My windows 10 isn't updating
My windows 10 isn't updating
Hello. Please accept my apologies if this falls outside the intended category. I attempted to post it on the Microsoft forum as well, thinking it would be a suitable place for assistance. I’m currently using Windows 10 version 1909. It appears the support life has ended, so I’m hoping to upgrade to the latest release. I see it listed on the Windows Update page, and I tried using the Windows 10 Update Assistant which detected the need for an update and guided me through downloading, verifying, and installing it—prompting a restart. It indicated the process could take up to 90 minutes but completed normally, leaving me with the same version. I have enough storage and system specifications as recommended. The forum suggested using the Windows Media Creation Tool to reinstall Windows while preserving files and apps, though that also didn’t work as expected. I’m grateful for any guidance you can offer. Linus often mentions this forum, so your effort is appreciated. Thank you!
Consider using<|pad|>'s media creation utility to generate a bootable USB. Insert the drive into your PC while logged into Windows, then execute the .exe from the USB to test for updates. If previous attempts failed, loading from the USB might be necessary. You may also want to check Microsoft support or error logs for further guidance.
Hey thanks for the replies. So that last screenshot was the last thing I tried. First of all I tried the normal windows update (1st screenshot) then the update assistant (2nd screenshot) The media creation tool was the last thing I tried in the list. Anyway, yes I did post it in the microsoft forum - if I'm allowed the link to my microsoft thread is here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/wind...e78edeff76 The reply to the screenshot with the error code was to follow the information in this link: https://windowsreport.com/installation-f..._os-phase/ I did have a look at the driver fix thing but it seemed incredibly complicated manually updating any out of date driver and those third party updaters always strike me as a bit suspicious (although please tell me if I'm wrong) Thanks again for the really quick replies, much appreciated
They tend to raise red flags and often come with unnecessary bundled programs. Automating this task manually takes a lot of time, especially since your Windows update is functioning properly and you're online. It would have handled this automatically during the notification about the update being active. Looking at your link, it’s clear you should follow the instructions they provided.
I was also halfway through drafting a detailed response with extra support if the site fails. Here’s a cleaner version:
I was working on explaining disk cloning and cloud backups at the same time, which is tricky. You might want to consider getting a backup drive or subscribing to cloud storage that matches your main disk’s size—usually C: works best unless you’ve split partitions. Once inside Windows 10, format your primary drive and then reinstall it.
If you’re in the US, be aware of data limits. It’s usually cheaper to buy a physical HDD instead of paying extra for cloud fees, especially after reinstalling games from Steam. I ended up purchasing a 2TB HDD for backups, movies, and indie games.
For speed, opt for a month’s subscription (500GB or 1TB) from a cloud provider. Alternatively, buy a 1TB drive from Seagate or Western Digital and use cloning software to copy everything to the new drive.
Also, take note of installed apps in Settings → Uninstall Apps. These will be erased during the process, so you’ll need to re-download them later. Digital licenses and cloud saves are helpful here.
After cloning your C: drive or backing up files, shut down the PC, remove everything except the main drive, and restart from the USB with the installer. Format “Disk 0” to a larger partition, then follow the Windows setup steps.
If you used a backup drive, restart after reinstalling and ensure it’s ready. If using cloud storage, open their client and download your files. This step is the longest but essential.
Transfer important folders from D:\Users\*username* to C:\Users\*username*. When moving files, choose to replace existing ones if prompted.
It seems the fix would require downloading and installing a driver, plus manually updating other drivers. The guide for installing drivers looks quite complex. Given how crucial drivers are, I wonder if it’s worth the effort. I checked the device manager and looked for updates, but they all appeared to be up to date.