Windows Update Issue

Muhammad Idrees 0 Reputation points
2026-09-13T17:29:32.38+00:00

I am looking for windows updates and everytime i open it, it says Something went wrong try to reopen later.

Screenshot 2026-09-13 102418.png

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-13T17:29:49.61+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter.
      • On Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.
      • Follow the on-screen instructions.
    2. Repair Windows system files.
      • In the taskbar search box, type command prompt.
      • Select Run as administrator.
      • Run: 
             DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      • Wait for the message that the operation completed successfully.
      • Then run: 
             sfc /scannow
      • Wait until verification reaches 100%, then close Command Prompt.
      • Try Windows Update again.
    3. Reset Windows Update components.
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
      • Run these commands one at a time: 
             net stop bits
     net stop wuauserv
     ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
     ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
     net start bits
     net start wuauserv
      • Restart the PC and check Windows Update again.
      • Note: this renames the update cache folders so Windows can rebuild them.
    4. Verify the Windows Update service is running.
      • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      • Open Windows Update.
      • Set Startup type to Automatic.
      • If the service is stopped, select Start.
      • Select Apply > OK.
      • Restart the PC, then check for updates.
    5. If the issue continues, try a clean restart of Windows.
      • A clean restart starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to help rule out software conflicts.
    6. Also check free disk space.
      • Windows requires at least 16 GB free space to upgrade a 32-bit OS, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS.

    If the problem is only a temporary Windows Update service load issue, retrying later can succeed without any action.

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  2. Ramesh Srinivasan 87,515 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-13T18:03:20.2466667+00:00

    Hi Muhammad,

    The error "Something went wrong" occurs if some Windows Update-related services are disabled or deleted by malware. 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.

    Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  3. ApexNáV 265 Reputation points
    2026-09-13T23:56:17.4+00:00

    Repairing Windows by reinstalling the same version may help. It repairs system files and components while preserving your apps, files, and settings, but I still recommend backing up important data just in case. You can perform the repair using the Microsoft guide below:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/fix-issues-by-reinstalling-the-current-version-of-windows

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