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

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T15:11:22+00:00

    I don't understand -- I am merely offering a possible workaround. I can only tell you my results. On all my machines (4 - two laptops, a desktop, and a tablet) I was not able to get to the WU server while on Comcast. I switched to tethering. Got the updates. Switched back to Comcast and now I can hit the WU server with no issue. The last part makes no sense to me, but that is what happened.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T15:34:47+00:00

    I think the real trick here is to flush the computers DNS cache ( ipconfig /flushdns ). I guessing that certain MS Windows Update servers are having a issue. If you flush the cache you stand a chance of getting pointed to a different one.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T15:39:46+00:00

    Perhaps -- I did that before trying the other thing I mentioned and got nowhere. 

    Whatever the case, this is unacceptable. MS should be releasing some sort of announcement about it and let their users know that they are not going insane. I spent too much time on this issue yesterday trying to resolve it only to find out it is not me.

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T15:51:00+00:00

    Agreed this is also an issue in the UK not just comcast -  on my home laptop, (BT) working fine yesterday but not today.  Microsoft should advice if this service is down for some reason.

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  5. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T15:58:31+00:00

    +1 for this.

    Im having same issue but have been for 2 days and have been scratching my head as to why.

    Ive just reformatted my computer 2 days ago with the latest windows 10 1809

    After installing my drivers and connecting to my internet normally windows would activate and the microsoft store would kick in doing its thing and then i would update.

    But windows isnt activating as it says it cannot connect, windows update also says it cant reach microsoft servers and the microsoft store does nothing.

    Ive been pulling my hair out trying to figure out why so im glad i just came across this site.

    I am also in the uk on bt broadband.

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