Solving problems with Windows Update. Solving problems with Windows Update Updates for windows 8.1 latest version
Hello admin! I read your articles about Windows 10 cumulative updates, thank you, very interesting, but Windows 8.1 is installed on my computer. I read on your blog that for my operating system, the latest security-related updates: KB4038792 and KB4038793 were released on September 12, 2017 , but my operating system does not have such updates installed, see for yourself, the latest installed monthly set of security quality fixes KB4034681 dated August 8, 2017, but today is already September 20, 2017 This is despite the fact that my system has automatic updates enabled. Accordingly the question.Where on the official Microsoft website can I find out about the latest updates for Windows 8.1? And if they don't install automatically, how do I install them manually?
Hello friends! Windows 8.1 is not the latest in the Microsoft line, but nevertheless is installed on a huge number of computers and, in my opinion, is the most advanced OS at this moment, because it has been improved and is compatible with almost any computer hardware. In the spring of 2016, Microsoft introduced the practice of cumulative updates for this operating system, which confused many readers of our site and almost all of my friends. In today's article I will tell you what these updates are and how to install them on your system.
What are monthly update packages?
In the old days, all updates were released in small differential updates over a period of time, which led to severe fragmentation of the hard drive andWindows Update errors. Now, every month your operating system receives the entire set of updates in one monthly package, butIt is very important to know that there are two types of monthly update packages.
- Monthly Rollup- it is precisely this that is accumulative or cumulative (gradually accumulated), for example, the latest September package will contain all the updates for previous months: August, July, June, etc. This package contains a set of important fixes that improve the overall reliability and stability of the OS, and it also contains bug fixes from the previous monthly update. In rare cases, a Monthly Rollup may be provided as an optional update in Windows Update.
- Monthly package (Security-only Updates)- directly related to the security of the operating system and is not cumulative! Updates from this package include important security fixes and are always provided as required. You need to install every released package (Security-only Updates) on the OS, since it only contains new security updates released in the current month.
In simple words, there are 2 types of updates: Rollup and Security-only. The Rollup set contains something new and everything that came before it,and Security-only are separate updates and do not contain previous ones.
How to find out about the release of monthly update packages
You can find out about the release of a new update on the Microsoft update log page. For Windows 8.1 link
Monthly Rollup
As you can see, on September 19, 2017, the latest non-security cumulative update was released ( Rollup - KB4038774 , which includes various improvements, as well as fixes from the previous update KB4038792 dated September 12, 2017
This update is provided as an optional update in Windows Update (as long as you have it installed on your system). KB4038792). Optional updates often do not directly affect Microsoft products and many users do not install them. In this case, I advise you to read the update description. In our case, KB4038774 contains a fix for an error that in some cases occurs when backing up the OS, so you need to install it.
If in Windows Update for the operating system installed on your computer,If automatic receipt of updates is enabled, this update will be in the list of Optional updates.
Let's go back to the Microsoft update history and look at a couple more updates.
On September 12, 2017, Rollup cumulative update KB4038792 was released , containing fixes (including security) of the previous update KB4034663.
If in If the Windows Update operating system installed on your computer is set to automatically receive updates, this update will be installed automatically.
You can see it in the Windows update log.
The two previous updates we reviewed were related to Monthly Rollups.
Monthly packages (Security-only Updates)
The latest, as of the day this article was written (September 21, 2017), security update(Security-only Updates) KB4038793 was released on September 12, 2017 and it not cumulative. This update contains important security fixes and must be installed on your Windows 8.1.
If in If Windows Update is installed on your computer, automatic receipt of updates is enabled, then this update will be installed automatically.
You can also see it in the Windows update log.
How to install monthly update packages
If your system is configured to automatically receive updates, then everything monthly update packages required by your OS will be installed automatically. Go to Windows Update and select Customize Settings.
Set the installation method to "Install updates automatically (recommended)".
Return to the previous window and click "Search for updates".
As a result, all necessary cumulative packages will be downloaded and installed on your system automatically. To view installed updates, go to "Windows Update" and select "View update history"
As you can see, important update packages KB4038792 and KB4038793 for Windows 8.1 are installed in our OS.
