Resetting Windows Update can address various issues, including error messages, failed updates, or missing files. By resetting the update components, you clear the cache and reset the update service to its default state, allowing updates to proceed smoothly. This process can be done through various methods, including using third-party tools, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.
This tutorial will discuss three different methods for resetting Windows Update in Windows 11: The WURESET tool, Command Prompt (CMD), and PowerShell. Each technique serves a specific purpose, and the step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process, ensuring that your system is ready to receive updates again.
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in Windows 11 as in Windows 10. However, remember that we’lwe’llusing screenshots from Windows 11, so your UI may look a little different. We’ll inform you of any changes you must know as they arise.
How to Reset Windows Update in Windows Using WURESET
WURESET is a portable application explicitly designed to reset Windows Update components. This method is beneficial if you prefer a dedicated tool that automates the process. Follow these steps to reset Windows Update using WURESET:
- Download WURESET from the official website
Start by downloading the WURESET tool from the official website. Make sure to save the file to a location where you can easily access it later.
- Extract the portable app.
Once the download is complete, extract the contents of the zip file and put them in a folder on your computer. This will allow you to run the tool without needing to install it.
- Select the destination folder.
During the extraction process, you are prompted to choose a destination folder. Select the folder where you want to store the extracted files and click “Ext” act” to proceed.
- Run WURESET as Administrator
Navigate to the folder where you extracted the tool, right-click on the WURESET executable, and select “Run” as administrator. “T “is a crucial step for the tool to function correctly.
- Choose English as a language.
You were asked to select your preferred language when the tool launched. Choose “Eng” ish” fr” m the list.
- Confirm with ‘Y’ ‘to proceed.
The tool will prompt you to confirm the terms and conditions with “Y. “
- Reset the Windows Update components.
The tool will automatically reset the Windows Update components. This includes stopping relevant services, deleting old update files, and restarting the services.
- Confirm any prompts
During the reset process, you may encounter a prompt stating: “During the reset process, you may encounter a prompt stating: “The following services depend on the Application Identity service. Stopping the Application Identity service will also stop these services: SmartLocker Filter Driver. ”
“This means that by continuing, you will temporarily stop the SmartLocker Filter Driver, which is necessary to reset it. Type “Y” “n” and press “Ent” r” to “confirm and proceed with the reset. It will allow WURESET to reset the necessary Windows Update components properly. This means that by continuing, you will temporarily stop the SmartLocker Filter Driver, which is required for the reset process. Type “Y” “n” and press “Ent” r” to “confirm and proceed with the reset. This will allow WURESET to reset the necessary Windows Update components properly.
- Wait for the process to complete
The tool will delete the old Software Distribution folder and reset the update cache. This may take a few minutes.
- Handle any error messages.
If any error messages appear during the process, follow the instructions provided by the tool to resolve them. Most of them are just informative and don’t require any action from your side.
- Register the BITS files.
The tool will also register the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) files necessary for Windows Update to function correctly.
- Press any key to continue.
Once the reset is complete, you’re prompted to press any key to close the tool and return to the main menu.
- Select an option to exit.
Finally, choose the appropriate option to restart your PC from the menu to close the tool and complete the process.
How to Reset Windows Update in Windows 11 using Command Prompt (CMD)
If you prefer using built-in Windows tools, the Command Prompt provides a manual way to reset Windows Update components. This method is ideal for users who are comfortable with command-line interfaces.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Search for “Com” and Prompt” and” select “Run” as administrator. “T “will open the command-line interface with elevated privileges.
- Stop the Windows Update service.
Type the command net stop wuauserv Press “Ent” r. “T “is a command that stops the Windows Update service, allowing you to reset its components.
- Delete the Software Distribution folder.
Next, type rmdir %windir%\SoftwareDistribution /s /q Press “Ent” r. “T “is a command that deletes the folder where Windows Update stores temporary files.
- Restart the Windows Update service.
Finally, restart the Windows Update service by typing net start wuauserv and pressing “Ent” r. “T “reinitializes the service with a clean slate.
How to Reset Windows Update in Windows 11 using PowerShell
PowerShell is another powerful tool that can be used to reset Windows Update components. This method is similar to Command Prompt but has more advanced scripting capabilities.
- Open PowerShell as Administrator Search for “Pow” rShell” in “the Start menu, right-click on “Win” or PowerShell, “a “d select “Run” as administrator. “Stop the necessary services.
In the PowerShell window, type Stop-Service -Name wuauserv, bits, cryptsvc and press “Ent” r. “T “is the command that stops Windows Update, BITS, and Cryptographic services.
- Delete the update cache.
Use the command Remove-Item -Recurse -Force C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\ to delete the update cache. This removes any corrupted or incomplete update files.
- Restart the services
To complete the reset, type, and press “Ent” r. “T “restarts the services and prepares your system for updates.