When you encounter the "Windows cannot search for new updates" error, you can try the following methods to solve it in turn: 1. First check and ensure that the network connection is stable and avoid using public or restricted networks; 2. Restart Windows update-related services, including Windows Update, BITS, encryption services, and MSI installation services; 3. Run Windows built-in update troubleshooting tools to automatically fix the problem; 4. If it is still invalid, you can stop the relevant services through the command prompt with administrator permissions and rename the system update folder to reset the update component. In most cases, these steps can solve the problem by themselves without professional help.
If you're stuck with the error "Windows could not search for new updates," you're not alone. It's a common issue that can be caused by several things — from service problems to corrupted update components. The good news is, most of the time it's fixed without needing expert help.
Check your internet connection first
Before diving into more technical fixes, make sure your internet is working properly. Windows needs a stable connection to reach Microsoft's servers.
- Try loading a few websites in your browser to confirm.
- If you're on Wi-Fi, restart your router or try connecting via Ethernet.
- Avoid using public or restricted networks — sometimes they block certain connections needed for updates.
Sometimes it's just a temporary hiccup, and reconnecting or switching networks can solve the problem.
Restart Windows Update services
A lot of update issues come from background services that are stuck or misbehaving. Restarting them is one of the most effective fixes.
Here's how to do it:
- Press
Win R, typeservices.msc, and hit Enter. - Scroll down and find these services:
- Windows Update
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
- Cryptographic Services
- MSI Installer
Right-click each one and select Restart . If any of them are already stopped, start them instead.
This often clears up communication issues between your PC and Microsoft's update servers.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix some common update problems.
To access it:
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters .
- Find Windows Update , click the arrow, then click Run the troubleshooter .
It doesn't always catch every issue, but it's worth trying before moving on to manual repairs.
Reset Windows Update components manually
If none of the above work, resetting the update system files might be necessary. This involves using Command Prompt with admin rights to reset key folders and services.
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Paste and run each of these commands one at a time:
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msserver
- Then run:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
- Finally, restart the services:
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msserver
After this, check for updates again. This basically clears out old or broken data and lets Windows start fresh.
That's usually enough to get Windows Updates working again. Some steps may vary slightly depending on your Windows version, but the core process stays the same. Most people don't need to go beyond restarting the services or running the troubleshooter — only use the full component reset if needed.
Basically that's it.
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