Windows updates are essential for keeping your PC secure and performing optimally. However, updates sometimes fail or get stuck, leaving users with error messages, slowdowns, or malfunctioning features. While Microsoft offers built-in tools for fixing update issues, many users wonder: can free software help with Windows update repair? This guide explores practical, step-by-step techniques you can use, with a focus on free utilities like Glary Utilities for cleaning up and repairing your system.
Why Do Windows Updates Fail?
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand why updates fail. Common causes include:
– Corrupted or missing system files
– Insufficient disk space
– Conflicting software or drivers
– Problems in Windows update components
– Accumulated junk files or registry errors
Free software can often address these underlying issues and streamline the repair process.
Beginner Section: Step-by-Step Windows Update Repair
Step 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
1. Click the Start menu, then select Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security and choose Troubleshoot.
3. Click on Additional troubleshooters, then select Windows Update.
4. Click “Run the troubleshooter” and follow on-screen instructions.
This tool automatically detects and fixes many common update issues.
Step 2: Clean Up Disk Space with Glary Utilities
A lack of free disk space often causes update failures. Glary Utilities provides an easy way to clean up your PC.
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open the program and click on “1-Click Maintenance.”
3. Check “Temporary Files Cleaner” and “Tracks Eraser.”
4. Hit “Scan for Issues,” then “Repair Problems.”
This clears out junk files and frees up space required for updates.
Step 3: Restart and Retry Windows Update
After cleaning, restart your PC. Go back to Settings > Update & Security, and click “Check for updates” to retry.
Step 4: Use Glary Utilities to Repair the Registry
A cluttered or damaged registry can interfere with updates.
1. In Glary Utilities, select “Registry Repair” from the main menu.
2. Click “Scan Registry Issues” and wait for the scan to finish.
3. Review the results, then click “Repair Registry Issues.”
This process can resolve errors preventing updates from installing.
Advanced Section: Deeper Repair Techniques
These steps are suitable for users comfortable with system tools and troubleshooting.
Step 1: Use Glary Utilities for Advanced System Repairs
Glary Utilities offers several advanced tools that help repair Windows update problems.
– Startup Manager: Disable unnecessary startup programs that may conflict with updates.
– Check Disk: Under “Advanced Tools,” run “Check Disk” to scan and fix drive errors.
Step 2: Reset Windows Update Components Manually
If updates still fail, you may need to reset the update components yourself.
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start, select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows Terminal (Admin)”).
2. Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
3. Rename update folders by typing:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
4. Restart services:
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
Step 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can cause update failures.
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Allow the scan to complete and follow any prompts to repair files.
Step 4: Clear More Space with Glary Utilities’ Disk Cleaner
For persistent space-related issues:
1. In Glary Utilities, navigate to “Advanced Tools.”
2. Select “Disk Cleaner.”
3. Review the files to be deleted and click “Clean.”
This helps ensure the update process has enough room to complete.
Real-World Example
A Windows 10 user received error 0x80070020 when attempting to update. After running the Windows Update Troubleshooter with no success, they used Glary Utilities to clean junk files and repair the registry. Finally, they reset the Windows Update components via Command Prompt. The update installed successfully after these steps.
When to Seek Additional Help
If updates continue to fail after following these steps, consider:
– Checking your internet connection
– Disabling third-party antivirus temporarily
– Manually downloading updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog
In rare cases, you may need to perform a system restore or a repair install.
Conclusion
Windows update problems are frustrating, but free tools like Glary Utilities can make the repair process much easier. From cleaning junk files to repairing registry errors and managing startup programs, these utilities complement built-in Windows tools for a comprehensive repair strategy. By following the step-by-step methods outlined here, both beginners and advanced users can resolve most update issues efficiently—without expensive software or technical support.