Bizarre WU issue- have to launch Wu from CMD & 3 updates wont install?

Most people have no problem finding and using this.

There's a full functional portable (no install) version - simply search for
Hard Disk Sentinel portable
- fully functional trial.
You should see sthg like this:


Again:


Do you have a suitable System Restore point?

If the first passes, and you don't have either a restore point or a recently created disk image (disk imaging is endlessly recommended so you can restore a fully functional O/S exactly as was when you created the image e.g. Macrium Reflect or Aomei Backupper - free..)

then

you might try
Tweaking.com - free repair tool
Select only the options to restore important services and to fix Windows Update.

Some have found this has helped- but your situation may be different.
Here you are- I've done the search for you.
Tweaking.com - Windows Repair Free/Pro

When was the last time W Update worked?

SR is great when it works.. I was trying to find the cause of a minor program interaction, so disabled and removed things.. SR put everything back. But it's not totally reliable and can suddenly always fail to restore.

There's a tutorial on scheduling the creation of SR points- I have one created daily.

It complements the routine and regular use of 3rd party disk imaging e.g. Macrium Reflect (free) - image files to large enough external storage. Most members here rely on that.

You can further complement e.g. weekly disk imaging (daily if you like) with specific data backup for faster changing key data.

Good idea.

But remember it won't help you if your disk fails, your registry is damaged, your PC badly infected or affected by ransomware - or if your PC is stolen... if you use disk imaging (and store your backup disk safely) you get a second chance- and may even be able to recreate your familiar configuration on a new PC by restoring a disk image of your O/S. Many advantages.