Windows Update is a vital element on Windows 10. This critical component helps in downloading and installing quality updates. Feature updates help improve overall performance, incorporate new features, and cover security issues. However, sometimes you may face problems during various operations.

However, you do not need to mull over it for long. Thankfully, if you come across an issue or an error, you can use various troubleshooting steps to fix the problems in Windows 10.

Monitor Automatic Updates and Schedule Reboot Timings

You don’t have the option to manage the automatic updates on Windows 10, but you can always monitor these updates. You can also control the reboot timings of your machine after all the updates are installed. This action ensures that these updates do not affect your work and cause inconvenience. 

Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Go to Settings and click Update & Security options.

Step 2: Select the Windows Update tab on the left-hand side at the top. Then, select Change Active Hours.

Step 3: A window called Active Hours will come up that allows you to set the reboot timings of your machine (not the installation of the update). Choose your preferred times, and click Save.

Step 4: You also have the option of customized settings in case of a pre-scheduled update. Just select Restart Options from the main Windows Update settings page to choose a custom restart time.

Step 5: You can halt system upgrades briefly for up to seven days. However, you will have to see different settings for essential updates like security.

You can select Advanced Options on the main Windows Update page to postpone the upgrades. You can choose the number of days from the drop-down menu.

You can make other adjustments to apply the updates in various ways in this menu, including the manual or automatic options. You even have the option to pause them completely.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Microsoft created the Windows Update troubleshooter because the company is aware that sometimes there can be unwanted issues like the infamous Windows 10 May 2019 Update. This tool will run through your primary operating system specifications and search for any apparent problems that may be posing problems for Windows Update’s functionality. If possible, the troubleshooter can also fix them automatically. If nothing else, it will make you aware of what the problem is.

You can download the troubleshooter from Microsoft’s support page. Click Download Troubleshooter for Windows 10, and the tool will manage the rest. You may have to permit administrator privileges so that the tool can perform an in-depth check. You do not need to do anything else beyond that. It is best if you try it early on if you are facing update issues.

The troubleshooter will not solve every problem, but it’s the right solution. Even if it can’t fix the issues, you can still get useful information.

Check Your Installation Error Code

If your general update or featured update fails or poses problems, you will often get an installation error code. Usually, you can’t learn much from these codes directly, but they do have much information. You can consult online from Microsoft’s guide.

It would help if you remembered that this guide is designed specifically for Windows 10. It also works with recent versions like the Windows 10 May 2019 Update. Error codes may not translate in the same way in other versions of Windows.

Quick Fixes

If everything else fails, you can apply the tried and tested tips and tricks that have been solving update errors since the update was first designed. Here are a few options that you can try.

Reboot your computer

Surprisingly, this works quite well. When you experience an update error, reboot your computer and try installing the updates again. You may have to repeat the process if the Windows haven’t been updated for a certain period.

Clean the Disk

You should have at least 10GB of free space for updates installation. Perform a disk cleanup check to ensure there’s enough disk space. Apart from the system files, you can remove everything else.

Check System for Malware

Perform a check for malware as it can make your system insecure by messing with core system files or turning off Windows services. Install powerful antivirus software to protect your system from any malware.

Contact Microsoft support

If you have performed all actions and still the problem persists, then get in touch with the Microsoft support team for further assistance.