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Do you have several updates that failed to install and are wondering how to reinstall them? This procedure will allow you to start over and install every available update by Microsoft. Your computer will not be harmed in the process.


Note: The following steps apply to Windows Vista. Earlier versions of Windows require you to use the web-based version of Windows Update.

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Steps

  1. Uninstall All Windows Updates Step 1.jpg
    1
    Type "services.msc" in the Start menu search box, and press Enter. Alternatively, launch the Services interface via the Administrative Tools folder in the Control Panel.
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  2. Uninstall All Windows Updates Step 2.jpg
    2
    Stop the Windows Update service. Leave the window open as you will need to restart the service in step 4.
  3. Uninstall All Windows Updates Step 3.jpg
    3
    Navigate to your Windows folder (C:\WINDOWS) and delete the folder named "SoftwareDistribution"
  4. Uninstall All Windows Updates Step 4.jpg
    4
    Restart the Windows Update service
  5. Uninstall All Windows Updates Step 5.jpg
    5
    Open Windows Update by clicking the Start Button and entering "Windows Update" in the search box. Ta-da! Windows Update states that you have never checked for updates!
  6. Uninstall All Windows Updates Step 6.jpg
    6
    Click "Check for Updates" and you're ready to begin installing updates!
  7. Uninstall All Windows Updates Step 7.jpg
    7
    Restart your computer after the initial updates have been installed. You may be prompted to do so, therefore make sure you save any work and close any running applications.
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Warnings

  • Avoid installing updates while your computer is running. Use the option to install updates when shutting down your computer instead (the yellow Sleep button will turn red).

Things You'll Need

  • A computer running Windows Vista or Windows 7

Related wikiHows

How to
Install Windows Vista

How to
Build a Computer

Article Info

Categories: Windows

In other languages:

Español: Cómo desinstalar todas las actualizaciones de Windows, Italiano: Come Disinstallare Tutti gli Aggiornamenti di Windows, Русский: удалить все обновления Windows, Português: Como Desinstalar Todas as Atualizações do Windows

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