Windows 10 Update Settings Not Opening: 7 Ways to Fix it

If your operating system is Windows 10, then you might have stumbled upon the annoying Windows 10 update settings not opening issue.

This issue reacts in such a way with your system that it will prevent you from opening the Updates feature as well as the Settings feature.

Why is my Settings app not opening on Windows 10?

Like any other app, Windows 10 Settings is prone to a lot of bugs and glitches. However, the Settings app is tied directly to the OS which is prone to file system corruption.

Nevertheless, if you carefully follow the tutorial posted below you will solve the Windows 10 update settings not opening issue in no time.

This guide will also address the following encountered issues:

• The Settings menu closes as soon as I open it
• Windows Update settings not loading
• Windows Update loading forever

The most common fixes to the Updates and Settings feature in Windows 10 Technical Preview is either to do a virus scan or to check and download the latest KB updates available for your Windows 10 Technical Preview operating system.

What can I do if Settings is not opening on Windows 10?

1. Use professional third-party software
2. Use the Troubleshooter for Windows apps
3. Install the necessary updates
4. Create a new user
5. Use Microsoft Safety Scanner
6. Run the SFC scan
7. Reset Windows 10

1. Use professional third-party software

When you have encountered the Windows 10 update settings not opening an error message, you can try a simple yet efficient solution. If you use third-party software, this should fix the issue.

We recommend using a dedicated third-party program, a complete solution for your operating system. Based on innovative technology, these tools will secure and repair your computer, leaving it in an optimized state.

2. Use the Troubleshooter for Windows apps

If Updates and Settings are not opening, you might be able to fix the problem by running the troubleshooter for Windows apps.

This troubleshooter is created by Microsoft and it should help you fix any problems that you might have with Windows apps.

To fix this problem, simply download the Troubleshooter for Windows apps and run it. Once the tool starts, follow the instructions on the screen and the troubleshooter should fix the issue.

Alternatively, you can use one of these troubleshooter tools to quickly solve Windows issues.

If you can’t reach the Windows Update section, you may also use the Windows Update troubleshooter.

3. Install the necessary updates

You can install Windows updates using our practical example in order to fix settings errors on Windows 10 in a short time.

1. Start Control Panel

To do that, press Windows Key + S and enter Control Panel. Select Control Panel from the list of results.

2. Type Windows Updates

In the search box in the top right corner enter Windows Updates. Click on View Installed updates after the search has finished.

3. Install the updates

Check for and install the update KB3036140 if it is not already installed.

4. Reboot your PC

After you successfully updated to KB3036140 you will need to reboot the Windows 10 once more.

5. Check the Update Settings

Now check to see if you’re Updates and Settings feature are working for you.

This solution will allow you to prevent the error of Windows update settings not opening. Following these steps will install all updates necessary for your operating system.

4. Create a new user

Sometimes you can fix this problem simply by creating a new user account. This is relatively simple and you can do it by following these steps:

1. Open Control Panel like we showed you in the previous solution.
2. Select User Accounts from the list.
   
3. Left-click or tap on the option that says Manage another account.
   
4. Now left click or tap on the Add new User in PC settings.
   
5. After you created a new user account reboot your Windows 10 Technical Preview system once more.
6. Log in with the new user account you created and check to see if you still have the same issue.

Can’t add a new profile? Here’s what to do when Windows won’t let you add a new user.

You can also create a new user account by using Command Prompt. To do that, you need to do the following:

1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu and choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the list of results. If Command Prompt isn’t available, you can choose PowerShell (Admin) instead.
   
2. When Command Prompt starts, enter net user NewUser password1 /add.
   
3. Now enter net localgroup administrators NewUser /add.
   
   

After doing that, switch to NewUser account and use password1 to access the new account.

Once you log in to the new account, you need to install the missing updates. To do that, you need to do the following:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
2. When Settings app opens, select Update & security.
   
3. Now click on Check for updates button.
   

Windows will download and install the missing updates. After installing the updates, you can switch back to your main account and everything should start working again.

