How to Windows Update settings won't open - "Something went wrong" error

Rohit aahire 50 Reputation points
2025-10-31T14:26:20.93+00:00

Subject: Windows Update settings won't open - "Something went wrong" error

​__Message:__

​Hello Microsoft Support Team,

​I am trying to open the Windows Update settings page on my Windows 11 (or Windows 10) computer, but it is not working.

​Whenever I navigate to 'Windows Update' in Settings, I see a red error message that says:

"Something went wrong. Try to reopen Settings later."

​Because of this error, I cannot check for new updates, view my update history, or manage any of my update settings.

​I have already tried closing and reopening Settings, as well as restarting my computer, but the problem persists.

​Please help me resolve this issue.

​Thank you,

[Rohit]

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 181.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-11-01T02:52:18.09+00:00

Please run the fixlist below.

  • Download fixlist.txt
  • Save Fixlist.txt to the same folder as FRST64.exe.
  • Close all programs.
  • Launch the Farbar Scanner tool and click "Fix".
  • Restart Windows when prompted.
  • Upload the output log file (FixLog.txt) to your OneDrive.

NOTE: The fixlist.txt script was written specifically for this user and for use on that particular machine. It is not recommended to run it on another machine, and don't run the same fixlist.txt more than once.

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Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 181.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-10-31T14:39:27.9666667+00:00

Please share your Farbar scan logs for analysis.

  • Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 64-bit FRST64.exe
  • If the OS language is not English, rename FRST64.exe to FRST64English.exe.
  • Run the program. Don't check or uncheck any options. Click "Scan".
  • Add the two logs, FRST.txt and Addition.txt, to a zip archive.
  • Share the zip file on OneDrive or GoFile.io, and post the link here.

Note: If Microsoft Edge or Chrome mislabels the Farbar Scanner executable as PUA/malware, choose to keep it by tapping … in the bottom bar, choosing Keep, and then choosing Keep anyway in the dialog that appears. See this screenshot. It's a safe tool used in most antimalware forums.

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  1. AI answer

    2025-10-31T14:26:49.81+00:00

    If you're encountering the "Something went wrong" error when trying to open Windows Update settings in Windows 10 or Windows 11, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

    1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: This built-in tool can help identify and fix common issues related to Windows Update. You can access it by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
    2. Check for Corrupted System Files: Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: sfc /scannow.
    3. Reset Windows Update Components: Sometimes, resetting the Windows Update components can resolve issues. You can do this by renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands:
      • net stop wuauserv
      • net stop cryptSvc
      • net stop bits
      • net stop msiserver
      • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
      • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
      • net start wuauserv
      • net start cryptSvc
      • net start bits
      • net start msiserver
    4. Check for Pending Updates: Sometimes, pending updates can cause issues. Make sure there are no updates that are stuck or pending installation.
    5. Create a New User Profile: If the issue persists, try creating a new user profile to see if the problem is specific to your current profile.
    6. Perform a Repair Install: As a last resort, you can perform a repair install of Windows, which keeps your files and applications but reinstalls the operating system.

    If none of these steps work, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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