Windows 10 Cumulative Update Failed to Install & Download - How to Fix?

Jerry updated on Oct 25, 2024 to Computer Instruction | How-to Articles

If you are facing the error of Windows 10 cumulative update failed to install, this guide is written for you. This guide will explore some methods to fix this issue and use the computer smoothly.

User Case: Failed to Download and Install Windows 10 Cumulative Update

Undoubtedly, Windows 10 is one of the most used versions of Windows worldwide. It has introduced multiple advanced functions that were unavailable in the previous versions. But, users also face some major issues while dealing with this operating system.

One of the most common errors in this regard is that the Windows 10 cumulative update failed to install. This means that users are unable to update their Windows and enjoy using its services seamlessly. 

If you are also facing this issue, you should read this blog about Window's failed update solution. By reading this blog from EaseUS, you can understand some fixtures to solve the issue of updates fail to install in Windows 10.

How to Fix Windows 10 Cumulative Update Not Installing or Downloading

No doubt, you have to keep Windows up to date if you want to use its advanced and latest features. If you are facing a Windows update error and cannot update it, here are some fixes that we recommend you follow to find the required solution. 

  1. Fix 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
  2. Fix 2. Restart the BITS Service
  3. Fix 3. Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files
  4. Fix 4. Reset Windows Update Components
  5. Fix 5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
  6. Fix 6. Repair Install Windows 10 Using the ISO File

Fix 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The first solution we recommend to solve this error is utilizing a Windows update troubleshooter. It is a built-in function that can find the problem and solve it accordingly without manual interference. Follow these steps to run this function.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" of your system.

Step 2. Search for "Troubleshoot" and open it.

Step 3. Look for "Additional Troubleshooters" and click on it.

Step 4. Find the "Windows Update" and open it.

Step 5. Click on the "Run the Troubleshooter."

Step 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the troubleshooting and wait until the system has been processed.

It is recommended to restart your computer to let the system safely keep the changes. After that, you should check whether the Windows update error has been solved or not. If it is not, move to the next fixture, as it may help you in solving this.

Also see:

Fix 2. Restart the BITS Service

An important Windows component is BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service). In case this component stops working, you won't be able to install updates to Windows 10. So, it is recommended to follow these steps and restart this service manually.

Step 1. Open the "Run" dialogue box.

Step 2. Type "services.msc" and click the "Enter" key.

Step 3. Look for the "Background Intelligent Transfer Service" option and open it.

Step 4. Find the "Startup Type" and change it to "Automatic."

Step 5. Click on the "Start" button and then "OK" to save changes.

It will restart the BITS service in Windows and may solve this Windows update fails error.

Fix 3. Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files

As mentioned earlier, corrupted system files can also cause Windows 10 update failed errors. So, you should use the system file checker (built-in Windows feature) to find the error and resolve it smoothly. Follow these steps to run SFC and DISM commands to repair your system.

Step 1. Type "Command Prompt" in the search bar and open it.

Step 2. Give the following command "DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth" and tap the "Enter" key.

Step 3. Wait until you see the message "The operation completed successfully."

Step 4. Now, type "sfc /scannow" and click on the "enter" key again.

Step 5. Once the system shows a notification "Verification 100% complete", type "Exit" and press "Enter."

By doing so, you can repair the error if it is because of system files. You should check the cumulative update for Windows again to see if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 4. Reset Windows Update Components

As the name shows, the Windows update component is a specific part of the operating system that keeps the Windows up to date. It might be possible that you can resolve the problem of the Windows 10 cumulative update failed to install by resetting these components. 

Step 1. Give the "Windows + R" key and type "cmd" in the dialogue box.

Step 2. Type the following commands in the command prompt and press the "Enter" key after each command:

  • net stop bits
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop appidsvc
  • net stop cryptsvc

Step 3. Now, type the following commands one by one and press "Enter" every time

  • Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

Step 4. The above keys will stop the Windows update components. 

Step 5. To start Windows components, type the following commands and "Enter" every time.

  • net start bits
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start appidsvc
  • net start cryptsvc

Step 6. Exit the command prompt and restart your computer.

It might be possible that you are able to download and install Windows 10 updates now. If not, you should try the next method to get rid of this problem.

Fix 5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

It might be possible that a third-party application like an antivirus conflicts with the normal working of Windows. So, you should disable it temporarily and check if Windows 10 is installing updates. 