You can also create a new account by doing the following:

1. Press Windows Key + R and enter lusrmgr.msc. Press Enter or click OK.
   
2. Select Users from the left pane, and right click the empty space in the right pane. Choose New user from the menu.
   
3. Enter the desired user name and uncheck User must change password at new login. Now click on Create button.
   

After creating a new user account, switch to it and check if the problem is resolved. If the issue is resolved, you need to move your personal files to the new account and use it as your main one.

Read more about this topic

• Windows update & security tab not loading
• Windows 10 apps won’t open [Full Guide]
• Windows 10/11 Settings won’t open/crashing
• Fix: Windows Update not showing/missing button on Win 10/11
• Fix: Windows Update & Security not opening in Windows 10/11

5. Use Microsoft Safety Scanner

1. Left click or tap on the link posted below to download the Microsoft Safety Scanner.
2. Download here Safety Scanner
3. Left click or tap on the Download Now button situated in the upper side of the page accessed above.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish the downloading process and installation process.
5. Run a scan and let the application fix any potential threats to your system.
6. Reboot your Windows 10 after the process has finished.
7. Check again to see if your updates and settings features are working.

There were a few situations in which users reported to solve the Windows update settings not opening issues with Microsoft software. In this regard, we recommend you install and run Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Follow the simple steps described above and your computer will be able to update its operating system.

6. Run the SFC scan

If Updates and Settings are not opening the issue might be caused by file corruption, and in order to fix it you need to perform an SFC scan. This is relatively simple and you can do it by following these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
2. When Command Prompt opens, enter sfc /scannow and press Enter to run it.
   
3. SFC scan will now start. Keep in mind that this process can take 10 minutes or more, so don’t interrupt it.

After the scan is finished, check if the problem is resolved. If the problem still persists, or if you can’t run an SFC scan at all, you might want to try using a DISM scan instead.

To do that, start Command Prompt and enter the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Keep in mind that this process can take 20 minutes or more, so be sure not to interrupt it. After the DISM scan is finished, check if the issue still persists.

If you were unable to run an SFC scan before, be sure to run it again after the DISM scan. After both scans are finished the problem should be resolved.

7. Reset Windows 10

If Updates and Settings are not opening in Windows 10, you might be able to fix the problem by resetting your Windows 10.

This solution will remove all files from your system drive, so use it only if other solutions don’t work.

Before you reset Windows 10, be sure to create a backup and Windows 10 installation media. After doing that, you need to do the following:

1. Open the Start Menu, click the Power icon, press and hold the Shift key and choose Restart from the menu.
2. You’ll be presented with three options. Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
3. You might be asked to insert Windows 10 installation media to proceed, so be sure to have it ready.
4. Select your version of Windows and choose Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files.
5. Now click the Reset button to start.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reset process.

After the reset is done, you’ll have to move your files from the backup and install your applications again. Keep in mind that this is a drastic solution, and you should use it only if other solutions don’t work.

Tip

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There it is guys, a few simple methods on how to fix the Updates and Settings options you have in Windows 10 in only ten minutes of your time.

Also if you found any other way or if you need further assistance don’t hesitate to write us in the comments section of the page situated a few lines below and we will help you as soon as possible.

Updates and Settings issues

Not being able to open the Settings app can be a big problem, but users reported the following issues as well:

settings not opening on laptop

• Windows 10 settings not responding
  • This is a common problem that users are experiencing.
  • According to them, the Settings app isn’t responding on their PC.
• Settings doesn’t launch Windows 10
  • Another common problem is the inability to launch Settings app.
  • Users reported that Settings app won’t start at all on their PC.
• Updates and settings not loading
  • This is another variation of this error and many users reported that Updates and settings aren’t loading on their PC.
  • This is an annoying problem, but you should be able to fix it by using one of our solutions.
• Cannot open settings Windows 10
  • According to users, they are unable to open the Settings app on their PC.
  • However, you should be able to fix this problem by creating a new user account.
• Settings not opening on laptop (This issue affects desktop users just as much as it can affect laptop users, regardless of the device’s brand. From HP, to Lenovo, Dell and more, updates and settings refusing to load can seriosuly impact user’s experience).