Microsoft Update Catalog won’t download and install updates [FIXED]

by Madalina Dinita
Madalina Dinita
Madalina Dinita
Windows & Software Expert
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies... read more
Updated on
Affiliate Disclosure
microsoft update catalog issues

The Microsoft Update Catalog is an important service for users of Microsoft software. Not only does it provide a listing of all crucial updates for the applications but it also serves as a one-stop store for all essential hardware drivers and Microsoft hotfixes.

And so it becomes a problem when it starts bringing errors such as the notorious Microsoft update catalog won’t install/ won’t download when attempting tasks such as downloading and installing drivers/updates over a corporate network.

This is especially a huge challenge because numerous other Microsoft’s services and technologies get information and relevant updates solely from the Microsoft Update catalog.

Well, our team has been analyzing this tool and has in the process discovered several working fixes for the error. Here they are.

How To Solve The Microsoft Update Catalog Won’t Download

Solution 1: Disable Pop-up Blocker

The pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer and seems to be fond of preventing the numerous update catalog files from downloading in some machines.

Disabling it can change the situation. Here is how:

In Microsoft Internet Explorer

  1. Open Microsoft Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on Tools then Internet Options on the menu bar.Microsoft Update Catalog Won't Install/ Won't Download
  3. Press on the Privacy (see the screenshot after step 4).
  4. Uncheck on the checkbox placed below Pop-up Blocker. This will disable the blocker.how to update windows
  5. Click Apply and Ok to save these changes.

In Microsoft Edge Browser

  1. Open Edge.
  2. Click on the More button (the three dots near the top right).windows 10 updates wont install
  3. Click on Settings as shown.
  4. Scroll down until you see View Advanced Settings and click.windows 7 wont download updates
  5. Drag the slider below the Block pop-ups tab to the left. Again this deactivates the pop-ups. windows 7 update wont install

You can retry to access the Microsoft update catalog services. 

Solution 2: Use An Alternative Browser

For many years, the Update catalog website was exclusively working only on Internet Explorer. But now the modern day iteration of the site supports other popular browsers pretty well.

Plus, it no longer needs an ActiveX control so you can try to download updates using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera or any of your favorite internet browsers if the error won’t budge.

We recommend using an all-in-one browser with powerful privacy features and customizable settings that allow you to be in complete control of your browsing experience.

⇒ Get Opera

Solution 3: Turn off Existing Browser Add-ons

Some add-ons carry an inherent compatibility risk which occasionally causes your browser to reject downloads.

Turning them off could thus open the door to a successful installation of demanded updates, drivers, and hotfixes.

Steps:

In Internet Explorer

  1. Open Internet Explorer then click on the Tools 
  2. Now click Manage add-ons.this update is not applicable to your computer windows 7
  3. Under the Show dropdown, select All add-ons (Check the next screenshot).
  4. Now select all the adds-on marked Enabled and select Disable to turn them off.WINDOWS UPDATES WON'T INSTALL
  5. Close.

In Microsoft Edge

Adds-on are called extensions in Edge and have been supported by the browser since the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click on More (…)to access the menu.
  3. Choose Extensions on the menu.
  4. Right-click on the extensions that could be causing problems and select turn off.windows 7 update won't install210/mo - $1.19 - 0.02 windows 10 updates won't install1,300/mo - $7.00 - 0.01 how to update windows6,600/mo - $0.71 - 0.04 windows update standalone installer the update is not applicable to your computer windows 10

Solution 4: Adjust System’s Date and Time

If the date/time is showing incorrect values, adjust them appropriately including the time zone.

Steps:

Windows 7

  1. Simultaneously press Windows + R keys on the keyboard.
  2. Type “control” on the run dialog box.this update is not applicable to your computer windows 7
  3. The control panel will open. Search for date/time by typing time in the control panel search dialog and click on the Date and Time.windows 7 won't download updates
  4. Update the date, time, plus the time zone
  5. Save the changes.

 Window 8/8.1

  1. Press Windows+I Keys to open the Settings on the Charms bar.
  2. Select Change PC Settings in the Settings window.
  3. Now click Time and Language.
  4. Press change Data & Time.
  5. Adjust as necessary.

 Windows 10

  1. The time icon is located in the bottom-right side of your screen. Right-click on it and choose Adjust Date/Time.
  2. On the left-hand side of the new window that pops up, click the Date/time
  3. Click Change under the Change date and time area.
  4. Update the two settings as necessary.

