How to Fix Windows Server 2016 Not Downloading Updates?

If you have Windows Server 2016 installed on your system, you would indeed expect a smoother update process for the available updates from Microsoft.  However, we have seen several cases wherein the Windows servers have faced update issues using the regular update methods. What causes such errors? How would attempt to download and install the updates? We have come across several users who have been complaining about the server update issues on Windows Server 2016. Let us find out how to fix Windows Server 2016 not downloading updates online.

Fix Windows Server 2016 Not Downloading Updates

The update error can be associated with several codes. One of the most common error-codes related to the Windows Server 2016 is 0x800705b4. The issue can either be solved on the server side or client side. In fact, it has been observed that the problem invariably affects Windows Server 2016 more severely than other Server versions.

That said, it should be noted that the updates issues can be one too many. You may face issues with an inability to download the updates. In certain cases, the updates may download – but refuse to install. Whichever be the reason in your case, we assume the solutions provided here would be helpful for your requirements.

Windows Server Update Stuck at Zero Percent

It is one of the most common errors you may come across while updating your Windows Server 2016. The symptoms of the failure would be – the system hangs at 0 percent when you attempt to upgrade the Windows Server 2016. The issue can strike you whether you are using Windows Update – either the standalone application or WSUS. What can cause this issue? : Let us check out the primary reasons.

Reason 1 –The issue can be caused when you have disabled your Windows Firewall configuration. Turning off the Firewall can cause conflict and thus cause problems with updates on Windows.

Reason 2 –Check if you have created a Proxy in Internet Explorer. A Proxy at Internet Explorer level may not be configured at WinHTTP. This conflict between the user level and system level Proxy can also be a reason for failed updates.

Reason 3 –Another possible reason that can cause issues with the Windows Server 2016 update issues is the incompatible RTM version of the Windows Update Agent.

How to solve this issue?

For Reason 1–Turn off Firewall following the proper format. Disabling it manually at the user level is not the recommended option and is not supported on Windows. If you are using any third party Firewall options, they will disable Firewall through the recommended method.

For-reason 2 –You can enable the Proxy at the system level using the following command from Command Prompt.

netshwinhttp set proxy ProxyServerName:PortNumber

You need to replace the Proxy name and Port Number depending upon the Proxy enabled in Internet Explorer.

You may also import the Proxy from the Internet Explorer using the following command in Command Prompt-

netshwinhttp import proxy source=ie               

For-Reason 3 – You will need to update Windows Update Agent to the latest version. The correct version should be 10.0.14393.187 (as per Microsoft Support documentation). You can get it updated through the most recent Cumulative Security Update. The update later than September 2016 should sort out the issue for you. You can get the update file on Windows Update Catalogue and download it manually.

Try Resetting the Windows Update Server  and Components

It can be another solution for your concern. In many cases, resetting the  Windows Update Server can be helpful. Follow the steps carefully.

• Select Command Prompt. There are several ways you can achieve it.
• Stop these services – BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services. Use the following commands for the purpose.

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

 net stop msiserver

Please note that you need to press ENTER after each of these commands.

• Next step would be to rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Even these steps can be handled through the Command Prompt. Here are the commands you need to enter. Again, please note that you need to press ENTER after each of these commands.

ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

 ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old

• Now, restart the services you stopped in the first step. Follow the command listed here below, again not forgetting to press ENTER after each of these commands.

net start wuauserv

 net start cryptSvc

 net start bits

 net start msiserver

Exit Command Prompt.

Check now whether the issue has been resolved.

Another Solution That May Work

Windows Defender signatures can also be a reason for causing the update issues on Windows Server 2016. Outdated server signatures can stop the updates. This can happen if you have installed the server using an older ISO image.

Sorting out this issue can be much more straightforward. We hope it would work for you. Follow the steps here below –

• Launch Windows Updates from Settings.
• Under Update, Settings locate and click on Advanced Options
• In the next Window, check the option for “Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows.”

Now, go back to the updates page, and try applying the updates. This should also help you update the Windows Defender Signatures as well. Many Windows Server 2016 users have indicated success at resolving the issue by following this method.

Before We Leave You….

Well, the issues with Windows Updates have always been constant even from the days of Windows 7 and even earlier. There are several reasons attributed to the appearance of the errors that would force you to find the updates not downloading.

You may check out the methods we have indicated in the above tutorial and find if these tips resolve the update issues in your case. We have listed the possible fixes to address the problems of updates not downloading on your Windows Server 2016. Do let us know which among the above methods fixed the solution for you. If you are aware of any other fixes apart from the ones we have listed out here, do share the tips with us.

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