Windows Update repeatedly fails

I bought my shiny new laptop in April this year, (perhaps not shiny, but certainly new) and already there are errors with Windows. I'm running Windows 10 Pro. The first thing I did with it when new was to install a clean copy of Windows, as proprietary laptops always come with so much unwanted garbage. I then populated it with my personal choice of software.

All was well until Windows Update, over the last two months, began giving me messages to the effect that there are problems. After an update restart this morning I was left with this message:

"Updates available
Last checked: Today, 10:33
Your device is missing important security and quality fixes.
2020-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64-based Systems (KB4577671)
Status: Pending download
Updates are ready to download"

I then clicked on the "Download" button.
Ten minutes later this appeared:

"Windows Update
Updates failed
Last checked Today, 10:33
Your device is missing important security and quality fixes.
There were problems installing some updates, but we'll try again later.
2020-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64 based Systems (KB4577671) -Error 0x800f081f
Retry"

I have been experiencing this scenario now for at least two months, and nothing changes. My first impressin is that this procedure obviously detecs an error, but it fails to tell me what the error is, or how to fix it. I would have thought that the super-boffins at MS would have incorporated an automated fix so updates can once again proceed properly.

I successfully downloaded the KB indicated, but it failed - unsurprisingly! Can anyone here give me some reassuring advice. I'm desperately awaiting the version 2004 update, which will supposedly happen when it's ready (that should read: "when the computer is ready for it".

I seem to be locked in a perpetual "Groundhog Day" here. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Have you tried >Settings > Update and Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > Windows Update?

 

Doh! I didn't think of that. But, then again, MS could have incorporated that in the automated update system, but I guess they didn't think of that either.

However, I ran the troubleshoot this morning. The result was that it said it has made changes to the system and asked me to try again, so I did just that. Unfortunately, the result was the same as before. It didn't tell me what it found, or what the changes were, so I'm back to square one.

 

Did you Shut down and Reboot the comp after making the changes?

 

I don't think I did, as the messge was to try again, with no mention of restarting. Just to be sure I ran the procedure again. This is the result.

"Troubleshooting has completed
The troubleshooter made some changes to your system. Try attempting the task you were trying to do before.
Problem found: Check for Windows Updates......... Detected
View detailed information."
------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the information revealed...
Issues found
Check for Windows Update issues... Detected
Resolve Windows Update issues... Completed
Potential issues that were checked
Some security settings are missing or have been changed... Issue not present
Check for missing or corrupt files... Issue not present
Service registration is missing or corrupt... Issue not present

Detection details
IsPostback_RC_PendingUpdates....... IsPostback:False
WaaSMedicService...... Issue found by:EnableUUPScanPlugin
IsPostback_RC_PendingUpdates...... IsPostback: True

Service Status
Problem with BITS service: The requested service has already been started. More help is availableby typing NET HELPMSG 2182.

Publisher details
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Find and fix problems that may prevent background downloads from working
Package Version: 3.5
Publisher: Microsoft Windows

Background Network Diagnostics
Detects problems with network connectivity.
Package Version: 4.0
Publisher: Microsoft Windows

Windows Update
Resolve problems that prevent you from updating Windows.
Package Version: 9.2
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Troubleshooting has completed

Of course, all the information I needed, presuming I'm a Widows boffin, which I'm not.

 

This may be the way to fix your problem:

How do I fix a corrupted Windows 10 update?
To run it, you need to follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Enter DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. Repair process will now start. The repair process can take 10 minutes or more, so be patient and don't interrupt it.
4. After DISM tool repairs your files, restart your PC
   

 

Thanks for that - another "hidden" procedure revealed. Pity it didn't make any difference this time. After it completed, and computer restarted, I tried the Windows Update again, with exactly the same result. I ran the troubleshooter again, also with exactly the same result, to the letter. Did I say "Groundhog Day"?

 

Another link to have a look through:
https://windows101tricks.com/windows-10-update-fails-to-install/

What AV are you running?

 

I'm running Defender.

 

Shouldn't be any "conflicts" with Defender!
If there is no help in the link - you may have to just wait till MS decides to install the update.

 

Exactly! It may not be the best, but so far I've not had any problems with it.

At this stage I'll just go along with Update just as it is, until something more serious crops up. In the meantime I can't really flag this thread as "solved". Many thanks to those who have offered advice.

 

I have seen this happen before. Like Retiredlearner said. Wait and see if it clears itself up.