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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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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175 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-02-08T17:34:44+00:00

    It's updating now.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-08T15:45:44+00:00

    I tried this and still no connection.

    It says "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."

    If you are UK and with BT or Talk Talk,  then most of the people I know with is problem had the service back a couple of days ago without doing anything to DNS settings.

    I guess you have done the obvious and actually checked your internet connection. If you are with BT, you can do the BT Speed Test to confirm the connection and also that you are getting the speed you expect. If you are Command Prompt familiar, you can do a "ping yahoo.com" or similar command to again see that it is working.

    If that all works, then it maybe for some reason, the fix hasn't got through to your ISP, in which case you need to contact them and explain the problem.

    As this discussion has gone quiet in the last few days, I'm guessing that the majority of people affected have found the problem gone away.

    You can also try the Trouble-shooters on the Update page of settings or Network, but in my experience, they don't often do anything worthwhile.

    Can you get hold of another PC or laptop to plug into your line?

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-08T12:08:50+00:00

    I tried this and still no connection.

    It says "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."

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