Before you begin
Save open work and back up important files. Use instructions for your exact device and software version. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.
Work through these checks
0 of 3 complete01Disable proxy server options under Windows Internet Settings and use direct connections.
- Disable proxy server options under Windows Internet Settings and use direct connections.
What to expect
Check whether the original symptom still occurs.
If it does not helpContinue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.
02Reset the TCP/IP stack and flush the local DNS resolver cache to clear route blocks.
- Reset the TCP/IP stack and flush the local DNS resolver cache to clear route blocks.
What to expect
Check whether the original symptom still occurs.
If it does not helpContinue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.
03Temporarily disable custom third-party firewalls and use the default Windows Defender Firewall.
- Temporarily disable custom third-party firewalls and use the default Windows Defender Firewall.
What to expect
Check whether the original symptom still occurs.
If it does not helpContinue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.
Possible causes
- Incorrect proxy configurations blocking the Windows Update client from accessing external hosts.
- Third-party firewall settings blocking outgoing connections on HTTP port 80 and HTTPS port 443.
- Stale DNS cache directing the update client to outdated Microsoft Update server IP addresses.
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