What to do if monthly update packages are not installed automatically or you do not have Internet access. Or how to use the Microsoft Update Catalog
In this case, you need to download updates on another computer (which has Internet access) using the Microsoft Update Catalog and install them. You can do it like this.
Opening Microsoft update log. For Windows 8.1 link
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4009470
For example, let's select the most recent cumulative update.
http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/home.aspx
Then open the Microsoft Update Catalog and enter the number of the latest cumulative update in the input field
My computer is running Windows 8.1 x64, so I will download the cumulative update for x64-based systems.
We install the downloaded cumulative update on our or some other computer,
where there is no internet.
Preparing the installation.
Installing the update.
Reboot now.
working with updates.
After the reboot, go to “Windows Update” and select “View update history.”
We see the installed cumulative package.
To study it, I immediately wanted to upgrade it to Windows 8.1. Now I will tell you how to do this and what problems may arise.
Now I will tell my story. For testing, I immediately downloaded Windows 8 enterprise, but no matter what I did, the new version did not appear in the store. As I understand it, in order to update corporate Windows, you need to pay money...
Enraged, because I spent 2 hours and decided to install the professional version.
Here's what I did to update Windows 8 to windows 8.1:
1. Download and install the KB 2871839 update. You can download it by selecting the required version.
2. After installation and restarting the computer, it is best to go to internet explorer and write in the address: ms-windows-store:WindowsUpgrade
A store will open where you can download it. See below.
What to do if Windows 8 does not appear in the store?
You may encounter that .
If the store still does not have Windows 8.1, then you may have an outdated cache; you can clear it by entering the WSReset.exe command in the Run command (Win + R) or by entering it in the search in the right pop-up panel.
And also try disabling antiviruses, firewalls and all programs that are not needed for a while.
How to upgrade windows 8 to windows 8.1?
Here's how it's done according to the standard:
Go to Start (if you haven’t followed the link ms-windows-store:WindowsUpgrade) and select the store.
A sign will appear with information about downloading Windows 8.1. Click download.
The download and installation will begin.
Then it will ask to reboot. Let's reboot.
After launch, we agree to the license.
Select standard parameters. If you need to change, click configure. 
If you do not have a Microsoft account, then click Use an existing account.
After these steps, Windows 8.1 will appear.
With these simple steps you can upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1.
If updates in Windows 8.1 are not working for you and you are searching endlessly, you cannot install games and programs, since Windows cannot install some components, such as Visual C++ and. etc., then this instruction is for you.
This problem appeared for me after I, you may have a different case when an error appeared, but the problem is the same, there are no updates.
Since I had pre-installed licensed Windows 8.1, the problems with updates caused me a slight shock, like the license, but I can’t update Windows, except for constantly searching for updates, there was no result :)
I won’t go into detail about how many days I’ve been looking for a solution, but I’ll write for you a few instructions on how to fix the update center not working in Windows 8.1.
I’ll say in advance that the first instruction most likely will not solve the problem, but it’s worth a try, since it won’t take much time and it helped some.
Windows 8.1 does not find updates - solution one
1. Go to the control panel (if you do not see the control panel interface as in the screenshot, in the right corner set the parameter: view -> category), then system and security.
2. At the very top of the “Support Center” section, click on the “Fix common computer problems” item.
3. In the tab that opens at the bottom, click the item “Troubleshoot using Windows Update.”
In the window that appears, click Advanced and then click on “Run as administrator”, in the same window click Next and wait a little while Windows tries to fix the problems.
Once the process is completed, restart your computer and try searching for updates.
Wait 15-20 minutes, if there is no result, then move on to another instruction, which is described below.
For clarity, video
Windows 8.1 does not update - instructions for solving problems with the update
This solution helped me and many others and the system began to find updates and install them without errors.
2. In the left corner, click "Settings".
3. From the drop-down list, select “Don’t check for updates” and click “ok”.
4. After you disable checking for updates, you need to temporarily stop the update service.
To do this, we go to the services.
Press the WIN+R keys or the start menu, select Run.
A window will open, enter the command comexp.msc and click ok.
In the tab that appears, select “Services (local)”.
We look for the “Windows Update” service, select it and right-click it, select stop.
After stopping, reboot the computer!
The worst part is over with this :)
Now all we have to do is download a few updates from the official Microsoft website and install them.
The updates that we will need to install are located below, as well as links to download them.
