Always receive this message "Can't install updates"? Then, this article is for you. In the following, we will introduce 9 methods to fix this problem.

cant install updates windows 10

How to Fix “Can’t install Windows Updates”

The following methods can be used to fix unable to install Windows updates:

1. Clean Up Disk

This issue or the error code 0x80073712 may sometimes be because there may not be enough disk space in the disk where Windows are installed as required for the updates. So, cleaning up the disk may solve your issue of unable to install Windows updates.

Go to Disk Cleanup.

start disk cleanup

Select the disk and click OK.

select the disk and click ok

2. Check Network

The can’t install Windows updates issue may be due to no or faulty network connection. You must check that you have an active internet connection before installing updates. Connecting to a network may fix this issue.

3. Restart Computer

This issue may also eradicate by restarting your computer Windows may be unable to install updates because of a required reboot. You should try restarting your computer before installing updates.

4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooting

Can’t install updates Windows 10, error code 0x80073712 may also be solved by running the troubleshooter. You have to download it and open it as shown in the link to the image below. It will automatically identify the problem like a required reboot or an incomplete download or any other issue.

run windows update troubleshooter

Read Also: How to Download Windows Installer

5. Check for Updates

The updates issue can be fixed by checking for updates manually. To do so, go to the Update and Security panel which is present in settings through the start menu and select Windows Update, click on check for updates to check manually.

6. Remove External Hardware

Can’t install updates Windows 10 may be due to some external hardware attached to your computer. Unplugging any external hardware may help you fix the issue unable to install updates.

7. Update Drivers

Unable to install Windows updates, error code 0x80073712 issue may be due to old drivers. You can upgrade your drivers through device manager by right-clicking on a driver and then selecting upgrade. This may fix your issue.

8. Uninstall 3rd Party Antivirus Software

Can’t install Windows updates issue may be due to a third party antivirus software. You should uninstall such a program using the control panel. Go to Control Panel from settings and select a program to remove it.

9. Reinstall System

This update issue may be due to some corrupted files or other inconvenience in Windows. You should try reinstalling Windows. It may fix your issue of installing Windows updates. You can use PassFab for ISO to do so efficiently.

  • You have to install and initiate PassFab for ISO. Open it and choose any one iso file of your choice to install. Wait for the file to download. You can slo import your ISO file into PassFab for ISO.

    choose iso fole to download or import local iso file
  • Plug in your USB drive or insert your disk and select one of them. In the picture below, USB was selected.

    select usb to burn
  • After that choose a type of partition to proceed. A window will pop-up. Select continue to proceed.

    confirm to burn the usb
  • After this, it will consume some time to burn the ISO file to USB. When it is done, your bootable disk will be created successfully.

    burnt the usb successfully
  • Restart your system with USB plugged in. Open the boot menu. Every brand has a different button for launching the boot menu. After that follow the guide to boot from USB. Enter the installation process and follow the system guide to install the system.

    follow the instructions to reinstall system

FAQs about “Unable to install Updates”

Q1: Why can't I install Windows 10 updates?

You may be unable to install Windows updates due to many reasons. It may be because there is not enough disk space for the updates. Also, network connection error, third party software, corrupted files, and a required reboot may lead to being unable to install Window updates.

Q2: How do I force a Windows Update to install?

You can force the Windows to update by going to Start > Microsoft System Center > Software Center. Go to updates menu or select Install All.

Q3: What to do when Windows Update says pending install?

Open Run with Windows + R and then type gpedit.msc. Hit OK. Identify the Local Group Popcy Editor on the left side. Browse to Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Update. Under the Local Group Popcy Editor on Windows Updates right side, select Configure Windows Updates Popcy for updating it. Enabled > Notify for download and Notify for install > Option > Configure automatic updating > Apply > OK. You can dismantle it by hitting Disabled from the top and then click OK. Get out of the Local Group Popcy Editor to select Check for updates from Windows Update settings to make the changes effective.

Summary:

Can’t install Windows updates issue may be faced by you. It may be due to multiple reasons including insufficient space, corrupted files, and required reboot, etc. We have discussed the 9 best ways to eradicate this issue and install updates smoothly. All the methods have been explained and found to be working. You can reinstall system Windows for the best effect. Installing Windows through PassFab for ISO is a good option. With the PassFab for ISO, you can install the ISO file and go through the system installation smoothly. The steps to use PassFab for ISO have been discussed in detail.

PassFab for ISO box
  • Support Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, etc.
  • Support USB of various brands, such as SanDisk, Kingston, etc.
  • Support burning ISO to USB flash drive, CD or DVD-ROM
  • Support GPT and MBR partition types