Before you start
- Save your work and back up important files before advanced update repair.
- Keep laptops connected to power and make sure the internet connection is stable.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Windows Update and select Run, then follow the prompts.
Disconnect non-essential hardware
Remove external storage, docks and other hardware that is not needed for basic operation, then try Windows Update again.
Check date, time and free space
Go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time and enable automatic time/time-zone where available. Then check Settings > System > Storage and free space if the system drive is low.
Clear the Windows Update download cache
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Stop the Windows Update service. In File Explorer open C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete the contents inside it. Return to Services and start Windows Update again.
Repair Windows system files
Open Command Prompt as administrator. Run DISM first, wait for it to complete successfully, then run SFC. Restart and try Windows Update again.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow
If the same update still fails
Note the exact error code in Settings > Windows Update and use Microsoft’s source link below. Driver-related errors such as 0xC1900101 often need the affected driver updated or removed before retrying.
Microsoft source
This guide is independently written and condensed from current Microsoft Support guidance. If your Windows build differs or the problem persists, use the official source for the full decision tree.
Open Microsoft Support ↗