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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  1. Anonymous
    2019-02-12T03:27:11+00:00

    I'm still having this issue, where I receive notifications saying "Windows 10 Update Assistant can't run on Windows"; I receive these notifications about 10 times per day.  However, Update is definitely working, as I have installed several updates since the issue first emerged and now am running Version 1903, OS Build 18334.1. I am located in Australia and my ISP is Telstra.

    For some reason, the 1809 update installed itself as a clean install or update and deleted the majority of my settings, as well as deleting my Admin rights on the computer. I have not been able to find a way to get them back. Several applications required re-activation (I don't have the necessary key for at least one any longer) and most of my apps from the store disappeared.

    At least this is not my work PC, so it is merely extremely frustrating, rather than disastrous.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-12T10:10:14+00:00

    "Windows 10 Update Assistant can't run on Windows"

    I like that, sort of says it all.

    I do wonder sometimes who is in control of personal computers, you or Microsoft.

    How often do I see "Access denied, you do not have sufficient rights. Please contact your Administrator or Owner"?

    Slightly off subject, there are many things that a full PC running Windows cannot do like Local Area Networks. It seems that detecting other devices on a network using Windows Explorer is dependent on the weather or the day of the week - i.e. just don't work. Yet a relatively simple mobile phone can do all of this efficiently. Almost everything on a phone is simpler to use and set up. Scratching around trying to find some long forgotten user and password information to see what is running on your own computer is madness.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-12T13:07:47+00:00

    Hi there, I think you may be a bit confused with regard to the error message you are getting, Windows Update Assistant has nothing to do with Windows Update as such! It is the 'Assistant' that helps you to upgrade Windows to the next release version. For example: upgrading from the last build of windows to the latest version or upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 10.

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