How to Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter on Windows 11 (Two Ways)

When Windows Update throws an error or refuses to install, the Windows Update troubleshooter is the fix Microsoft tells you to try first — it runs diagnostics and resets the update components for you.

Why it works: most update failures come down to a handful of repairable causes — a stopped service, a corrupt download cache, a stuck component. The troubleshooter checks for those and repairs them automatically, which is why it clears a large share of update errors without any command-line work.

Fix 1: Run it from the Get Help app

This is the quickest path on Windows 11. Microsoft ships an automated troubleshooter inside the Get Help app that runs the diagnostics and attempts repairs for you.

1. Open the Get Help app (search for it from Start).
2. In the search bar, type windows update troubleshooter and open the result.
3. Let it run its diagnostics and apply any fixes it finds.
4. Restart the device when it finishes, then go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Fix 2: Run it from Settings

If you’d rather not use the Get Help app, the troubleshooter is also under Settings.

1. Select Start → Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
2. Under Most frequent, select Run next to Windows Update.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Restart your device, then go to Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates to install anything available.

Fix 3: If the troubleshooter can’t fix it

If it runs but the update still fails, reset the update components by hand. Open an elevated Command Prompt (right-click Start → Terminal (Admin)) and run:

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc

Reboot and Check for updates again.

FAQ

The Get Help app opens but doesn’t find the troubleshooter — now what? Use Fix 2 (the Settings path). Both run the same underlying diagnostics; the Settings route doesn’t depend on the Get Help app.

Do I need to restart after running it? Yes. Microsoft specifically recommends restarting when the troubleshooter finishes before you check for updates again — some repairs only take effect after a reboot.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Windows Update Troubleshooter, Microsoft Support — Troubleshoot problems updating Windows