my computer has been running very slow and it keeps saying fix updates but i dont know how

Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter first, install any updates it finds, and then check storage and Task Manager separately to identify what is slowing the computer.

1. Fix the Windows Update message

1. Plug the computer into power and connect it to the internet.
2. Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Update, select Run, and complete the instructions.
4. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
5. Select Download & install for available updates.
6. When prompted, save your work and select Start > Power > Update and restart. Some updates are not completed until the computer restarts.^1^

If Windows says administrator permission is required, sign in with an administrator account or ask the person who manages the computer to install the updates.

Also check Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. Install available driver updates, and restart if requested.^2^

2. Check the most common causes of slowness

Free storage space

1. Open Start > Settings > System > Storage.
2. Select Temporary files.
3. Review the categories carefully, select files you no longer need, and choose Remove files.
4. Return to Storage, select Storage Sense, and then select Run Storage Sense now.

Avoid selecting personal files such as Downloads unless you are certain they are no longer needed. Low free space can reduce performance and prevent updates from installing.^2^

Find apps consuming resources

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. On Processes, look for consistently high values under CPU, Memory, or Disk.
3. Close only applications you recognize and are not using.
4. Select Startup apps.
5. Right-click unnecessary applications and select Disable. This prevents them from opening automatically; it does not uninstall them.
6. Restart the computer and check whether startup and normal use are faster.^2^

Scan for malware

Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection, and select Quick scan. Malware can consume processor and disk resources.^2^

3. If updates still fail

Note any displayed error code, such as 0x8007000d, because the next repair depends on that code.

If no code appears and the troubleshooter did not fix the problem, back up important personal files first. Then reset only the downloaded Windows Update cache:

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter services.msc and press Enter.
3. Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
4. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
5. Delete the contents inside that folder.
6. Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
7. Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates again.^1^

Do not uninstall an update unless the slowdown clearly began immediately after a particular update; security updates should not be removed as a general performance step.

References

1. Windows 11
2. Windows 11