The problem that Windows 11 users often face is ‘Updates Not Downloading’. Several Windows 11 users have reported that Windows 11 updates not downloading on their computers.

So, if you are a Windows 11 user dealing with the same problem, continue reading the article. Below, we have shared a few of the best ways to fix Windows 11 updates not downloading or installing issues.

Why is Windows 11 Update Not Downloading?

Windows 11 update issues are usually linked to internet connectivity and problematic system files, but a few other things can also trigger problems.

We have listed some major reasons for the Windows 11 update not downloading.

• Bug or Glitch
• Your Internet is not working.
• Windows System Files are corrupted.
• Windows Services are disabled.
• You are using a VPN/Proxy Server.
• Less Storage Space.

These major reasons lead to Windows 11 updates not downloading or installing.

Now that you know all possible reasons for Windows 11 Updates Not downloading, you can troubleshoot the issue more effectively. Here’s how to fix the Windows 11 Updates Not Installing issue.

1. Restart your Windows 11 Computer

If you haven’t restarted your Windows 11 device for a while, it’s the perfect time to do so. Restarting will eliminate the bugs and glitches preventing the Windows Update service from running.

Restarting the computer is the best way to eliminate temporary glitches and bugs. It will also refresh the memory and will restart the Windows Update Services.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

 

An internet connection is required for downloading Windows Update. If your internet connection is unstable, the Windows Update tool will have problems downloading files from its servers.

So, if Windows 11 updates are not downloading on your device, you need to check for internet issues. You can use any speed test websites to determine your internet speed and stability.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has an Update troubleshooter that scans and fixes every Windows Update service-related problem. You can run it to fix Windows 11 updates not downloading.

1. Click on Windows 11 Start Menu and select Settings.

2. On Settings, switch to the System tab. On the right side, select Troubleshoot.

3. Next, on the Troubleshoot, click on the Other troubleshooters.

4. On the Other Troubleshooters, click the Run button beside the Windows Update.

This will run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. You need to follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

4. Enable the Windows Update Services

Malicious apps can sometimes turn off the Windows Update services. When the Windows Updater services are disabled, Windows 11 won’t check for updates.

Even if you manually run the Windows Update tool, it will fail to download the updates. So, you must ensure that the Windows Update Services are enabled and running.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the RUN dialog box. On the RUN dialog box, type services.msc and hit the Enter button.

2. This will open the Services App. You need to find and double-click on the Windows Update service.

3. On the Windows Update Properties, select Automatic on the Startup type drop-down and click the Apply button.

4. Now, find and double click on the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

5. Next, on the Background Intelligent Transfer Service Properties, select Automatic on the Startup type and click the Apply button.

After making the changes, restart your Windows computer.

5. Check Your Storage Space

Windows updates are often huge, and it’s recommended that you have at least 20GB of free storage space to install them smoothly.

If you can download the updates but are getting errors while installing them, check the storage space.

Windows may fail to download or install the system updates if you have limited storage space. So, free up the storage space before downloading the Windows updates.

6. Disable Metered Connection

You may have set the WiFi as the metered connection. When you set any network as a Metered connection, you reduce data consumption. To reserve the WiFi data, Windows may stop searching for the available updates.

• You can fix the problem by disabling the metered connection. Here’s how to do it.
• Open Settings and switch to the Network & internet.
• On the right side, click on the WiFi/Ethernet.
• Next, select your connected WiFi/Ethernet and turn off the Metered Connection.

This is how you can turn off the metered connection on a Windows 11 computer.

7. Delete Update Files from SoftwareDistribution Folder

SoftwareDistribution is a folder where Windows 11 stores all update files. Update files are stored in this folder and automatically installed on your set time and date.

If Windows 11 is not downloading or installing an update, you can try deleting the existing update from this folder to resolve the problem. Here’s what you need to do.

1. First, click on Windows 11 search and type in Services. Next, open the Services app from the list.

2. On the Services, right-click the Windows Update and select Stop.

3. Now open the RUN dialog box (Windows Key + R), type the following path, and press Enter.

C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution

4. This will open the SoftwareDistribution folder.

5. Right-click on all files and select Delete.

6. Now open Services again, right-click on the Windows Update and select Start.

After making the changes, make sure to restart your computer.

8. Temporarily Disable the Third-Party Security Program

On Windows 11, you don’t need a dedicated security program to remove viruses and malware. The built-in Windows Security app is good enough for security protection.

However, if you’re still using any third-party security program to protect your Windows 11 PC, it’s best to disable it temporarily.

Third-party antivirus or security software often conflicts with Windows updates. So, if Windows 11 updates are not downloading, the security program may be preventing the Windows update services from functioning properly.

So, disable any third-party antivirus or security program you’re using and run the Windows update tool again. After the update is completed, enable the security program again. This should solve the issue.

9. Run the System File Checker

System File Checker utility is designed to find and fix corrupted system files. It’s useful and easily fixes Windows 11 Updates Not Installing problems. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Click on Windows 11 search and type CMD. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select ‘Run as administrator’.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, paste the command and press Enter.

SFC /scannow

This will run the System File Checker utility on your computer. You need to wait patiently for the scan to complete.

Also read: Windows 11 ISO Free Download Full Version

These are a few simple methods to fix Windows 11 updates not downloading or installing problems. We are sure these methods will help you install all Windows 11 updates easily. If the methods didn’t help you, you can raise a question on Microsoft Forum or roll back your OS version.