Important! Before downloading, check what 32 operating system you have. or 64. bit (you can see it, press start, select system, it will be written there)
For 64's. Windows
For 32. Windows
We will install updates in strict order.
Important! Before installing updates, check whether any of these three updates are installed on the system (if any is installed, you do not need to install it again).
How to find out what updates are installed.
Go to the control panel, then system and security and select the “Windows Update” item, at the bottom left there will be an “Installed updates” item, click it, a window with all updates will open, in the right corner there will be a search field, enter the update numbers one by one and make sure that they are not in the system.
After making sure that these updates are not in the system, install the updates in this order: (the installation is simple as installing regular programs, double-click on the update)
KB2999226
After installation, be sure to restart your computer.
After reboot we set:
KB3173424
And
KB3172614
We reboot again.
After the reboot, we follow the familiar path to the control panel, then system and security and again select the “Windows Update” item.
2. In the left corner, click "Settings"
3. From the drop-down list, select “Search for updates, but the decision to download and install is made by me,” click ok and it will search for updates.
We wait 10-15 minutes and see that Windows 8.1 immediately found updates for us and offers to install them, we select which updates to install and install them :)
Like other versions of Windows, Windows 8.1 receives its share of periodic updates, some of them critical, others not. Either way, it's important to set up Windows 8.1 to make sure you get all the updates you need.
Microsoft usually sets aside the second Tuesday of the month, called Patch Tuesday, to release the latest updates for its various operating systems and other applications. Most updates are designed to fix bugs, close security holes, and install various background features. The update interface in Windows 8 and 8.1 is slightly different from other versions of Windows. In this article, I'll explain how to walk you through the Windows 8.1 update process to make sure you've got everything set up correctly.
In versions prior to Windows 8, you accessed the update screen through the Control Panel. Open Control Panel and click on the Windows Update icon. On the Windows Update screen, you can configure several settings (link in the left column). In Windows 8.1, you can still go to Control Panel to get to the update feature. But the same options are also available through the computer settings screen, so let's take a look at that screen.
In Windows 8.1, click on the Charms panel, and then click on Charms Settings. In the settings panel, click on the link to change your computer settings. On the Computer Settings screen, click on the latest update and recovery option. Make sure Windows Updates is highlighted.
Let's first look at the "Choose how you want to install updates" option, click on this link. Click the Important Updates dropdown and you'll see four options: Install updates automatically (recommended), "Download updates, but I make the decision to install," "Search for updates, but I make the decision to download and install," and "Don't check for updates." updates (not recommended)".
Which option should I choose? Microsoft naturally wants you to choose the first option, and this is usually the best choice since it makes the update process more stress-free for the user. There have been times in past Windows updates where problems have arisen that require them to be removed or force Microsoft to push out another update to fix the first. This is why some may find it more convenient to download or check for updates rather than install them automatically. I keep the first option enabled and still think it's the easiest way.
Before we move on to the next step, it's time to explain the different categories of updates. Microsoft divides its updates into three categories: important (critical), recommended, and optional. The first two categories include updates that you simply need to install, while the third offers updates that are nice to have but not absolutely necessary. For example, fixing a security hole or bug would be considered an important update.
By default, important and recommended updates are installed automatically if you select the option to install them automatically. However, you can change this behavior. On the "Choose how to install updates" screen, you can uncheck "Recommended updates", which means only important updates will be installed automatically. However, I advise you to keep this box checked so that recommended updates are also installed automatically.
Updates considered optional must be selected and installed manually. For example, in the Windows 8.1 August update, you must select it manually if you want to install it. This update appears in the list of available updates as "Update for Windows 8.1 (KB2975719)".
On the "Choose how to install updates" screen, you will also see a Microsoft Update option. If you use other Microsoft software, such as Office, check this box so you can receive updates for those other products.
When you're done choosing how updates will be installed, click the Apply button, and then click the up-left arrow button to return to the previous screen.
Now it's time to see if there are any updates for you. To do this, click the "Check for updates" button. If there are updates available, Windows will let you know that it has found new updates and will install them for you.
You have several options. If you want to install the updates right away, click the "View details" link. Scroll through the list to see all the updates that are ready to install. Remember to scroll through the entire list to see any additional updates, such as the Windows 8.1 August Update or the Windows 8.1 OS Update (KB2975719). Check the boxes for these updates if you want to install them.
