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Fixing Windows Update Disappearing After Retry

Experiencing your Windows Update disappearing after hitting 'retry'? This article walks you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve this frustrating issue, ensuring your system stays up to date.

3 min read
A close-up of a Windows Update screen displaying available updates.

If your Windows Update disappears after clicking 'retry', it indicates a problem with the update process or system settings. This issue can stem from network problems, corrupted files, or insufficient disk space, among other causes. Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this problem.

What Happens When the Update Disappears?

You might notice that after clicking 'retry' on Windows Update, the expected update either vanishes from the update queue or fails to progress. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your system being up to date for security and performance. In some cases, you may find that the update status shows as 'pending' or 'not installed' after the retry process.

Common Causes of Update Disappearance

Several factors can contribute to the disappearance of Windows Updates after attempting to retry. Common causes include:

  • Network issues: An unstable internet connection can disrupt the update process.
  • Corrupted update files: If the files associated with the update are damaged, the installation might fail.
  • Windows Update service issues: If the Windows Update service is not running correctly, it can prevent updates from being processed.
  • Insufficient disk space: Lack of storage can hinder the installation of new updates.
  • Conflicting software: Sometimes, third-party applications or antivirus software can interfere with the update process.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

To address the issue of disappearing updates, follow these steps:

  1. Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection.

  1. Restart the Windows Update service:

    • Open the Command Prompt as Administrator.
    • Run the following commands:
    net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
  1. Clear the Windows Update cache: - Stop the update service as in step 2. - Navigate to the folder C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. - Delete all contents in this folder. - Restart the update service again.
  1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: - Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. - Select 'Windows Update' and follow the prompts.
  1. Check for updates again: - Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click 'Check for updates'.

How to Verify Successful Installation

To confirm whether the update was successfully installed, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click on 'View update history'.
  3. Look for the recent updates listed. If the update you attempted to install appears there, it means it was successful. If it’s not listed, it may have failed.
A screenshot of the Windows Update history page displaying recent updates.

Preventing Future Update Disappearances

To help avoid this issue in the future, consider these best practices:

  • Keep your system clean: Regularly clean up your system to free up disk space.
  • Maintain a stable internet connection: Use a wired connection if possible during updates.
  • Disable conflicting software: Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software during the update process.
  • Regularly check for updates: Make it a habit to check for updates regularly to catch issues early.

Conclusion

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consult Microsoft's official support page for further assistance.