Windows updates should be applied automatically when you restart your computer, but some issues can cause updates to fail. Fortunately, there are several fixes you can try if the Windows 11 update fails after a restart.
Reasons why Windows updates fail after a reboot
Sometimes after updating Windows, you may receive an error code or message. For example:
- Error: Failed to configure Windows updates. Revert changes.
- Error: We were unable to complete the updates. Undo the changes. Do not turn off your computer.
These messages will sometimes be accompanied by troubleshooting suggestions, but this isn't always the case. Here are some possible reasons why Windows updates may not work:
- The hard drive does not have enough free space.
- Your internet connection was lost during download or installation.
- External devices interfere with updates.
- Your antivirus or VPN is blocking updates.
- Corrupted system files or hard disk errors.
Here are some examples of Windows Update error codes and what they mean:
- 0xc1900223: Problems downloading or installing updates
- 0x80073712: System file errors
- 0x800F0922: Unable to contact Windows Update servers
- 0xC1900101-0x20017 ، 0xC1900101-0x30017: Interference from third-party drivers
- 0x8007042B 0x4000D ، 0x800700B7 0x2000a: Interference from background applications
- 0x80200056: The upgrade has been interrupted.
- 0xC1900107: Outdated update files block new updates.
- 0x80300024: Your computer does not meet the minimum requirements.
- 0x80070002-0x20009: Your computer could not find the correct drive.
- 0x80070070–0x50011، 0x80070070–0x50012، 0x80070070–0x60000: The hard drive requires more free space.
Tip: If you don't get an error code, go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history to view error codes related to updates.
How to Fix Windows 11 Update Failure After Restart
Try these steps in order to complete Windows updates:
Tip: Many of these solutions also apply to: Fix problems caused by Windows updates.
- Restart WindowsYou must restart your computer for the new updates to apply. If your computer doesn't restart automatically after the update, try restarting it manually.
- Check your internet connection. You must have a stable internet connection to download Windows updates. If the download is interrupted, it may leave behind temporary files that need to be cleaned up (see step 11).
- Run Windows Updates again. If there's a chance something went wrong while downloading updates, try running Windows Update again to fix the issue.
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run next to Windows Update. The troubleshooter will detect and fix any issues it finds.
- Free up hard disk space. Make sure you have enough free space on your computer to install the latest updates.
- Remove any external drives. If you have an external drive connected to your computer, disconnect it so it doesn't interfere with Windows updates. Tip: If you're having trouble with a specific device (such as an external drive) after updating Windows, try Update device drivers.
- Turn off your antivirus software. If you have antivirus software installed, it may be interfering with Windows updates. The exact steps vary depending on the software you're using, but most antivirus programs give you the option to temporarily disable it.
- turn off Run VPN Your. If you're running a virtual private network (VPN), turn it off. VPNs can sometimes confuse Windows Update servers.
- Run System File Checker. Use the sfc /scannow command to check for system errors that might interfere with updates.
- Run the chkdsk command. Run the chkdsk /f C: command to check your hard drive for errors and fix any problems it finds. When finished, restart your computer.
- do itRun Disk CleanupDisk Clean Up will remove any temporary files left over from previous updates that may be causing the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How can I free up disk space?
The answer: Files are sometimes left behind from multiple installers or from when you downloaded something and no longer need it. So, check your Downloads folder for anything you no longer need.
Q2: How can I change when Windows tries to update?
The answer: There's an automatic setting in Windows that allows Windows to update itself without any intervention from you. It's easy to use, but if you want more control, you can change some of the settings and settings that are entirely responsible for it. In Windows 11, go to: Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options. If you don't have Windows 11, see the Change Windows update settings article to learn how to do this for the version you're running.