You can now scroll to the top of the screen and click on the Install button if you want to install all the updates right away.
Okay, but what if you're in the middle of important work and don't want to be interrupted by an update bar? This is where the automatic process comes into play. You do not have to call the installation personally. Windows will monitor the updates that are installed and will install them at some point.
The next time you restart or shut down Windows, you'll probably see an option to update the OS. Or the next time you log into Windows, you will be reminded that updates are waiting to be installed. The whole point of this process is to avoid interrupting your workflow with an annoying and lengthy update process.
This also means that you won't even have to check your computer's Settings screen for updates anymore. Windows will install them automatically eventually. In Windows 8 and 8.1, you can restart and update immediately, or you can delay the restart and update process for up to three days.
Updating for Windows is still a sore point for some. But at least in Windows 8 and 8.1, you can control the process so that it happens without you noticing.
Threats to computer security when using the Internet, incorrect operation, driver and software failures are just some of the possible problems when refusing Windows system updates. However, those who consciously take such a step as disabling Windows updates probably know what they are doing and why. In cases where system updates are not installed due to unwanted reasons beyond the user's control, it is certainly necessary to look for troubleshooting methods. Below we will consider those for the operating system Windows 8.1.
Finding the causes and ways to eliminate them for any problem in the operating system is in any case a risk. And, naturally, this applies to cases when updates are not installed on Windows 8.1. Even having found the right solution, on the way to a successful result we may accidentally make unwanted changes to system settings. Therefore, before carrying out troubleshooting operations with updates, it is not a bad idea to worry about the possibility of rolling back Windows changes. For these purposes you can create:
Any of the above options for system rollback, or creating a backup not using AOMEI Backupper Standard, but using any other third-party backup programs for Windows, will also prevent problems with system updates in the future. These, however, as well as the instability of Windows in general, can be a consequence of the activity of malware. Viruses, network worms and other malware can damage the integrity of system files. An antivirus cannot always cope with the recovery of infected files, therefore, if the cause of problems with Windows 8.1 updates is the activity of malware, the easiest way is to roll back the operating system - to the state of a restore point or backup copy. Ideally, in addition to preventing problems with Windows 8.1 updates, it is advisable to add the presence of a good antivirus in the system with regularly updated databases.
Well, now let’s directly begin to consider the causes of problems with Windows 8.1 updates and how to fix them.
1. Enable the update service
The risk of problems with system updates is especially high when using 8.1. These are often pre-installed, at best, with the Update Center disabled, and at worst, with the Center system service stopped. In such cases, accordingly, the Update Center must be enabled and the system service must be started.
Let's check that Windows Update is enabled. Press the keys Win+X and in the menu that appears in the lower left corner of the screen, select “Control Panel”.
In the search field in the upper right corner of the control panel window, enter the key query “Update Center” and launch it.
The update center must be turned on - that is, configured to automatically download and install, download only, or at least just search for updates. If the only problem is that the system has the “Do not check for updates” option preset, there is nothing easier than changing this. Click “Settings parameters”.
And we install the appropriate option.
If the Update Center is enabled, the search for updates cannot be carried out due to the disabled service; therefore, you need to start the latest one. Press the Win+R keys to start the “Run” service and in its window enter:
services.msc
Click “Ok” or Enter.
The system services section window will open. At the very bottom of the list we find a service called “Windows Update”. Double-click to open its properties window.
Using the “Run” button, we start the service.
2. Troubleshooting using the standard Update Center recovery tool
A disabled Update service, along with other potential sources of update problems, can be identified as part of the standard Windows Update 8.1 repair tool. This tool diagnoses the system and automatically fixes problems. To launch it, go to the control panel again (keys Win+X and selecting the “Control Panel” menu item) and in the search field enter the key query “Troubleshooting”. In the search results, click the “Troubleshooting” section.
In the window that opens, in the “System and Security” section, click the link option “Troubleshoot using Windows Update.”
In the welcome window that launches the troubleshooting wizard, click “Next”.
Run as administrator.
After this, the automatic process of detecting problems with the Update Center will begin.
Once completed, the troubleshooting wizard will show you a progress report. Detected problems, if any, will be corrected automatically. We will see which of the Update Center problems may have interfered with its full operation in the “Detected problems” column.
