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

Sumit 44,306 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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Answer accepted by question author
Sumit 44,306 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
    2019-02-06T11:36:08+00:00

    Hi

    My ISP is TalkTalk. Update now downloads and installs Microsoft application updates but continually says that system is up todate but does not recognise that the OS is not 1809.

    My OS is currenly 1803

    Regards

    Sounds like the initial failure to connect to the update servers is OK now.

    Not sure what you mean by "continually up to date" - maybe you aren't due any updates?

    When the problem first appeared, it stuck on 29jan2019 for last checked and if you tried "check for updates" it threw the error.

    I've got 1809 and 1803 PCs which are both working fine. The 1803 PC has done an update overnight which might have been a NET update or Office 365 update.

    You can confirm your feature version and build if you go to SETTINGS>SYSTEM>ABOUT.

    I guess you've checked things like Update history.

    The problem affected 1803 and 1809 versions.

    I wouldn't worry too much if you getting updates and ABOUT confirms what you think you should have

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-06T10:56:37+00:00

    Hi

    My ISP is TalkTalk. Update now downloads and installs Microsoft application updates but continually says that system is up todate but does not recognise that the OS is not 1809.

    My OS is currenly 1803

    Regards

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-06T09:59:15+00:00

    Are your Win 10 Updates working?

    What happens when you go to SETTINGS>UPDATE ETC. and click on "check for updates"?

    If it throws an error after checking, then you still have the cannot connect to DNS server problem which looks as though it is well on the way to being fixed.

    On both of my affected PCs, I did nothing, didn't touch DNS values and connection was re-established yesterday.

    From reading around, it looks as though the problem was actually dealt with in January, but has taken some time to ripple out.

    It might help if you said who your ISP is and whether or not you have done the basic Internet working checks.

    Out of interest, what is the application you are showing, so that others can test it?

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