Windows Update not running successfully

Windows Update seems stuck in a loop - when I run it and click on "Check for Updates", the dots chase across the Settings window for about ten seconds and I then get this response:



If I click again on "Check for Updates", the same happens and I get the same response again.

I'm running Windows 10 Pro x64 v1709 build 16299.194. Suggestions on a fix?

p.s. I also booted into safe mode with networking and tried the update from there. When I click "Check for Updates", the dots start chasing across the screen and nothing else happens - I let it run for almost an hour without anything further happening.

You might try this tool to get past the update loop, http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windows_update_minitool.html

I've used it a time or two on an an older laptop I had that wouldn't update, apparently there was a needed update that for some reason wasn't getting downloaded and installed.

Be careful what you install, this tool will show more updates than WU does. Maybe install one KB at a time then try WU to see if it's started functioning again.

Another thing is to have a functioning backup, or be sure the windows restore is turned on before proceeding, the update will create a restore point as long as it's enabled.

Another thing that may work, on the Settings, Update & Security and on the right scroll down to Learn More, can get the offline installer file for either x86 or x64 version. There's others listed like ARM and Windows Server so be careful. Sometimes there's Delta versions but those are for otherwise fully up to date installations.