5 Ways to Fix Some Update Files are Missing or Have Problems Error on Windows 11

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a dedicated troubleshooter to automatically identify and resolve any common issues with the Windows Update process. So, it’s a good idea to run the Windows Update troubleshooter first.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito launch the Settings app and head toSystem > Troubleshoot.

Step 2:Click onOther troubleshooters.

Step 3:Click theRunbutton next to Windows Update.

The tool will start scanning your system for any problems. If it finds any problems, it’ll diagnose and fix them. After that, try to install the Windows update again.

Fix 2: Delete Existing Update Files and Restart Windows Update Components

Windows stores all the update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder before installation. If some of the update files are missing, you’re likely to encounter such errors. But before you start downloading the updates again, you candelete the existing update filesfirst.

Step 1:Click the search icon on the taskbar, typeservicesin the box, and pressEnter.

Step 2:In the Services window, locate theWindows Updateservice. Right-click on it and selectStop.

Step 3:Repeat the previous step to disable three more services—Cryptographic Services, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Windows Installer Service.

Step 4:Press theWindows key + Rto open the Run dialog box. Paste the following path in the Open field and pressEnter:

Step 5:Select all the files in the SoftwareDistribution folder and click thetrash iconat the top to delete them.

Step 6:Return to the Services window. Start the Windows Update, Cryptographic Services, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Windows Installer Service one by one.

After this, open the Settings app and head to the Windows Update section to download and install the pending updates.

Fix 3: Scan Your Computer for Corrupt System Files

Corrupt system files on your computer can also give rise to the “Some update files are missing or have problems” error. You canrun the SFC (System File Checker)and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans to check your computer for any damaged system files and repair them. Here’s how:

Step 1:Right-click on theStart iconand selectTerminal (Admin)from the list.

Step 2:Paste the following command in the console and pressEnter.

Step 3:Run the following commands in the Terminal window and pressEnterafter each one:

After the scan is complete, restart your PC and try to install the update once again.

Fix 4: Install Windows Updates in Clean Boot Mode

Third-party programs and services can sometimes interfere with the Windows Update process and lead to such errors. To overrule this possibility, you can boot Windows in a clean boot state and then try to install the update again.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Rto open the Run dialog box, type inmsconfig, and pressEnter.

Step 2:Under the Services tab, mark the box that readsHide all Microsoft servicesbox. Then, click theDisable allbutton.

Step 3:Switch to theStartuptab and click onOpen Task Manager.

Step 4:Select a third-party app or program and click theDisablebutton at the top. Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.

Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state, and then see if you can install the Windows update successfully.

Fix 5: Download and Install the Update From Microsoft Update Catalog

Windows 11 updates are also made available on the Microsoft Update Catalog online website. So, if you’re having trouble installing updates from the Settings app, you can download the relevant update file from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually. Here’s how.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app and head to theWindows Updatetab. Make a note of the knowledge base number of the update you want to download, such as KB5015814.

Step 2:Open theMicrosoft Update Catalog websitein a browser tab. Type the KB number in the search box and pressEnter.

Step 3:Download the relevant update pack meant for your system.

Step 4:Double-click the downloaded MSU file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.

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Last updated on 26 July, 2024

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