FIX: Windows 10 April Update install issues

April Update is finally here. After it was postponed due to the same security loopholes, Windows 10 users can try out Timeline and a few new features which are quite nice.

However, as always, there are reports of the update being stuck and other install issues. This can prove a hard nut to crack.

On the other hand, there are some solutions which should resolve this problem. In case you’re not sure how to troubleshoot install issues on major updates, make sure to check our list below.

April Update stuck while installing? Here’s how to resolve this

1. Check the storage space
2. Disable the third-party antivirus
3. Download Update Assistant
4. Reset Update services
5. Install update via the installation media

Fix Windows Update issues with these great tools!

1: Check the storage space

Let’s start from the beginning. In order to install April Update, you’ll need approximately 16 GB of free storage space. And that’s only for the 32-bit system version.

The 64-bit version requires at least 20 gigs for the installation. In case you’re unable to install the update over multiple tries, we recommend starting with the elementary steps.

Make same free space on the system partition and restart the update.

Once you’re certain that there’s no lack of storage space and that you meet the rest of the system requirements, retry the procedure. If the issue is persistent, continue through the list.

Epic guide alert! Everything you need to know about clearing your storage space in April Update is right here!

2: Disable the third-party antivirus

Installation issues are quite commonly tracked down to antivirus interference. Namely, even though a third-party antivirus might work great later, it can stop or block the update procedure.

This, obviously, goes only for third-party antimalware solutions — Windows Defender not included.

What you’ll need to do before the update procedure commences is disabling the antivirus or even uninstalling it. You can install it later on without problems.

The special emphasize goes to McAfee and Norton which are, although great solutions, known for instigating issues on Windows 10.

3: Download Update Assistant

Standard over-the-air update is seemingly the core of all update issues. Especially when we look at the previous major releases for Windows 10.

This can be easily avoided by turning to alternative update measures. We left the alternative as the last solution below.

But before turning to external media for updating, you can use one of the two tools to update to April Update manually.

The first tool is Update Assistant. It’s simple to use and it allows you to get the April Update immediately.

You can download it here. Just follow the instructions and prepare for a long wait. Also, we recommend backing up your data prior to running this tool.

An alternative is to download the Media Creation Tool. Instead of creating an installation media, you can use it to update Windows. Just click Update and wait it out. You can get Media Creation tool here.

Sometimes you won’t be able to access this menu with an alternative browser, so for the sake of updating, use Edge at least this one time.

Windows Update Assistant blocked at 99% installing? Solve the issue with our detailed guide!

4: Reset Update services

Another viable solution is to reset the update services and clean up the Software Distribution folder. Services-wise, they tend to stop for no apparent reason which leads to failed update procedure.

And the Software Distribution folder is the place on the system partition where all update-related files are stored. And those tend to get corrupted.

By resetting the services and clearing the Software Distribution folder, you can have a clean start and hope for the best.

This is how to reset update services in Windows 10:

1. Open Command Prompt with the administrative permission.
2. Copy-paste the following commands in the command line and press Enter after each:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop bits
   • net stop cryptsvc
   • Ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistributionSoftwareDistribution.bak
   • Ren %systemroot%system32catroot2 catroot2.bak
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start bits
   • net start cryptsvc
3. Restart PC, navigate to Updates and try updating again.

5: Install update via the installation media (ISO or USB)

Finally, if none of the previous were a resolution for your ache, we still have one card you can play on. If for some peculiar reason, your system is unable to store the update installation files — don’t worry.

You can always update via the pre-created installation media. Whether it’s ISO or USB — that’s your choice.

If you decide to go with the USB bootable drive, you’ll need the Media Creation tool and USB with at least 6 gigs of free storage space. We provided detailed instructions in this article, so make sure to check it out.

That’s a wrap-up. Don’t forget to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below. We’ll be glad to help you overcome these issues and put your hands on latest Windows 10 iteration.

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