Now all that remains is to manually start searching for and installing updates again. You may need to restart your computer.
3. Windows Update Troubleshooter on Microsoft Site
If the standard Update recovery tool does not solve problems with Windows updates, you need to resort to another troubleshooting tool - an additional utility downloaded from the Microsoft website. The software giant for Windows 8.1 has developed something like a universal solution to problems with system updates, in particular, if errors 0x80240016 and 0x80240016 are indicated when trying to install them. When launched, the utility checks all possible causes and automatically corrects problems.
Let's launch it.
We are waiting for the problem detection process to complete.
As with the standard troubleshooter, at the end of the problem detection process, we will see a final window where the problems found will be indicated and a note about their automatic correction.
That’s it – now we manually start searching for and installing updates. If problems arise again, repeat the search and installation of updates after restarting the computer.
4. Solving problems with updates when your computer is infected with viruses
Problems with system updates may be the result of viruses, network worms and other malicious programs. In particular, Windows Update errors such as 0x80240016, WindowsUpdate_8024401C, 0x8024401C, 0x80070490, in most cases arise precisely because of damage to the integrity of system files caused by malware. If malware was detected on your computer and after that Windows 8.1 updates are not installed, the first step is, of course, to neutralize the source of the problem. The malware may have entered the system because the antivirus license has expired. In this case, you need to renew your license and run a global scan of your computer. A proven and reliable virus removal tool is the free one. It can be used in parallel with the antivirus installed on the system.
After neutralizing the malware, the next step is to restart the computer and determine whether important system files are damaged (or even destroyed). To diagnose and restore system files, we will use the standard Windows utility “sfc.exe” launched on the command line. The process of its work is described in detail in the article. The process of restoring the integrity of system files is also possible if Windows 8.1 does not boot after being infected by viruses. In this case it will help.
If, after restoring the integrity of system files, problems with Windows 8.1 updates do not disappear, you can try running the Windows Update troubleshooter downloaded from the Microsoft website, as indicated in paragraph 3 of this article.
5. Restart the update service and remove the update distribution
If none of the methods suggested above for solving problems with Windows 8.1 updates helped, restarting the update service and uninstalling the update distribution package may fix the situation. Update installation files downloaded with errors are not overwritten when downloaded again, and in order for the installation files to be downloaded again, their storage folder must be cleared. But first, let's stop the update service.
Press the keys Win+R and in the “Run” service field enter:
services.msc
Click “Ok” or Enter. In the window of the system services section, as in the first paragraph of the article, we find the “Windows Update” service and double-click to open its properties window. But if in the first paragraph of the article we started the service, now it is necessary, on the contrary, to stop it.
Without closing the service properties window, let's start cleaning the folder where update installation files are stored. This is the folder located along the pathC:Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download. The easiest way to get to it is to press the Win+R keys and enter the folder path in the “Run” command field.
We delete the contents of the folder.
That’s it – we can reboot and try to start searching for and installing updates.
6. Lack of free space on the system disk
An infrequent cause of problems with Windows 8.1 updates, however, and it can occur is a cluttered C drive. To be sure to exclude this from the list of possible causes, it is necessary that at least 5 GB of free space remain on the C drive.
7. Blocking access to Microsoft web resources with an antivirus or firewall
Another possible reason why updates are not installed on Windows 8.1, in particular, the endlessly long and fruitless process of searching for updates, is the operation of an antivirus or firewall. These, with certain settings, can block access to Microsoft web resources. The easiest way to get ahead of this moment is to disable your antivirus or firewall while searching for and downloading updates.
8. Troubleshooting update issues in Windows Clean Boot mode
If you have tried all the methods discussed above to eliminate the causes of problems with Windows 8.1 updates, and none of the solutions brought positive results, you can use something like a fallback option in the form of Windows 8.1 clean boot mode. You must perform a clean boot of the operating system, as indicated in the article.
Already in clean boot mode, you need to run the Windows Update troubleshooter downloaded from the Microsoft website and follow the same steps that were discussed in paragraph 3 of this article.
9. Also keep in mind that often the cause of Windows Update 8.1 not working correctly is damage to the system component store
You can restore a damaged component store very simply using the command Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth, .