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
    2019-02-05T09:46:58+00:00

    Ah ha

    Just checked updates a few minutes after posting previous, made no changes to DNS or anything else and the updates are flooding in.

    I've also just checked the IP properties box and nothing changed.

    It would be interesting if whoever has corrected this problem would give a brief explanation on what caused it and what was done to fix it.

    So my properties box shows Automatic chosen, no values in the "use this server" or whatever.

    Possibly, anyone who has changed their values, might want to go back to the Auto setting.

    I'm also getting the Restart to update notification

    So loss of update service from 29jan2019t to 04feb2019 09:30 GMT

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-05T09:34:43+00:00

    Derek G Saunders

    Thanks for posting that.

    When you go to the properties page that shows the DNS settings, what were the settings in the DNS server section before you changed the settings or entered new values?

    You have the choice of automatic or manual.

    Mine is set to automatic and the DNS values boxes are empty (blank).

    So were your settings on auto, which is probably the default, or had you chosen manual previously and now had to change the values to the ones suggested?

    My concern would be that making changes now as a temporary fix could cause problems further down the line.

    It would be useful if MS made a comment or recommendation on what the settings should be for a long-term fix, if indeed that is the problem.

    If it turns out that something has changed the settings from the ones that worked before, then that becomes a more serious issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-05T09:00:00+00:00

    Just to say that Windows successfully checked for updates this morning. No error message. We will see if this fix works okay for all and also for me later today when I log back in!

    Incidentally - and following Stevedores comment - I have had several annoying issues with both my devices since the January Update. First I noticed a mega conflict going on between Norton and Defender on one device. That needed a factory reset to cure it and a right pain that was. On another I lost my shortcuts for Settings and Edge that I can't resolve ( I had to put them both on task bar for the short cut). On one device the brilliant Norton Web Browser Protection works for Edge and Chrome but will not install for IE. On the other device the web protection works for Chrome and IE but will not install for Edge. All very strange and not good for an oldie who needs to look after his blood pressure! I changed my default browser on both devices to Chrome!

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