updates wont install

Stuart Bell 0 Reputation points
2026-09-10T15:34:16.2766667+00:00

I have 2 updates that download but wont install at all just says retry I have tried numerous times.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. David-M 125K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-10T16:07:44.8966667+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

    Are you getting an error code? If yes, which one?

    Which updates are having trouble installing?

    If you don't get an error code, see the update history.

    • Press "Windows + I" and select "Windows Update > Update history".

    If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Also. What is the version and "OS Build" of your Windows 11?

    • Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

    If you prefer, share a screenshot.

    Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-10T15:34:34.9066667+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Check for updates again
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      • Make sure the device is connected to the internet.
    2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Windows Update and select Run.
      • Apply any fixes it suggests, then restart the PC.
    3. Repair system files
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
      • Run: 
             DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
     sfc /scannow
      • Wait for both commands to finish. If DISM succeeds, Command Prompt should show that the restore operation completed successfully.
      • Restart the device and try Windows Update again.
    4. Clear the Windows Update cache
      • Warning: this removes the current update cache so Windows can download update files again.
      • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      • Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
      • Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
      • Delete the files and folders inside.
      • Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
      • Try the update again.
    5. Check free space
      • Major updates need free storage.
      • Windows requires at least 16 GB free for a 32-bit OS or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS.
    6. If the updates still fail with Retry
      • Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall, then try again.
      • Restart the PC and run Windows Update once more.

    If the failing update shows error 0x80070005, check that the account has administrator access before installing updates.

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

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