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Reset Windows Update components when updates are stuck

Stop the Windows Update related services, rename the SoftwareDistribution download cache, and restart the services.

WindowssystemDiagnosticsLow risk
net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop cryptsvc ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore DataStore.bak ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Download.bak net start bits net start wuauserv net start cryptsvc

01Command

Command
$ net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore DataStore.bak
ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Download.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc

02What it does

Per Microsoft's guidance, stop BITS, the Windows Update service (wuauserv) and the Cryptographic service, rename the SoftwareDistribution DataStore and Download folders to .BAK so the cache is rebuilt, then restart the three services. Try the Windows Update Troubleshooter first.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsRun from an elevated (Administrator) command prompt
!Warning: Run in an elevated command prompt. Renaming the cache forces Windows to re-download pending updates. Microsoft also warns that resetting service security descriptors with sc.exe overwrites existing ACLs — only do that as a last resort.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • Additional resources for Windows Update - Windows Client | Microsoft Learn
    learn.microsoft.com · community · 2026-09-21
    Evidence: Stop the BITS service, the Windows Update service and the Cryptographic service... net stop bits / net stop wuauserv / net stop cryptsvc ... Restart the BITS service, the Windows Update service and the Cryptographic service. net start bits / net start wuauserv / net start cryptsvc
  • Net - Services, File/Print shares, Permissions command - Windows CMD
    ss64.com · technical · 2026-09-21
    Evidence: Net - Services, File/Print shares, Permissions command - Windows CMD SS64 CMD How-to NET.exe The NET Command is used to manage network resources as follows: NET ACCOUNTS, GROUP, LOCALGROUP - Account settings and group members. NET COMPUTER, CONFIG_ - Network configuration (Workstation/Server). NET FILE, SESSIONS - Manage open files and user sessions. NET HELP, HELPMSG - Help. NET PRI

Last verified: 2026-09-21 · Category: System & Settings

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