Windows UPDATE "We couldn't connect to the update service. We'll try again later, or you can check now. If it still doesn't work, make sure you're connected to the Internet."

Anonymous
2019-01-31T02:56:05+00:00

What were the steps? I just updated THREE computers and NONE of them are able to connect to Windows Update. I did an "in-place upgrade" on one of them and it did not resolve the problem. 

MESSAGE: "We couldn't connect to the update service. We'll try again later, or you can check now. If it still doesn't work, make sure you're connected to the Internet."

UPDATE is KB4476976 (OS Build 17763.292)

And, yes, I am connected to the internet. This is very annoying. If it is an issue/bug (and it must be) how does MS plan on rolling out a fix if users cannot connect to Windows Update? I have tried all the known fixes out there (stop/start services related to WU, run various commands in an elevated command prompt, perform an in-place upgrade, you name it. Nothing works).

Thanks.

William Hill

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T11:08:58+00:00

    I received definition updates yesterday 29 Jan 2019 in the UK time zone, but today if I try to check for updates I see "Error Encountered....we couldn't connect to update service". same problem...hope for a speedy fix :)

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T10:00:17+00:00

    This is an unacceptable and widespread issue that has been going on for me since late evening on 29th Jan. It seems to be globally affected as I am in the UK. Quite why MS think it is acceptable to leave devices relying on virus definition updates to Defender unable to update and be potentially insecure is beyond me. I have seen suggestions that DNS changes can fix but this is not acceptable either and will be lost on the masses.

    In my case defender definitions get stuck on downloading (0%) and eventually after 30-60 mins error out. Store app is flakey, taking a long to time to check for updates when I click 'get updates', eventually the box stops circling and goes blue but I am not sure it's checking properly as I no longer see message 'your apps etc are all up to date blah blah blah' that usually comes up.

    I have tweeted MS support but they seem incapable of grasping the situation firing back canned responses and not actually acknowledging they have an issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T09:35:27+00:00

    DNS change did not work for me.

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  4. SD - IA 179K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-01-31T05:14:28+00:00

    Some people report changing DNS to 4.2.2.1 has worked. Can you check if it works for you?

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  5. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T04:32:52+00:00

    Having the same issue.  Affecting smart screen, windows store, and virus definitions as well.  Thought it was my end, so I reinstalled everything and now can't get any of the apps from the windows store.

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