How to Fix Windows Update’s ‘Something Went Wrong’

When updating your Windows 11 or 10 operating system, encountering errors can be frustrating. One such error is the “Windows Update: Something went wrong” message, which can arise due to corrupted update components or an inactive Update Orchestrator Service.

This article will discuss the most common reasons why Windows updates can cause problems and how to solve them. We’ll also give you some tips to prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

Keep reading to know how to keep your computer updated and running smoothly!

Why Does Windows Update Show’ Something Went Wrong’ Error?

There could be various reasons for the ‘Something Went Wrong’ error. However, here are the most common ones:

• Orchestrator Service configuration not updated: The error can occur when the Update Orchestrator Service, which is needed for updates, is not configured correctly. 
• Windows Update database issues: Another cause of the error could be a corrupted Windows Update database. 
• Corrupted system files or user profile: In addition, there might be corrupted system files or a user profile causing the error. 

How to Fix Windows Update error ‘Something went wrong

Now that we have discussed some of the most common causes let’s discuss how to fix them.

Fix 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 and 11 have troubleshooting options for various Windows components, including Windows Updates.

Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help identify and fix problems related to Windows updates.

Here is how to utilize the Windows Update troubleshooter:

1. Click on the Start button and choose Settings from the Start Menu.
2. Select Update & Security under Windows Settings.
3. Switch to the Troubleshoot tab on the left pane and select Additional troubleshooters on the right.
4. Look for the Windows Update troubleshooter and fix it.
5. Next, click the Run the troubleshooter button.
6. Windows will now look for the problems.
7. After troubleshooting, Windows will list the problems and possible solutions.

Fix 2: Check if the Update Orchestrator Service is Enabled

Sometimes, when updating Windows, you might see an error message that says, “Something went wrong. Try to reopen settings later.” This error often occurs because the Update Orchestrator Service (UOS) is either not running or has been disabled. To fix the problem, you should follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard to open the Run command box.
2. Type “services.msc” into the box and then press Enter.
3. Look for the Update Orchestrator Service in the Services window, then double-click it.
4. Next, expand the drop-down menu next to “Startup type” and select Automatic.
5. Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the Windows Update service.
7. Restart your system and check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 3: Delete the Downloaded Windows Update Files

Sometimes, Windows Update errors can happen because the files required for the update have become corrupted. If this is the case, the best solution is to delete the downloaded files and start the update process again. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Enter “cmd” or “command prompt” into the Search box.
2. To run Command Prompt, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, enter the following commands in the given order, pressing Enter after each:
   • net stop bits
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop appidsvc
   • net stop cryptsvc
   • ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
   • ren %systemroot%system32catroot2 catroot2.bak
   • net start bits
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start appidsvc
   • net start cryptsvc
4. After executing the commands, close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer. 
5. Once your computer has restarted, go to Windows Update and check for updates again. You should now be able to download the updates without any issues.

Fix 4: Edit the Registry

The fourth solution to fix is to modify the registry. Follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows + X keys and choose the Run option from the menu.
2. In the Open box of the Run window, type “regedit” and click on OK.
3. Navigate to the UsoSvc key at the following location in the registry: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsoSvc.
4. Double-tap on the Start DWORD shown directly below.
5. Erase the current value and enter 2 in the data box.
6. Click on OK to save the changes and exit the window.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for the Start DWORD at these locations: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WaaSMedicSvc HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv

Fix 5: Repairing System Files

If you’re experiencing issues with updating your Windows system, one possible solution is to repair any corrupted system files. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
2. In the Command Prompt window, write the given command and press Enter:
   • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
3. Wait patiently until the component store is repaired. Once completed, type this command and press Enter:
   • SFC /SCANNOW
4. After the SFC scan is complete, restart your computer.
5. Attempt to update your system again.

Fix 6: Run a Chkdsk Scan

To fix errors related to your hard disk, you can run a disk check utility called chkdsk. Follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Type in “chkdsk /f C:” and press Enter.
3. Press Y to confirm the disk check.
4. Restart your computer to initiate the scan.

How to Prevent Windows Updates Errors

Here are six tips on how to prevent Windows update errors:

1. Keep Your System Updated: Regularly check for and install the latest security updates and software patches.
2. Install the Latest Drivers: Update device drivers regularly to ensure that all installed devices are working correctly and prevent issues related to Windows updates.
3. Scan for Malware Regularly: Malware can cause system-related errors, including Windows update errors. Scan your system regularly using reliable security software to prevent malware-related issues.
4. Backup Important Data: Create a backup of all your important data to restore them in case of any mishap during Windows updates installation.
5. Use Compatible Hardware: Ensure that all hardware connected to your system is compatible to avoid any compatibility-related issues that may cause Windows update errors.
6. Download Updates from Official Sources Only: Download all Windows updates from the official Microsoft website to avoid downloading unwanted or malicious files.

Final Words

Windows updates are essential to keeping your system secure and up-to-date with the latest features. However, these updates can sometimes cause errors and issues that may interfere with your system’s performance. In this post, we have discussed several methods to fix common Windows update errors, such as “Something went wrong” and “Windows update cannot currently check for updates.”

We have also highlighted some preventive measures that you can take to avoid these errors from occurring in the first place, such as keeping your system updated, scanning for malware regularly, and using compatible hardware. By following these tips, you can ensure your system stays up-to-date and runs smoothly without disruptions.

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