How to Reset Windows Update Components in Windows 10 and 11

Issue type: Windows Update — broken update services, repeated install failures, corrupted cache folders, or stuck update loops. Applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Short answer: To reset Windows Update components, stop the update services, rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2, then start the services again. This forces Windows to rebuild the update system from clean folders. It is stronger than clearing only the cache and is useful when updates keep failing, downloading again, or getting stuck after basic fixes.

Reset Windows Update Components: When to Use This Fix

Use a full component reset when:

• Windows Update fails repeatedly across different updates.
• Clearing the download cache did not fix the problem.
• The same KB keeps failing after every restart.
• Windows Update services start and stop incorrectly.
• You see recurring errors such as 0x80070057, 0x80070002, 0x80073712, or failed install states.

If only one update is slow, do not jump here first. Try the troubleshooter and cache clearing first. If the problem is broader, this reset is the right next step.

Fix 1: Stop the Windows Update Services

⚠️ Warning: Run this only from the desktop. Do not run it while Windows is on a full-screen installing, restarting, or “Working on updates” screen.

1. Right-click Start.
2. Choose Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Run:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

If one service says it is not started, that is fine. Continue. If a service refuses to stop, wait 30 seconds and run the command again.

Fix 2: Rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2

Renaming is safer than deleting because it leaves a backup you can remove later.

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

SoftwareDistribution stores update download and staging data. catroot2 stores catalog/signature data Windows Update uses to verify packages. If either folder is corrupted, updates may fail even after re-downloading.

Fix 3: Restart the Services

Now start the services again:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Then open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Windows will recreate fresh folders automatically.

Full CMD Block for the Complete Reset

If you want the whole reset in one block, use this:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

If you get “Access denied,” one service is still running. Stop it again and retry. If the folder already has a .old version, rename the new backup with a different suffix such as SoftwareDistribution.old2.

Fix 4: Run DISM and SFC After the Reset

If resetting components fixes the queue but the update still fails, repair Windows system files too:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

This is especially useful for persistent update codes. For example, Windows Update error 0x80073712 often involves component corruption, and Windows Update error 0x80070057 can involve bad update state or invalid data.

What Changed After the Reset?

Windows creates new update folders. Any downloaded-but-not-installed update files are gone and must be downloaded again. Installed updates stay installed. Your personal files stay untouched. The .old folders remain as backups and can be deleted once you confirm Windows Update works.

What I Removed from the Old Fix Method

Some old guides tell users to re-register many Windows Update DLL files with regsvr32. That step is outdated for most modern Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems and can create confusion because some DLLs may not exist or may not behave the same way across builds. The safer modern order is: reset folders and services, then run DISM and SFC.

Common Mistake

The common mistake is renaming the folders without stopping services first. Windows will block the rename or recreate files halfway through the operation. Always stop wuauserv, cryptSvc, bits, and msiserver before renaming folders.

Best Next Step

If resetting Windows Update components still fails, install the exact KB manually from Microsoft Update Catalog or investigate the specific error code. Microsoft’s official reset guide is here: How to reset Windows Update components — Microsoft Support. If the issue is a general install failure, see Windows 11 Update Failed to Install.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is resetting Windows Update components safe?

Yes, when done from the desktop while Windows is not actively installing an update. It resets update folders and services; it does not remove your files or apps.

Will I lose installed updates?

No. Installed updates remain installed. Only temporary and operational update data is rebuilt.

What is catroot2?

catroot2 stores catalog files Windows uses to verify update packages. If it is corrupted, updates can fail verification.

Can I delete SoftwareDistribution.old and catroot2.old?

Yes, after Windows Update works again and at least one update installs successfully. Until then, keep them as temporary backups.

What if the reset commands fail with Access Denied?

One of the services is still running or the terminal is not elevated. Open Terminal as Administrator, stop the services again, then retry the rename commands.