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.

0 comments

150 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2019-02-03T20:01:38+00:00

    I tried tethering to TalkTalk mobile last night; to no effect. Went back to BT hub and my laptop ( wifi connection ) seemed to access the Update Server, but the Desktop didn't ( Ethernet connection...... why??!! ). Desktop still doesn't and now nor does the laptop, again!!!!!!! I'm doing no more......... The machines work; I'll just monitor the situation day by day, as it's obviously a very external fault.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-03T21:19:15+00:00

    Ok, so I am a BT Client. I have just built a new PC for a client and encountered this issue. I reinstalled just in case, the same issue. I used an older 1803 build media, same problem. Then a came across this thread. I set up my mobile as a mobile hotspot via my 3 network connection and bam all the updates came down.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-04T00:39:22+00:00

    Also in UK & with BT.

    I've just used the "change default DNS" solution (I used the google DNS: 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4, but others available), mentioned elsewhere on the internet, it worked for me (on two devices). Now changed back to original settings (i.e. using ISP default DNS) and still working (on both).  Didn't even need to reboot, just changed the settings, triggered an update successfully, then restored the settings.

    Such a pity Microsoft haven't tried a little harder to keep users informed.

    Just to confirm, the method I used did work exactly as described. DNS name resolution query result is being cached so when you revert back to the original setting it will continue to work, but only while the (working) DNS name resolution query result remains cached, once it has aged *(sorry, don't know how long that takes)*and is cleared from the cache, the issue returns. So you either need to keep with the non-default settings until the problem is eventually resolved (one assumes, but who knows when) or be prepared to switch between default DNS and overridden DNS settings when you want to force an update.

    As updates on the eventual resolution of this problem are not very forthcoming (at least not without having to hunt around for them) it becomes a matter of deciding for yourself which is option works best for you or rather that you find least frustrating.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-02-04T07:06:34+00:00

    Thanks Bill,  

    I am in the UK with BT as the ISP. 

    I did exactly the same procedure on 4 of Win 10 computers and it worked.

    Did revert back the DNS settings to automatic and it was working, lets see if it continues to do so.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2019-02-04T08:24:28+00:00

    3 days ago I was trying to play Forza Horizon 4, but the moment I pressed enter it freezes and crashes. So today I uninstalled it and tried installing again but it did not work. Wasted my whole day trying to fix this. Please someone tell me it will get fixed and its not just me, this is the second time I am not able to play Forza because of these stupid issues.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments