<p>Follow these steps in order on the Windows 11 PC that cannot download or install updates:</p>
<h3><a name="p-32592-h-1-run-the-windows-update-troubleshooter-1" class="anchor" href="#p-32592-h-1-run-the-windows-update-troubleshooter-1" aria-label="Heading link"></a>1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter</h3>
<ul>
<li>Select <strong>Start</strong> > <strong>Settings</strong> > <strong>System</strong></li>
<li>Select <strong>Troubleshoot</strong> > <strong>Other troubleshooters</strong></li>
<li>Find <strong>Windows Update</strong> and select <strong>Run</strong></li>
<li>Let it complete and apply any fixes it suggests</li>
</ul>
<h3><a name="p-32592-h-2-restart-the-pc-2" class="anchor" href="#p-32592-h-2-restart-the-pc-2" aria-label="Heading link"></a>2. Restart the PC</h3>
<p>After the troubleshooter finishes, restart the device, then go to <strong>Settings</strong> > <strong>Windows Update</strong> and select <strong>Check for updates</strong> to try again.</p>
<h3><a name="p-32592-h-3-clear-the-windows-update-cache-if-errors-persist-3" class="anchor" href="#p-32592-h-3-clear-the-windows-update-cache-if-errors-persist-3" aria-label="Heading link"></a>3. Clear the Windows Update cache (if errors persist)</h3>
<p>This helps when downloads fail or updates get stuck.</p>
<ul>
<li>Press <strong>Win + R</strong>, type <code>services.msc</code>, and press <strong>Enter</strong></li>
<li>Find <strong>Windows Update</strong>, right-click it, and select <strong>Stop</strong></li>
<li>Open <strong>File Explorer</strong> and go to <code>C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution</code></li>
<li>Delete all files and folders inside <strong>SoftwareDistribution</strong> (not the folder itself)</li>
<li>Go back to <strong>Services</strong>, right-click <strong>Windows Update</strong>, and select <strong>Start</strong></li>
<li>Open <strong>Settings</strong> > <strong>Windows Update</strong> and select <strong>Check for updates</strong> again</li>
</ul>
<h3><a name="p-32592-h-4-check-disk-space-and-restart-to-apply-pending-updates-4" class="anchor" href="#p-32592-h-4-check-disk-space-and-restart-to-apply-pending-updates-4" aria-label="Heading link"></a>4. Check disk space and restart to apply pending updates</h3>
<p>Some updates fail if there is not enough free space or if a previous update is waiting for a restart.</p>
<ul>
<li>Make sure there is sufficient free space on the system drive</li>
<li>Select <strong>Start</strong> > <strong>Power</strong> and choose <strong>Update and restart</strong> or <strong>Update and shut down</strong> if those options are available</li>
</ul>
<h3><a name="p-32592-h-5-if-a-specific-error-code-appears-5" class="anchor" href="#p-32592-h-5-if-a-specific-error-code-appears-5" aria-label="Heading link"></a>5. If a specific error code appears</h3>
<p>Note the exact error code (for example 0x80070002, 0x80070005, 0x800705b4, 0x800f0922, etc.) and follow the targeted steps for that code in the Windows Update troubleshooting article.</p>
<p>If the problem continues, repair system files using:</p>
<pre><code class="lang-auto">DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
</code></pre>
<p>Then try Windows Update again.</p>
