Windows update pending install is a common problem your computer may face during OS updates. This error indicates an issue that needs fixation. There are easy solutions you can apply to solve it. Read on to learn the five solutions and how to back up your data.
Windows 10 updates usually download and install automatically on your system. Sometimes, you may encounter the "Windows update pending install" error. This issue may arise due to different reasons. No matter the cause, this tutorial from EaseUS seeks to outline the possible fixes to the problem.
We'll start by outlining the common reasons behind this error and then elaborate on five solutions to apply. The article also offers a solution to back up the data using EaseUS Todo Backup to avoid losses during the repair process. You will learn more about the tool and its robust backup features.
To amicably solve the Windows update pending install error, it's essential to understand the causes. Some causes are internal, while others are external. Here are some of the common causes of the issue:
Keep reading to learn the possible ways to address these issues.
When you encounter the Windows update pending install issue, you won't be able to install Windows unless you fix it. There are several solutions you can apply. Here, we will look at the following fixes.
When you run the Windows update troubleshooter, your system can recognize what prevents the update from completing successfully. The troubleshooter checks the status of your updates, repairs the components, and checks the pending installation updates. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Press the Windows + I keys to launch the "Settings" and click "Update and Security."
Step 2. Click on "Troubleshoot" and then "Additional troubleshooters."
Step 3. In the right pane, go to "Windows Update". Choose the "Run the Troubleshooter" option.
Step 4. Windows will identify and solve issues preventing you from updating your Windows. Wait until the process finishes.
Step 5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process, and then restart your PC to see if the error has disappeared
If you've set your connection as metered, it may prevent a successful Windows update and installation. You must set your network connection as unmetered to fix the "Windows update pending install" error. Check these steps:
Step 1. Launch your PC Settings.
Step 2. Move to "Update and Security" and then "Windows Update."
Step 3. Click "Advanced Options" on the right.
Step 4. Next, turn on the option "Download updates over metered connections (extra charges may apply)." You can wait a while and check if your updates have started installing.
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When addressing the Windows update pending installation error, you may also have to reset your Windows service components. You'll need to run a few commands in Command Prompt, after which the updates will work. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1. Click the Start menu.
Step 2. Search "Command Prompt," then choose the "Run as Administrator" option.
Step 3. Type these commands and press enter on each line.
Step 4. Restart services by executing the following commands.
Step 5. Restart your PC.
You may also face the Windows update pending install error if the Automatic Update services have an issue. Additionally, the Background Intelligent Transfer and Cryptographic Services may have a problem. The solution is to fix the Windows Update services and restart them. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the dialog box.
Step 2. Enter "services.msc" in the box and press "Enter" to open the services page.
Step 3. Right-click "Windows Update" and choose "Properties."
Step 4. Set the "Startup type" to "Automatic" and click "OK."
Step 5. Repeat Steps 3 & 4 for the "Background Intelligent Transfer" and "Cryptographic" services. You can then restart your device and check if the error has disappeared.
The error can also occur if there is an issue with the Windows updating process. Some problems that can lead to this include interrupted internet connection or missing files. The solution is to delete the previously downloaded update and download it again. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1. Press the Windows + E keys simultaneously to launch "File Explorer."
Step 2. Type "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download" in the address bar and press Enter.
Step 3. Press the Ctrl + A keys to select all folders and files and then the Shift + Delete keys to delete them permanently.
Step 4. Restart your computer and download the Windows updates again.
Some Windows update errors can make you lose important data and programs. You should consider creating a complete backup for your files to ensure you have somewhere to revert if things go wrong. Try EaseUS Todo Backup today if you want a perfect way to safeguard your PC data before a Windows update.
This tool allows you to automatically back up your files to different locations to guarantee accessibility. You can save them to an external storage or the cloud. Todo Backup also enables users to move files to a NAS or a network. The tool guarantees the accessibility of your files, which means you can restore them anytime. It also supports advanced backup strategies, such as differential and incremental backups.
Key Features
Download this tool to back up your PC files before any Windows update. The steps for getting started are very simple.
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.
This article highlighted the causes of Windows update pending install errors and several ways to fix the problem. Some fixes explored include re-loading the update, resetting Windows update service components, and running an update troubleshooter. It's best to back up your files before initiating any Windows update.
The best way to do that is via EaseUS Todo Backup. This tool lets you save your precious files to different locations and guarantees accessibility. You can restore your backup files anytime. The tool also guarantees the safety of your files through password encryption. Download this tool now for the best backup experience.
Some of the common questions on this topic include:
Your Windows 10 install may be pending because of various issues. Some of the causes include:
Yes, it's possible. Data loss is one of the most common problems resulting from Windows update errors. Therefore, it is important to have a backup before performing an update.
The best solution is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, which identifies the problem with the updates and does the necessary repairs. It also checks the pending install updates for issues and ensures the process finishes.
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