If it is updating, you must remove that specific antivirus program to install Windows 10 updates and keep using it normally. 

Fix 6. Repair Install Windows 10 Using the ISO File

If nothing has worked for you and you are still facing the updates fail to install error, you must try installing Windows 10 using the ISO file. To do this, you have to download this file from the official Microsoft website and follow these simple steps.

Step 1. Go to the folder where you have saved the "Windows.iso" file.

Step 2. Double-click on the file to mount it.

Step 3. Double-click on the mounted drive to open it, and click on the "setup.exe" option.

Step 4. Click on the "Yes" button when asked.

Step 5. Check in the box asking for "License Terms" to accept them.

Step 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

We hope you can solve the error as you have manually installed the updates to Windows 10. Now, you can seamlessly operate your system without limitations or errors like failed updates.

Share this post to help more people.

 

Pro Tip: How to Backup Your System Before Windows Update

Windows update failure can be a threatening error to your system and its stored data. The reason is your system may face an instant shutdown that may lead you to lose your data. So, you should keep yourself safe in all such conditions and backup data to secure it. For this, EaseUS Todo Backup, a professional Windows backup app, can help.

EaseUS Todo Backup Home is an effective tool for creating an exact copy of Windows in a Cloud storage space. Whenever you have lost something (file or folder), you can easily restore it by following a simple procedure.

Along with this, it enables you to get back up without any hassle with its scheduled backup option. It keeps your data stored in multiple locations to avoid any data loss, even because of technical errors.

EaseUS Todo Backup

EaseUS Todo Backup can meet your different needs, whether you want to create a backup, clone a hard drive, image a disk, or compress backups. Just download and have a try to protect your data!

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Todo Backup on your computer, and click Create Backup on the home screen and then hit the big question mark to select backup contents.

Step 2. To back up your Windows operating system, click "OS" to begin the backup task.

Step 3. Your Windows operating system information and all system related files and partitions will be automatically selected so you don't need to do any manual selection at this step. Next, you'll need to choose a location to save the system image backup by clicking the illustrated area.

Step 4. The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, network, cloud or NAS. Generally, we recommend you use an external physical drive or cloud to preserve the system backup files. 

Step 5. Customiztion settings like enabling an automatic backup schedule in daily, weekly, monthly, or upon an event, and making a differential and incremental backup are available in the Options button if you're interested. Click "Backup Now", and the Windows system backup process will begin. The completed backup task will display on the left side in a card style.

Why Is Windows 10 Cumulative Update Not Installing

Without understanding the reason behind a problem, you can't even imagine solving it smoothly. You may have to invest a lot of time trying different solutions or installing Windows. So, we are here with a brief discussion on why the Windows 10 cumulative update failed to install error.

The most common reason behind this and many other technical computer errors is corrupted system files. It means that the system files have been corrupted by any program you have installed.

Another common reason is incompatible drivers installed on your system. It means that your system is working on outdated drivers that may not be compatible with the current update. 

Due to these reasons, you may be unable to use the Windows update service. You need to overcome these issues to run Windows updates and get your system back on track. If you don't know how to do so, keep reading to learn the following fixtures.

To Wrap Things Up

In this blog, we have shared the 6 most effective tips to resolve the Windows 10 cumulative update failed to install errors. We hope you have learned them briefly and can tackle the issue. To be safe in case of any accidental error, we recommend taking a backup using EaseUS Todo Backup.

It can replicate your files, folders, or disks without wasting time. The process to back up data and restore it will be pretty simple using this tool. Its simple interface makes it suitable for every computer user instead of particular ones.

FAQs on Windows 10 Cumulative Update Failed to Install & Download

1. Is a cumulative update for Windows 10 necessary?

Yes, it is compulsory to install cumulative updates of Windows 10. If you don't do it, it may conflict with different settings and show different errors.

2. What is the difference between an update and a cumulative update?

A normal update is a general update released for a specific purpose, like security critical error solutions. On the other side, the cumulative update includes all the previous and new updates and focuses on different sections of Windows.

3. How do I get rid of cumulative updates?

You can remove cumulative updates using the following steps. 

  • Go to "Settings" and look for "Windows Update."
  • Find "Update history" and click on it.
  • Choose "Uninstall updates" and confirm if asked.