Windows Update - Reset

How to Reset Windows Update in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8​

   Information

This will show you how to reset Windows Update view update history, and how to reset and re-register Windows Update Components if you are having a problem updating with Windows Update.

OPTION ONE

To Only Reset Windows Update History

   Note

Resetting Windows Update using this option will clear the view update history details list (cache).

This will not actually uninstall any of your currently installed Windows Update. They will just not be listed anymore. Any new Windows Update installed after the reset will show up in the view update history list as normal though.

1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download this file below.
Reset_Windows_Update_History.bat


Download


2. Save the .bat file to your Desktop.

3. Right click or press and hold on the downloaded .bat file, and click/tap on Run as administrator.

4. If prompted by UAC click/tap on Run, then Yes/Continue (if administrator) or type in administrator's password (if standard user).

5. You will now see an elevated command prompt open and run. When it's finished, it will close automatically.

6. If opened, close and reopen Windows Update to verify that it has been reset.




7. Resetting the Windows Update history will also restore the default language packs being listed in Windows Upate again in the Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise editions after you check for updates next.

OPTION TWO

To Reset and Re-register Windows Update Components

NOTE: This option is the Windows version of: How do I reset Windows Update components?. It will reset Windows Update Components and re-register the BITS files and the Windows Update files to help fix Windows Update errors. This option will not clear the view update history details list as it does in OPTION ONE above.
1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download this file below.
Reset_Reregister_Windows_Update_Components.bat


Download


2. Save the .bat file to your Desktop.

3. Right click or press and hold on the downloaded .bat file, and click/tap on Run as administrator.

4. If prompted by UAC click on Run, then Yes/Continue (if administrator) or type in administrator's password (if standard user).

5. You will now see an elevated command prompt open and run. When it's finished, it will close automatically.

6. Restart the computer afterwards to apply.

7. If this still does not help, then run the Microsoft Fix it tool here:
How do I reset Windows Update components?

See also: Unable to install updates in Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2

OPTION THREE

To Reset and Re-register Windows Update Components AND Reset Update History in One Easy Click

   Note

This option combines OPTION ONE and OPTION TWO above in one .bat file.

1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download this file below.
Reset_Windows_Update_Full.bat


Download



2. Save the .bat file to your Desktop.

3. Right click or press and hold on the downloaded .bat file, and click/tap on Run as administrator.

4. If prompted by UAC click/tap on Run, then Yes/Continue (if administrator) or type in administrator's password (if standard user).

5. You will now see an elevated command prompt open and run. When it's finished, it will close automatically.

6. Restart the computer afterwards to apply.

7. If this still does not help, then run the Microsoft Fix it tool here:

Download



How do I reset Windows Update components?

See also: Unable to install updates in Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2
That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• Windows Update Error 80246008 in Windows 7 - Fix
• How to Create a "Windows Update" Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Change the Windows Update Settings in Windows 7
• How to Enable or Disable Windows Updates from Automatically Restarting the Computer
• How to Uninstall a Windows Update in Windows 7
• How to Hide or Restore Hidden Windows Updates in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Create a Installed Windows Updates Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Create a Windows Update Troubleshoot Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Enable or Disable Uninstalling Windows Updates in Windows 7
• How to Enable or Disable Access to Windows Updates in Windows 7
• How to View Windows Update History Details in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Reset the Common Log File System (CLFS) Logs
• How to Enable or Disable the Windows Update "Who can install updates" Setting
• How to Download the Standalone MSU Installer File of a Windows Update
• How to Restore Default Services in Windows 7
• How to Trace what Windows Update a Manifest File Originated From
• How to Use DISM to Fix Component Store Corruption in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
I'm not seeing a uk English
Win-7 H-Premium sp1 English 64 bit
https://software-download.microsoft...1471533637&h=b94661f22d2614aa1c4872ffa98cee11

Here's your Pro just in case,
Win-7 sp1 Pro English 64 bit
https://software-download.microsoft...1471533821&h=279d604defb1936e49118ed92712e688

Links are good for 24 hours after posting.

 

[DavidE]

I'm not seeing a uk English

I wonder if it will download uk English based on the Language / Region on the PC downloading the ISO.

The Heidoc ISO Downloader lists English UK in the dropdown list.

@mr2legs,
If Mike's link doesn't give you English UK you could try downloading using the Heidoc ISO Downloader available here:
https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/techn...crosoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool#

 

[ThrashZone]

Does the UK version add an accent

 

[mr2legs]

Mike and DaveE - hello again - your attentions are overwhelming.

