Microsoft Manual Update Not Working? Fix Guide

By
Issabela Garcia
-
0
19

So, your Microsoft manual update is not working? Don’t worry. You’re not alone, and it’s usually fixable. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech wizard, this guide is for you.

TL;DR

If your Microsoft manual update isn’t working, it could be due to internet issues, time settings, services not running, or corrupt update files. Restart your PC, check your internet, run the Update Troubleshooter, or even reset the Windows Update components. Sometimes, manual updates fail because you’re already up to date! And yes, we’ll walk you through everything in simple steps.

Why Manual Updates Sometimes Break

Manual updates involve downloading updates yourself, usually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. While it sounds simple, things can go wrong:

  • Your PC’s settings may block updates.
  • Required services might not be running.
  • Your update file could be corrupt.
  • You may already have that update installed!

Let’s fix that update hiccup step by step.

Step 1: Are You Sure You Need the Update?

It happens more than you think. People try to install an update that’s already on their machine.

Here’s how to check:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type winver and press Enter.
  3. Now go to the Microsoft update history page and compare versions.

If your version matches the latest update, you’re good to go—no update needed!

Step 2: Let’s Check Your Internet

Downloads need a stable connection. If your internet is acting up, the update might not finish properly.

Try this:

  • Open a browser and load Microsoft.com.
  • Run a speed test at fast.com.
  • Connect directly via Ethernet if you’re on Wi-Fi.

No internet, no update. Fix that connection first!

Step 3: Restart and Try Again

Sometimes, all your computer needs is a fresh start.

Restart your PC, then:

  1. Try installing the update manually again.
  2. If it doesn’t work, don’t panic—we’re just getting started!

Step 4: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

This nifty tool can auto-fix many common update problems.

Here’s how to run it:

  1. Click the Start Menu and type troubleshoot.
  2. Select Troubleshoot settings.
  3. Click Additional troubleshooters or Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Windows Update, and choose Run.

Let it do its magic. It might just solve the issue for you.

Step 5: Check Update Services

Windows uses several background services during an update. If any of them are stopped, the update won’t happen.

To check:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find these services:
    • Windows Update
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service
    • Cryptographic Services
  3. Make sure all are running. If not, right-click and select Start.

If they’re already running, try restarting them.

Step 6: Manually Reset Update Components

Still stuck? Time to reset Windows Update components. This sounds scary, but it’s not. Just some typing magic.

Follow these steps:

  1. Type cmd in the Start Menu, then right-click and select Run as administrator.
  2. Now, type these commands one at a time and press Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

This resets the update process completely. Try the manual update again!

Step 7: Watch Out for Compatibility Issues

Not all updates are for every device. Some are specific to certain versions or hardware.

Here’s what to do:

  • Double-check the update’s requirements on the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  • Make sure your PC matches those requirements (OS version, build, etc.).

If your device isn’t compatible, it just won’t install no matter what.

Step 8: Use DISM and SFC Tools

Corrupted system files can block updates. These tools can fix that.

Run them like this:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for it to finish. This checks for and repairs corrupted files.
  4. Then type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit Enter.

When both are done, reboot and give the update another shot.

Step 9: Grab the Right File

If you’re manually installing updates, make sure you’re using the right file type.

  • For most users, the update file should end with .msu.
  • Make sure it matches your system architecture (x64, x86, or ARM64).
  • Don’t extract the file—just run it directly.

Still unsure? Go back to the Microsoft Update Catalog and make double sure you got the right update version.

Step 10: A Clean Boot Might Help

Background apps can interfere with updates. A clean boot loads only essential stuff.

Here’s how:

  1. Press Windows + R and type msconfig.
  2. Go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services” and click Disable all.
  3. Now go to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, and disable all non-essential startup items.
  4. Restart your PC and try the update again.

Bonus Tips

Still facing trouble? Try these:

  • Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
  • Install the update in Safe Mode.
  • Check disk space—updates need room to work!
  • Use System Restore if things get messy.

When All Else Fails

If nothing works, you have two last-resort options:

  1. In-place Upgrade: This reinstalls Windows without deleting your files. You’ll need a Windows ISO image.
  2. Fresh Install: Back up your data and reinstall Windows from scratch.

We hope it doesn’t come to that—but if