Alex Ruben
Fixing the “Unable to Run the Windows Update Diagnostic” Error
This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the error message “I’m sorry. I was unable to run the Windows Update diagnostic” on Windows. By following these steps, you will learn how to use several commands to repair Windows update components, ensuring that your system can check for and install updates effectively.
Step 1: Run System File Checker
Start by running the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair corrupted system files that could be causing the issue. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the following command:
sfc /scannow
This process may take some time. Allow it to finish and verify if any issues were detected and repaired.
Step 2: Use DISM Commands to Repair Windows Images
Next, use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to fix any potential problems with the Windows image. Run these commands in the same Command Prompt window:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Like the previous step, these commands may take a while to complete. Wait until all commands have been executed successfully.
Step 3: Reset Windows Update Components
If you are still facing issues, you may need to reset the Windows Update components. Follow these commands in the Command Prompt:
net stop bitsnet stop wuauservnet stop appidsvcnet stop cryptsvcDel "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Qrmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
Shutting down these services and deleting temporary files can help resolve update issues.
Step 4: Set Security Descriptors for Services
Re-establish security descriptors for the update services with the following commands:
sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
Step 5: Register DLL Files
Next, register several DLL files that may not be properly registered, which could lead to update issues. Execute each of the following commands:
regsvr32.exe /s atl.dllregsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dllregsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dllregsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dllregsvr32.exe /s browseui.dllregsvr32.exe /s jscript.dllregsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dllregsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dllregsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dllregsvr32.exe /s softpub.dllregsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dllregsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dllregsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dllregsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dllregsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dllregsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dllregsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dllregsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dllregsvr32.exe /s ole32.dllregsvr32.exe /s shell32.dllregsvr32.exe /s initpki.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dllregsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dllregsvr32.exe /s wups.dllregsvr32.exe /s wups2.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dllregsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dllregsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dllregsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dllregsvr32.exe /s muweb.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
Step 6: Reset Winsock
To ensure your network functions correctly, reset Winsock with the following commands:
netsh winsock reset
netsh winsock reset proxy
Step 7: Restart Windows Services
Finally, restart the services you previously stopped:
net start bitsnet start wuauservnet start appidsvcnet start cryptsvc
This will allow the update services to function normally again.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you continue to experience problems, consider the following:
- Ensure your system is connected to the internet.
- Disable any third-party antivirus software temporarily, as it may interfere with Windows Update.
- Check for any outstanding Windows Updates that could be blocking the process.
Conclusion
By following these detailed steps, you should have resolved the “unable to run the Windows Update diagnostic” error. If the issue persists, further investigation into system settings or hardware problems may be necessary. Explore additional resources for troubleshooting Windows Update errors for more help.
