What to Do When Windows Update Keeps Failing on Windows 11

Discover the effective solutions for addressing 'Windows Update keeps failing on Windows 11' issues. Here are the common reasons and guides to resolve Windows Update challenges.

An updated Windows operating system ensures your computer works properly. Windows can sometimes encounter the "Windows update keeps failing Windows 11" issue, which causes frustration. There could be several reasons for Windows updates failing. Finding a quick solution is essential to ensure smooth processing, whether due to network issues or third-party software conflicts.

This article from EaseUS mentions the causes behind Windows update failure on Windows 11. We've mentioned the effective steps to solve the issue. Whether you're facing an error code or failed installations, the detailed steps will guide you to solve the issues.

Why Does My Windows 11 Update Keep Failing

Windows 11 updates may fail due to several reasons. Here are the possible causes behind the issue:

• Insufficient Disk Space
• Internet Connection Issues
• Windows Update Service Issues
• Background Processes and Services
• Corrupted System Files
• Pending Updates
• Outdated or incompatible drivers
• Security software can sometimes block updates
• If you have set your internet connection as metered, Windows might postpone updates

After knowing the possible reason why the Windows 11 updates keep failing, it is time to know how to fix this error. Keep reading!

How to Fix Windows 11 Update Keeps Failing

Windows update issues can cause security risks to your computer. Here are the effective ways to fix the Windows update failing or Windows 11 cumulative update failing to install.

1. Fix 1: Check Network Connection
2. Fix 2: Remove All Peripherals from Your PC
3. Fix 3: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
4. Fix 4: Check the Free Disk Space
5. Fix 5: Restart Windows Update-related Services
6. Fix 6: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
7. Fix 7: Run SFC or DISM Command 
8. Fix 8: Reset Windows 11

Fix 1: Check Network Connection

Your connection strength plays a significant role in updating Windows 11. If the internet connection is unstable, it may cause Windows update errors. Follow the steps to check and improve your internet speed:

Step 1. Check the Network icon.

Step 2. Enable Network connection.

Step 3. Right-click the network icon in the taskbar.

Step 4. Select "Network and Internet Settings."

Step 5. Go to "Dial-up" and select "Change adapter options."

Step 6. Select the network connection you want to use.

Step 7. Click "Enable" to activate the network connection.

Step 8. Restart Router/Modem.

Step 9. Disable VPN and proxy. These can affect your internet connection and Windows update process.

Fix 2: Remove All Peripherals from Your PC

Devices connected to your computer can also cause update issues. A damaged peripheral can affect the update process; disconnect all peripherals. Connect them one by one to see if they cause the issue. Follow these steps to solve the issue:

Step 1. Remove all peripheral devices from your computer. 

Step 2. Restart your computer. 

Step 3. Try updating Windows 11 now.

Step 4. Reconnect Peripherals One by One.

Step 5. If the updates are successful after removing peripherals, reconnect each device one at a time.

Step 6. After connecting each peripheral, check for updates again to identify if a specific device causes the update failure.

Step 7. Install the latest drivers for all peripherals. Check if they are compatible with Windows 11. Some older devices are incompatible with the latest operating system and cause update issues.

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Fix 3: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Antivirus software can also restrict the Windows from updating. Disable the antivirus software and run Windows Update again. After the update is completed, re-enable the Antivirus again. Follow these steps to disable Antivirus.

Step 1. Open your antivirus software. 

Step 2. Go to Manage Settings.  

Step 3. Find options like real-time protection or active scanning. Temporarily disable these features.  

Step 4. Update your windows.

Step 5. After updating, re-enable the real-time protection features.

Fix 4: Check the Free Disk Space

Windows requires 64GB of free space to update your operating system. The Windows 11 update may fail or stop with low storage space. Make sure to have enough C drive space available to update your Windows. Follow these steps to check disk space on Windows 11:

Step 1. Open File Explorer on your computer.  

Step 2. Go to "This PC" in the left sidebar of File Explorer.

Step 3. Open C drive properties.

Step 4. Check the "Free space." 

Step 5. If the storage space is low, you need to free up space. 

Fix 5: Restart Windows Update-related Services

Updates may fail due to damage in the Windows update files. Delete these files and restart the update process to resolve the issue. You can manually delete the Windows Update files in Safe Mode. Follow these steps by running the taskbar type command prompt to solve the update issue.

Step 1. Restart your computer.

Step 2. Boot to Safe Mode.  

Step 3. Open the C:\WINDOWS\ directory on your system.

Step 4. Select the "SoftwareDistribution" folder and delete it. This folder contains the Windows Update files. You may encounter a message stating that some files are in use. If prompted, skip those files.

Step 5. Restart your computer to exit Safe Mode.

