Windows update says we couldn't connect it to the update service, Store apps also encountering error while download

Sumit 44,316 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2019-01-31T15:06:11+00:00

Hi,

While performing an update check in Windows update, I get a message as follows:

"We couldn't connect to the update service, make sure your PC is connected to the Internet and try again"

Also,

Downloading and updating Store apps issue also say

"We couldn't install, we would try shortly"

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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Sumit 44,316 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2019-01-31T15:13:29+00:00

There are multiple reports of Windows update not being able to connect to the Update server and other Microsoft services not being able to connect to the Internet. While this is being investigated, you can try changing the DNS and see if it resolves the issue for you.

To change the DNS, perform the following steps:

  1. Press Windows key+R to open Run dialog box.
  2. Type in ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
  3. Right-click the device in the Network list through which you connect and choose Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol version 4 and choose properties just below the Checkbox list.
  5. Select the radio button "Use the following DNS servers" and add the following values in the boxes:

8.8.8.8

8.8.4.4 6. Press OK and Reboot your computer.

[Update 2/1/19]

The issue has started to correct for those who are affected. It is expected to be fully fixed in the next 24 hours or so.

[Added 2/5/19:]

You can try restarting the network router simply which should refresh the things if you do not want to change DNS in Windows.

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Anonymous
2019-02-04T21:46:16+00:00

We are aware of a service-side issue where some customers are still unable to connect or download updates from the Windows Update service. We are actively investigating this issue. Thank you for your patience.

Paul...

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-02-04T09:49:45+00:00

    Hi

    i contacted MS support via chat.

    They have now sorted it.

    They did something with the DNS settings

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-04T09:45:53+00:00

    Modifying the DNS entries to the google DNS servers made no difference.  Problem is occurring on 3 of my PC's/Laptops.

    Little info about this issue available on the wider web even though it has been a problem for several days now.  Microsoft could do with either making a formal public announcement that a known issue being addressed or confirming that definitely nothing to do with their systems.  I strongly suspect the former scenario though.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-04T09:39:03+00:00

    Ouch - that's what I call a problem. I can confirm that the original problem of "unable to connect etc." is still alive and kicking 09:00 GMT 04FEB2019.

    This is just one of a number of problems resulting from MS updates over the past year including unstable cursors in Excel, constantly changing keyboard layouts to name the ones that have affected me.

    Each time, the user/customer goes through time consuming efforts on their own trying to get their system back to where it was.

    I first became aware of this current problem when a strictly hands off friend's laptop was showing "unable to connect etc.". This was Sunday and they had had the problem for several days. So then followed a session of checking all the internet connections, wired and wireless, only to confirm that they were all connected.

    Not in a million years is this person going to go anywhere near DNS settings and I have a policy of not altering settings on a computer not belonging to me.

    Winding the clock back, this never seemed to happen with the early Windows offerings and a very out of date laptop running Linux Ubuntu 12.? runs day in, day out without a hitch, or anti-virus, come to that. It is ready to run in minutes and none of those excruciating waits with Win 10 black or blue screens and whirly dots.

    As a late adopter of "smart" phones, I'm impressed just how well they run.

    The point of this is that I believe that Win 10 is too complicated and featured for it's own good and every time someone in MS  does a little tweak, the unintended consequences ripple through Gigabytes of software.

    I hope you manage to get sorted soon.

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