Fix Windows Update Problems Using Automatic Reset Script

Almost all Windows users are aware of the built-in "Windows Update" program or service which keeps Windows updated by downloading and installing latest updates, service packs, drivers and hotfixes released by Microsoft.

But sometimes users face various problems related to Windows Update such as not being able to download or install updates, getting random error messages, not being able to search for new updates, etc. These kind of issues can occur when Windows Update database or components are corrupted, one or more services related to Windows Update are not running, etc.

Today in this article, we are going to share a simple batch script which can help you in fixing various kind of issues related to Windows Update. This script can be used in all Windows versions.

This batch script simply resets Windows Update components such as system folders (catroot2, Software Distribution, etc) and services (Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Services and Windows Update or Automatic Updates Service) to troubleshoot the issue.

These can also fix Windows 8.1 update installation problem, but these commands will work in other Windows Update related issues as well.

If you are also facing any problem related to Windows Update in any Windows version, check out following simple steps to fix it:

STEP 1:

First of all you need to create the batch script. Open Notepad and paste following code in it:

@ECHO OFF
echo Simple Script to Reset / Clear Windows Update
echo.
PAUSE
echo.
attrib -h -r -s %windir%\system32\catroot2
attrib -h -r -s %windir%\system32\catroot2\*.*
net stop wuauserv
net stop CryptSvc
net stop BITS
ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution sold.old
ren "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\application data\Microsoft\Network\downloader" downloader.old
net Start BITS
net start CryptSvc
net start wuauserv
echo.
echo Task completed successfully...
echo.
PAUSE

Now save the file with the name "WUReset.bat" (including quotes).

Or you can download the ready-made batch script using following link:

Download Windows Update Reset Script

STEP 2:

Now run the batch script. Right-click on the .bat file and select "Run as Administrator" option. It'll take a few seconds in executing the commands.

That's it. Restart your computer and now you should be able to download and install all updates using Windows Update without any problem.