Windows Update Issues (Feb 2023)

Technology Tips – Published February 2023 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

As you probably know your Microsoft Windows PC goes through an automatic updating process starting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. What you may not know is that Microsoft spends the next 2-3 weeks fixing issues that arise from the 2nd week updates. Most are low level issues and don’t affect normal PC operation – we hope.

Not all update issues are the result of Microsoft’s errors. Some are related to your PC and its ability to download and install an update properly. If an update stalls on its download or install, try rebooting your PC. Be patient as there are built in pauses during an update that can last for 10 minutes or more. You can get a better idea of seeing what goes on during a Windows Update by opening Settings, click on Windows Update and watch the process. In fact you can even start the update process by clicking on Check for updates. If rebooting your PC fails to correct a faulty update there is a troubleshooter that can help. While you are in Settings, for Windows 11, type trouble in the upper left corner where it says find a setting. In the drop-down menu click Troubleshoot Other problems. Locate Windows Update and click Run. This app can fix a balky Windows Update issue. Now, reboot the PC and retry Windows Update again.

For Windows 10 (or 11) you can also run this app by entering the Control Panel. Type control in the search field in the lower left corner of the Taskbar for Windows 10 then click Control Panel or by clicking the Start button for Windows 11 and typing control in the Type here to search field at the top of the window. Press the Enter key. Next, change the appearance of the Control Panel by clicking the down arrow next to View by:  in the upper right of the window. Click on Large icons. Next click on Troubleshooting. At the top left, click on View all. In the list of troubleshooting apps click on Windows Update to run the app. Notice the list of other apps that can be utilized to fix other Windows problems.

These apps aren’t perfect in their repair capability but they do offer a level of repair for you to try.