Step 6. Try updating to Windows 11 now. 

Fix 6: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows Update Troubleshooter can find the issues affecting the update process. You can use the troubleshooter to solve the issue. Follow these steps to fix the Windows update issue using the in-built tool:

Step 1. Open Settings.

Step 2. Click on "Update & Security".

Step 3. Access Troubleshoot Settings.

Step 4. Click on "Additional troubleshooters."  

Step 5. Select Windows Update.

Step 6. Tap "Run the troubleshooter" to start the process.

Step 7. Follow On-Screen Instructions.

Step 8. Review the results to see if any issues were detected and resolved.

 Step 9. Restart your computer to apply any changes or fixes made by the tool.

Fix 7: Run SFC or DISM Command 

Corrupted Windows system files can also affect the Windows update issue. Run the System File Checker to fix the system files. It's recommended to run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool before SFC in Windows 11. Follow these steps to run SFC scannow and DISM commands.

Step 1. Search "Command Prompt" in your Windows menu.

Step 2. Select "Command Prompt."    

Step 3. Click on "Run as administrator."

Step 4. Run DISM Command.

Step 5. Type this command and tap Enter:

"dism.exe/Online/Cleanup-image/Restorehealth"

Step 6. Allow the DISM tool to complete the process. This may take some time.

Step 7. After the DISM process is complete, type this command and press Enter:

"sfc /scannow"

Step 8. The SFC will repair corrupted system files.

Step 9. Review the results shown in the Command Prompt window once the SFC scan is complete.

Step 10. If issues are found and repaired, restart your computer.

Step 11. Check for updates again to see if the Windows update process can be completed successfully.

Fix 8: Reset Windows 11

If all the methods fail, consider resetting Windows 11. It involves reinstalling the Windows, and backing up your data is crucial. Follow these steps to reset Windows 11.

Step 1. Back up your data using a reliable backup tool.

Step 2. Open your Windows 11 computer settings.

Step 3. Access Windows update settings. 

Step 4. Click on "Reset this PC."     

Step 5. Reinstall Windows 11.

Here is an article on how to reinstall Windows 10/11 from BIOS. If you need to reinstall Windows, you can read it.

Bonus Tip: Always Backup Your PC to Avoid Data Loss

While encountering Windows update issues, you may lose your data. Create a backup of your data using a reliable backup tool to ensure your data and its privacy. In addition, you need to create a backup when performing some of the methods mentioned above. EaseUS Todo Backup, a name that has to be mentioned in the backup and recovery field, comes to help in this regard.

Users can apply this free backup utility to create scheduled backups to protect against any data loss. Moreover, it lets you back up your files, systems, disks, computer apps, etc., and create full, incremental and differential backups, and it offers recovery features, allowing users to restore specific files or even entire systems. Here are some key features of this backup tool:

EaseUS Todo Backup also offers disk imaging or cloning, and you can use it to transfer all data during hardware upgrades. Just download and use it to protect everything on your PC! Here is how to use it:

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.

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To Sum Up

The "Windows update keeps failing Windows 11" issues can be frustrating. Understanding how to address these issues is essential to maintaining a secure and optimized system. This article has explored various reasons, from network connectivity issues to disk space constraints. It offered detailed insights into troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue effectively.

While updating issues can risk your security, create a backup of your data to ensure its safety. EaseUS Todo Backup is a reliable and free data backup tool with multiple features for secure data storage. Its smart disc cloning and smart data management can secure and store your data efficiently.

FAQs on Windows Update Keeps Failing Windows 11

The Windows 11 update keeps failing, and the issue can be frustrating. If you've any concerns or confusion, here are some insights. 

1. How do I fix Windows Update on Windows 11?

Here are the effective ways to solve Update issues on Windows 11:

• Check your network connection.
• Remove peripherals from your PC.
• Temporarily disable antivirus software.
• Check and free up disk space on the system drive.
• Restart Windows Update-related services.
• Run the Windows Troubleshooter.
• Run SFC or DISM commands.
• Consider resetting Windows 11 as a last resort.

2. How do I fix a Windows Update that failed to install?

Follow these steps to fix Windows Update fails to install:

• Step 1. Open Settings.
• Step 2. Click on Update & Security.
• Step 3. Access Troubleshoot settings.
• Step 4. Click on Additional Troubleshooters.  
• Step 5. Select Windows Update.
• Step 6. Tap Run the troubleshooter to start the process.
• Step 7. Follow On-Screen instructions.

3. What happens if a system update fails?

If the system update fails, it can cause security vulnerabilities and performance issues. Failed updates may lead to an incomplete installation of critical patches. Your system can be exposed to potential threats. It's important to resolve update failures promptly and ensure your operating system remains up-to-date.