SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files may prevent updates from completing. Running built-in repair tools can fix these files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 3 for how).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    3. sfc /scannow
  3. Wait while Windows scans and repairs any corrupted files. This may take some time.
  4. If problems persist, run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    5. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  5. Once completed, restart your computer and check for updates again.

Why this helps: SFC and DISM fix system file issues that might block updates from installing properly.

Step 5: Manually Install Updates

If Windows Update still doesn’t work after trying the above, you can manually download and install updates.

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  2. Search for the update by entering its KB number (found in the Windows Update history).
  3. Download the appropriate update file for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
  4. Run the downloaded file to install the update manually.
  5. Restart your computer after installation.

Why this helps: Manual installation bypasses errors that might occur when Windows Update tries to download or install updates automatically.

FAQs About Windows 11 Not Updating After Restart

Why does Windows 11 fail to update after restart?

Common causes include corrupted update files, interrupted update services, lack of disk space, or system file corruption.

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, it is safe. This folder only contains temporary files used for updates, and Windows will recreate it when needed.

Can third-party antivirus software affect Windows Update?

Yes, some antivirus programs may block or interfere with update processes. Temporarily disabling them during updates is recommended.

How long should I wait for updates to install after a restart?

Update times vary depending on the size of the update and your PC’s speed, but generally, it should not take more than 30 minutes.

What if my PC keeps restarting during updates?

This may indicate a deeper issue. Try troubleshooting with SFC/DISM or seek professional help if the problem persists.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and Windows 11 still won’t update after restarting, you may need to consider more advanced solutions.

  • Reset Windows Update Components: Microsoft provides official guides to reset update components using scripts. This can fix deeper service issues.
  • Perform a System Restore: Roll back your system to a point before the update problem started.
  • Use Windows 11 Media Creation Tool: You can reinstall or repair Windows without losing your files using this tool from the official Microsoft website.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent problems, official Microsoft support can provide tailored assistance.

Links to official resources:

Conclusion

Windows 11 not updating after a restart is a common issue that can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. Starting with running the Windows Update troubleshooter and restarting update services often solves the problem quickly.

If needed, clearing the update cache and repairing system files with SFC and DISM can address deeper issues. Manual update installation is a useful alternative when automatic updates fail.

Always ensure your PC is connected to the internet, has enough storage, and that no other software is blocking updates. With patience and these straightforward steps, you can keep your Windows 11 system up to date and secure.

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