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
    2019-02-09T09:24:59+00:00

    It would be useful if you gave your location and ISP.

    What do you mean "I'm behind the router"?

    It's time perhaps to contact your ISP before doing anything drastic like rolling back to a previous Win 10 update or version.

    If the problem persists, you might have to look at manually downloading updates from Microsoft.

    For people, probably, the problem has gone away without making any changes on the PC.

    It might also be time to contact Microsoft Support as they must have some experience now of fixing the problem for users.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-09T17:49:33+00:00

    Texas and AT&T respectively.

    I had just done a full reinstall (keeping files and apps) to 1809 levels two days back.

    I have a home router that gets the incoming AT&T signals and then my computer connects wirelessly to the router to connect to the outside world. Evidently everything else is working but no luck on getting windows updates automatically (since 1809 ….)

    I know that I have to download from the Windows Update catalog if I choose to download manually but isn't there a site which lists all the updates and what they do in a more user-friendly manner than the catalog?

    Thanks

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-10T22:49:40+00:00

    Texas and AT&T respectively.

    I had just done a full reinstall (keeping files and apps) to 1809 levels two days back.

    I have a home router that gets the incoming AT&T signals and then my computer connects wirelessly to the router to connect to the outside world. Evidently everything else is working but no luck on getting windows updates automatically (since 1809 ….)

    I know that I have to download from the Windows Update catalog if I choose to download manually but isn't there a site which lists all the updates and what they do in a more user-friendly manner than the catalog?

    Thanks

    You are an Atlantic Ocean away from me and a bit outside my minimal expertise comfort zone.

    The fact that the discussion has gone quiet suggests that the fix has worked in the majority of cases.

    The last successful Win 10 1809 update I have had was

    January 8, 2019—KB4480116 (OS Build 17763.253) if that helps from this link

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4480116/windows-10-update-kb4480116

    So assuming that you are still getting the error message, it might be worth starting a new thread here specifically about being still unable to connect following the original server problem having been fixed which might attract some new answers or see if the original MPV poster can help you.

    I'm sure that you haven't missed any significant updates, but other than that, good luck.

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