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
    2019-01-31T13:37:07+00:00

    I just changed my DNS to use OpenDNS instead of Comcast defaults. Sure enough now my update is working.

    I suspect it's because OpenDNS gets updated faster than Comcast.

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  2. 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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  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-05T09:35:18+00:00

    Hi William,

    I'm on BT, running Windows 10, with the same problem. What worked for me ( up to now!! ) was to go to settings, select Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Centre, followed by change adapter settings. This brings up your Network(s). RIGHT CLICK your network and select properties. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 ( TCP/IPv4 ) and select properties. Nearly there!! Select Use the following DNS Server addresses and type in 8.8.8.8 in the first box and 8.8.4.4 in the second. Click OK. All done!! Sounds long winded but it's actually quick. I rebooted, but some people have reported that they didn't need to. Hope this works for you.

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T13:39:19+00:00

    I've changed mine to OpenDNS servers and it's working again.

    Goto https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/

    That page explains how to change your DNS depending on whether your using a router or just a modem to connect to Internet.

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  5. Anonymous
    2019-01-31T13:39:16+00:00

    A public DNS simply means numbers that have been made available to the public for their use. Google's are very safe to use. You have to change the DNS at the router level or in your networking settings (depending on your setup).

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