Are you having trouble getting the Windows Update Assistant to work? Are you seeing an error message telling you that it can’t connect to the update server? Don’t worry – we’re here to help!
In this blog post, we will walk you through step-by-step how to fix the Windows Update Assistant not working issue. We’ll also provide a few troubleshooting tips in case the problem persists.
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Why is Windows Update Assistant Not Working?
There are a few reasons why the Windows Update Assistant might not be working.
- It could be that your computer is not connected to the internet, or
- There might be a problem with the update server itself.
- Sometimes the third-party security software installed on your computer can also block the Windows Update Assistant from working.
Fix the Stuck Windows Update Assistant
If the Windows Update Assistant is not working and got stuck while updating the Windows OS to the latest version, you can try the below methods to fix it.
Try Basic Troubleshooting
Before going for any further steps, you should try some basic troubleshooting.
- First, check if your computer is connected to the internet or not. If it is, then restart your computer and try running the Windows Update Assistant again. In most cases, this should fix the problem.
- If you are using a VPN service, disable it and see if that fixes the problem.
- Make sure that your system has enough space to download and install the latest updates.
- Ensure that your system meets the minimum system requirements for the latest Windows version. If the system does not meet the minimum requirements for the latest version and you begin installing it anyway, Windows Update Assistant can get stuck in this situation.
Copy the Media Folder From C:\$GetCurrent\
This is the official Microsoft suggested approach for fixing the problem. This option usually fixes the problem. Here’s how to do it:
- On your Windows system, launch File Explorer and navigate to this address: C:\$GetCurrent\.
- Ensure that the hidden objects are visible.
- Look for the Media folder, copy or cut it from there and paste it to the Desktop.
- Restart your system.
- Now copy the Media folder from the desktop and paste it back to the C:\$GetCurrent\ directory.
- Open the Media folder and run the Setup.
- Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Get important updates screen. Here select Not right now and then click on Next.
- After initiating the Setup, follow the onscreen instructions till you see the Get important updates screen. Here select Not right now and then click on Next.
- After completing the setup, you can now check for Windows updates and Windows Update Assistant will work without any interruptions.
Restart Windows Update Service
If the above method did not work for you, then try restarting the Windows Update Service. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on the Start button and search for services.msc, click on the Services icon to launch the Windows Service window.
- In the Services window that opens, look for the Windows Update service.
- Right-click on it and select Restart from the menu.
- Exit the Service window and restart your system.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
If you are still having trouble getting the Windows Update Assistant to work, then try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
The troubleshooter will scan your system for any common problems that might be causing the issue and attempt to fix them automatically.
To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, follow these instructions:
- Click on the Start button and open Settings.
- Switch to the System tab, and select Troubleshoot on the right.
- Next, choose Other troubleshooters.
- Under Other troubleshooters, click on the Run button next to Keyboard. This will start the keyboard troubleshooting and fix any detected problem.
Clear Windows Update Cache
If the Windows Update cache is corrupted, it can cause problems with the Windows Update process. In this case, you will need to delete the SoftwareDistributionFolder and then try running the Windows Update Assistant again.
This folder is used by Windows Update to store temporary files. Deleting it will not affect your ability to install updates.
To delete the folder, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows +R key to open the run dialog box. Paste the command below and press “Enter.”
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
Step 2: In the ‘Download‘ window, click Ctrl+A to highlight all the items. Next, delete the items by pressing the delete button.
Finally, restart your Windows 10 PC.
Temporarily Disable Third-Party Security Application
If you have any third-party security software installed on your computer, it might be blocking the Windows Update Assistant from working. In this case, you will need to disable the security software temporarily and then try running the Windows Update Assistant again.
Once the updates are installed, you can re-enable the security software.
Final Words
If the Windows Update Assistant is not working on your computer, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem. First, try some basic troubleshooting steps like making sure your computer is connected to the internet and has enough space to download and install updates. If that doesn’t work, try restarting the Windows Update Service or running the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
If none of the above methods work, then you can try manually downloading and installing the updates from Microsoft’s website. However, be aware that this is an advanced solution and should only be attempted if you are comfortable working with files and folders in Windows.
We hope this article helped you fix the problem. If you have any further questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
No, the Windows Update Assistant is not a virus. It is a legitimate tool from Microsoft that helps you download and install updates for your computer. However, some antivirus programs might flag it as a potential threat because it makes changes to your system settings. If you are unsure whether the Windows Update Assistant is safe or not, you can always scan it with your antivirus program to be sure.
The Windows Update Standalone Installer is a tool from Microsoft that helps you download and install updates for your computer. It is similar to the Windows Update Assistant, but it does not require an internet connection to work. You can use the Windows Update Standalone Installer to install updates even if you are not connected to the internet.
To run Windows Update, open the Start menu and search for “Updates.” Click on the “Check for Updates” button and wait for Windows to check for and install any available updates.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
