Windows 10 not Updating!

Question

Windows 10 not Updating!

BRIAN LOFTHOUSE 70

Hi to you all, I am trying to help a friend with an issue. Like me he is using Windows 10 with the ESU plan. About 2 months ago his computer stopped "Installing" updates, when we have "Patch" Tuesday it downloads but doesn't install any updates! We have tried various things like Scannow and Restorehealth but they fail while scanning. We have tried the Windows "Update Troubleshooter" but no joy. I suggested "Refreshing" Windows 10 but he is worried about losing some of his Apps!

Any ideas?

Brian

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Since SFC, DISM /RestoreHealth, and the Windows Update troubleshooter already fail, the most practical next steps are:

Restart the PC Pending update actions can block new installs.
Check basic blockers
- Verify the PC is connected: Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
- Make sure there is enough free space: at least 16 GB for 32-bit Windows or 20 GB for 64-bit Windows.
- Unplug nonessential external hardware such as USB drives, printers, scanners, and external disks.
Temporarily remove third-party antivirus/security software Third-party security software can block Windows updates. If present, uninstall it temporarily, update Windows, then reinstall it afterward. Make sure any product keys or reinstall steps are available first.
Reset the Windows Update cache This requires an elevated Command Prompt and administrator rights. Microsoft notes these command-line steps are for users comfortable with admin commands. Run these commands one at a time:
```
   net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
   ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
```
Then restart the PC and try Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Try the repair commands again Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
```
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
   sfc /scannow
```
Expected result:
- DISM should report “The restore operation completed successfully” or “The operation completed successfully”.
- SFC should reach 100%.
If updates still download but will not install, use an in-place upgrade repair This is the closest supported option to a “refresh” while keeping apps and files. The accepted guidance in similar cases is to use the Windows 10 installation media/ISO and run Setup.exe from within Windows. This reinstalls Windows and can repair update components while allowing Keep personal files and apps. Before starting:
- Disconnect from the internet.
- Disconnect external devices except mouse/keyboard.
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus.
Then use the Windows 10 media creation/download page and run setup from the ISO. This is specifically recommended in similar cases where Windows Update is broken and DISM/SFC do not resolve it.
If the device still cannot update Microsoft support guidance also suggests either:
- taking the PC to a qualified repair technician, or
- reinstalling Windows 10 to return it to a cleaner state.

If the main concern is losing apps, an in-place upgrade is the better next step than a clean reinstall, because the documented and accepted guidance indicates it can keep installed apps, settings, and personal files.

Answer 2

David-M 128.2K Independent Advisor

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

To be able to assist better, please clarify the following:

Is your friend getting an error code? If yes, which one?

If it is a specific update, let me know the KB number of the update displaying the error.

If your friend don't get an error code, see the update history.

Press "Windows + I" and select "Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history".

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Also. What is the version and "OS Build" of Windows 10?

Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

If you prefer, share a screenshot.

Be sure to censor the email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

Looking forward to your reply.

BRIAN LOFTHOUSE 70 Reputation points

2026-10-16T12:57:13.5333333+00:00

Hi David, thanks for replying to my question. First of all, sorry for the delay replying! My friend lives 40 miles away and difficult to explain on phone! He tried again today and again no joy, It tried to install KB122878 BUT FAILED WITH ERROR CODE 0x80070002.. Last month it was error code 0x80070570. The Build he has at present is 19045 7417. I think he is going to take it to a repair shop. The main concern is losing his Photoshop which he has had many years. If it wasn't for this, I think he would have reinstalled Windows 10. Although we both do fairly technical things on PC (for our age) it is getting beyond us now.

Brian (thanks again)

Although they call it "Patch Tuesday" I get it Wednesday, It took about 3 hours this time
David-M 128.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-16T13:47:14.88+00:00
Thanks for the clarifications.

The update your friend is trying to install is KB5122878, right? You mentioned KB122878, which does not exist.

To begin, if your friend has third-party antivirus installed, temporarily disable all antivirus modules and attempt to perform the update. Refer to the support or help documentation provided by the antivirus developer for guidance on how to disable modules. Regardless of the outcome, remember to re-enable the antivirus modules after completing the process.

If the same error occurs with the antivirus modules disabled or your friend doesn't have a third-party antivirus, I suggest doing the following:

1 = Rename the software distribution folders as instructed below:

Open Start and type cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".

Run the following commands at the Command Prompt one at a time:

net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop cryptsvc ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak net start bits net start wuauserv net start cryptsvc

After all these commands are completed, close the Command Prompt window, restart (not shutdown) your computer, and then try to update Windows.

2 = If it persists, download and install the update that is having problems manually.

Download the installation package from the link below.

https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/d/msdownload/update/software/secu/2026/09/windows10.0-kb5122878-x64_191c536a44656eb754daa7cb7e9b517b05d690f7.msu

Source: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB5122878

If the problem persists, please let me know, and I will provide another method.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
BRIAN LOFTHOUSE 70 Reputation points

2026-10-16T14:09:50.48+00:00

Hi David, sorry my mistake KB 5122878. Also, he uses Windows Defender! I will send your comments to him.

Thanks Brian
David-M 128.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-16T14:31:42.3633333+00:00

Glad to help.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.