Windows 10 / Server 2016 Windows Update Problems

The longer a Windows machine is up and running being years into its lifetime the more frequent inconsistencies can occur. For such a reason modern deployments try to work with an image-based approach - pets vs cattle. If one has to stick on a legacy machine with the pet that is continuously updated the following might help resolve Windows Update issues:

  • If Windows update repeatedly fails to update (e.g. hangs after Downloading 100% or gets stuck in the installation procedure) one can try to install that update "by hand":

    https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=<KB#>, e.g. https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=kb4589210

  • If that does not resolve the issue, one quick first step is to use the System File Checker tool:

    sfc /scannnow

    It might be necessary to wait a couple of minutes after system bootup, because in the beginning Windows might report a conflict with another process. That usually resolves itself after a few minutes of running the operating system.

    A restart might be needed to see an effect.

  • Try using dism restorehealth:

    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /scanhealth

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

    dism /online /cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

  • If the Windows Update is already completely broken you will likely have to provide an outside source for the update files and Configure a Windows Repair Source

    You can use a running Windows installation as a source to restore optional features by sharing the c:\Windows folder on your network.

    dism /online /cleanup-image /RestoreHealth /Source:<machine_share>$\windows /LimitAccess


    • Sources:

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