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×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
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- Re: Error Messages when trying to update desktop

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01-17-2019 04:10 AM
Hey there! @LB101, Thanks for stopping by the HP Support Forums!
I understand you have issues updating the windows on the PC.
Don't worry I'll try to help you out.
Did you make any hardware or software changes on your PC?
Please share the product number of the PC to assist you better.
Excellent description and a great diagnosis done. It is greatly appreciated.
Try the steps recommended below.
Some PCs may need a long time to download Windows 10, depending on the quality of the internet connection, the amount of data to move and the computer’s speed. In some cases, it may take as long as 24 hours, so please be patient. If your hard drive is still flashing, there’s a good chance it is still making progress.
From the WinX Menu, open Command Prompt (Admin). Type the following one after the other and hit Enter:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
Next browse to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and delete all the files and folders inside. Press Ctrl+A to Select All and then Delete.
If the files are in use, and you are unable to delete some files, restart your device. After rebooting, run the above commands again. Now you will be able to delete the files from the mentioned Software Distribution folder.
After you have emptied this folder, you may restart your computer or you may type the following commands one at a time in the CMD, and hit Enter to restart the Windows Update related Services.
net start wuauserv
net start bits
Run Windows Update again and see.
You will be able to download and install the updates successfully. Once done, you will see that a restart has also been scheduled.
Also, try the steps recommended below.
Stop Windows Update service.
a. Simultaneously press Windows key + R to open run command box.
b. Inside run command box, type: services.msc and press Enter.
c. Search for Windows Update service, then right click on it and select Stop.
d. Without closing the services window, proceed to the next step.
Delete or Rename Windows update temporary storage folder.
To do this:
a. Open “My Computer” and navigate to “C:Windows”folder.
b. Delete (or Rename e.g. to “SoftwareDistributionOLD”) the “SoftwareDistribution” folder.
Start Windows Update service.
a. Go to Windows services and “Start”the Windows Update service.
b. Try to update Windows again.
Let me know if this works!
I hope you have a great day! 🙂
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A4Apollo
I am an HP Employee