I am cool for the 64 bit Pro on my desktop - installed from Microsoft Disc used already for at least two clean installs.

I am leaving the laptop well alone after the last fortnight! But I have dowloaded both the direct link iso and the installer for future fun! I have only the Factory OEM key and a (different) key from the Dell re-installation disc. If I used either of the ISOs would I need a key at all, and if so would the keys I have work?

As far as the accent is concerned - you will understand that we English speak English as English should be spoken - without accent. I can't of course speak for you guys.

However you speak you have been a breath of fresh air in a mean-spirited world and I am most grateful.

Just an afterthougt - I have rather defocussed this thread with my post introducing topics from the re-install Windows 7 thread because the effects were very similar. I think those struggling with the re-install might be appreciative if you could let them know of the existence of the SP1 ISOs.

 

[DavidE]

I have only the Factory OEM key and a (different) key from the Dell re-installation disc. If I used either of the ISOs would I need a key at all, and if so would the keys I have work?

To do a clean install with these ISO's you need to use the product key on the OEM COA sticker.
Here is a tutorial with a picture of a COA sticker:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[number42]

I occasionally drift off to sleep on the keyboard.

It's in the second link you posted. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2970908

While I appreciate your vigilance, you really should go outside every now and then.

I'll try the option this weekend and see what happens. I've been reading other threads and there seems to be a bit of luck here --> http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...-windows-7-update-stuck-checking-updates.html.

If all else fails, there's a Microsoft store nearby... that offers to fix software problems for a fixed fee. Since they probably caused the problem, they should be able to fix it. Now go outside.

 

[Brink]

 

[number42]

I have a quick question regarding Option 3.

Since this didn't solve my problem, is there a way to put my windowsupdate.log file back?

I read the bat file and it appears that you rename the log file to windowsupdate.log.bak.

I ask this as I went to an MS update web page and, of course, it offered me updates I know I already had installed, i.e. Office. I'm sure when I get this sorted out, Update is going to want to reinstall everything I already have, which will probably result in a whole series of failed updates. I'm thinking if I had an update history, I wouldn't have to re-download the last 5 years of updates....

Or is it the softwaredistribution file I'd like restored?

 

[Brink]

number42,

If you have at Windows 7 SP1 installed, then you might see if manually downloading and installing the KB3179573 August 2016 update rollup may help.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3179573

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
I'd make sure KB3020369 is installed first

 

[number42]

At home now.

KB3020369 was installed on 05/12/15. KB3172605 is/was not.

The last KB on the system is KB310xxxx.

So KB3172605 is first on the list of weekend chores.

Brink, can you answer the question (post #247) about the log files? thanks.

 

[Brink]

It won't make any difference with the log files.

 

[ThrashZone]

So KB3172605 is first on the list of weekend chores.
.

Hi,
Here's some direct links
The articles downloads have been off and on availability wise
KB3172605,
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605
These lower ones will prompt you to download as soon as you click on it just to give you a heads up
Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/down...A9C-6B30C3E1735A/Windows6.1-KB3172605-x86.msu

Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/down...67F-C713F7821374/Windows6.1-KB3172605-x64.msu

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi Shawn sorry to bug you,
With the windows update service stopped and disabled can you still run a stand alone installer without any errors if these other services are not changed ?
Background intelligent transfer services
Cryptographic
Windows installer

As far as I know the windows update service only affects the traditional built in update searching abilities through the updates window ?

I'm not referring to checking for updates just referring to running and installing a stand alone installer.

 

[Brink]

I don't remember either. That'll be one to try and see.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Nope if it's set to manual the stand alone installer will work
Disabled will error
Thanks
Cheers.

 

[Brink]

That's what I would have suspected. Thanks for confirming.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yep I thought it had a different function only for the updates window and the stand alone installer took over that process :/
Boy I was off as usual :banghead:

 

[number42]

Hi,

It's been awhile, but I finally got to do this. Thanks TZ for those excellent instruction pics you've been dropping all over the place. Was very helpful.

But now I have another question.

After I did the above, and restarted the update services, I had 31 updates waiting, but one was an 'update for Windows KB3172605'. When I looked at it, it said it was a fix to KB3172605. I let it install, but I confused (as usual).

So what's the fix for? and is it harmless?

 

[Brink]

Hello number42,

I'm glad the reset was able to help.

That's an updated KB3172605 that was re-released. The KB article below can give you more details about it.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605