Method 5: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Sometimes the problem is removed by running the Microsoft update troubleshooter.  Launch it and see if it will help.

Steps:

Windows 10

  1. Download the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter . Choose either Open or Save when prompted by the pop-up window.
microsoft update catalog windows 7 64 bit

Expert tip:

SPONSORED

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken.
We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.

If you choose Save, you will need to navigate to the downloads folder (of the folder where your files are downloaded to and then double-click the wu.diagcab file to start the troubleshooter (you can also right-click it and select open).

  1. Select Next then follow the steps to eliminate Windows Update catalog issues.

Windows 8.1

  1. Press on the Windows key and type Network problems.
  2. Click Identify and repair network problems from the results list.
  3. Follow the next steps as per the wizard.
  4. Try to run the necessary Windows Update again.

Windows 7

  1. Right-click on the Network icon (in Window’s 7 notification area) then choose Troubleshoot problems. how to use microsoft update catalog
  1. Follow the next steps as per the wizard.
  2. Try to run the Update afresh.

Method 6: Repair The Update Database

At times Windows update catalog malfunctions because it’s installing some updates to a corrupted Windows update database.
The solution is to open the Command Prompt as an administrator and effecting some database troubleshooting commands.

First Open Command Prompt by following these steps:

Windows 7

  1. Click start and Type cmd in the search dialogue.
  2. In the results, right-click on cmd and pick run as administrator.

Windows 8 and 10

  1. Right-click the Start button (or press Windows+X).
  2. The Power Users menu comes up. Select Command Prompt (Admin).microsoft update catalog windows 10 1709

The Commands

Type these commands one-by-one in the order given. Press the Enter key after each entry.

  1. net stop wuauserv
  2. net stop cryptSvc
  3. net stop bits
  4. net stop msiserver
  5. Ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  6. Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
  7. net start wuauserv
  8. net start cryptSvc
  9. net start bits
  10. net start msiserver

Exit the Command Prompt and retry the update process.

Method 7: Disable Your Security Applications (Antivirus and Firewall)

We cannot rule out the possibility of the Microsoft update catalog won’t install/ won’t download

glitches coming up due to your Anti-virus software and the Firewall application installed in your system.

I hence suggest that you disable the anti-virus together with your firewall albeit temporarily.

You then try to get the updates to run with the two programs off.

Steps:

Windows Defender (Windows 10)

  1. Go to Start then click
  2. Choose Update & Security then Windows Security.how to install security catalog driver
  3. Choose Virus and threat protection.windows 7 updates fail every time
  4. Click either Manage settings or Virus /threat protection settings (depending on your version)
  5. Set Real-time protection Off.Microsoft Update Catalog Won't Install

Remember to re-enable the Antivirus software as soon as possible to reduce the vulnerability of your PC to attacks.

Third Party Antiviruses (In All Windows)

Most of third party antivirus protection programs can be disabled from the Windows notification corner. Steps:

  1. Locate the Antiviruses’ icon and right-click on it.
  2. Choose Disable, Shut down, Stop, exit or something of the sort to disable it. Sure, for some you to open the program’s menus but this method work for quite a number.Microsoft Update Catalog Won't download

Turning Off The Firewall:

Windows 7

  1. Click Start.
  2. Click control panel.
  3. Search for the Firewall (by typing Windows Firewall in the search box).
  4. Tap on check firewall status.
  5. Select turn windows firewall off/on.windows 10 latest security update
  6. Click turn off firewall (under the two settings).KB3172985 won't install, can't get update on catalog
  7. Click OK

Windows 10

  1. Click the start button.
  2. Type firewall.
  3. Select check firewall status.microsoft fixit tool for windows update
  4. Repeat the steps 5,6, and 7 as above.

Windows 8.1/8

  1. Press on Window button then type Control Panel to search for it.
  2. Click Control panel.
  3. Look for and Click Windows Firewall.Unable to install microsoft update catalog addon
  4. Tap the tab Turn Windows Firewall off/off.
  5. Mark turn off firewall (again under both private & public settings).
  6. Click OK.

Users with different Firewall applications can check the procedure of turning them off on the manufacturer’s website.

Method 7: Check Your Internet Connection

You can also consider changing to another internet link, for example, a strong Wi-Fi. This is because some updates can never install if you’re connected to a metered internet connection and will instead indicate a Microsoft update catalog won’t install/ won’t download error.

Wait for a couple of minutes and then retry the update/download. It may be important to restart the PC in some instances.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED READING:

This article covers:Topics: