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We’re also going to add the extra step of booting into Safe Mode first, just to make sure that Windows can really let go of that cache of Windows Update downloads. If you’re still having trouble after running the troubleshooter (or if you’re the type that just likes to do things yourself), performing the same actions manually may help where the troubleshooter didn’t. Fix Windows Update by Deleting Its Cache Manually Even if the troubleshooter says it couldn’t identify the problem, it’s possible that the actions of starting and stopping the service and clearing out the cache did the trick. Go ahead and try running Windows Update again. Most of the time, the troubleshooter can successfully remove a stuck update from the queue. The troubleshooter works through its process and then lets you know whether it could identify and fix the problem.
Giving the tool administrative privileges helps ensure that it can delete files in the download cache. In the advanced settings, make sure that the “Apply repairs automatically” check box is enabled, click “Run as administrator” and then click Next. In the Windows Update troubleshooting window, click “Advanced.” In the Control Panel list of troubleshooters, in the “System and Security” section, click “Fix problems with Windows Update.” To run the troubleshooter, hit Start, search for “troubleshooting,” and then run the selection that search comes up with. You’ll find it in the same place on all modern versions of Windows. This troubleshooter is available on Windows 7, 8, and 10.
It downloads updates automatically, installs the ones it can, and saves others to install when you restart Windows.
For the most part, Windows Update works silently in the background.