Manual Method: Resetting Windows Update Components

The most common way to reset Windows Update components is through the Command Prompt. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Right-click on the Start icon and select “Terminal (Admin)” from the list.
2. Confirm by selecting “Yes” when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
3. Execute the following commands one by one, pressing “Enter” after each:
   net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   net stop appidsvc
   net stop cryptsvc

   

4. Run the command to delete the qmgr*.dat files:
   Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”

   Confirm by typing

5. Delete all Windows Update files using these commands:

   rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
   rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
6. Reset the BITS and Windows Update services’ security descriptors:

   sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
   sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)

   

7. Navigate to the System32 folder:

   cd /d %windir%\system32

   

8. Re-register BITS and Windows Update files:

   regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll

   

9. Reset Winsock (Windows Sockets):

   netsh winsock reset

   

10. Restart the services related to Windows Update:

    net start bits
    net start wuauserv
    net start appidsvc
    net start cryptsvc

    


Close the Command Prompt window and restart your PC to apply the changes. If you’re interested in discovering more useful commands, check our guide on the best Command Prompt commands for Windows.

Using a Batch File: A Hassle-Free Approach

If the manual method seems overwhelming, you can opt for a batch file approach:

1. Press Win + S to open the search menu and type “Notepad.” Press Enter.
2. Copy and paste the provided commands into Notepad.
3. Save the file as “Reset Windows Components.bat.”
4. Click the File menu at the top, then Save as.

   

   5. Enter Reset Windows Components.bat in the name field and specify your preferred location for saving the file.
   6. Click the Save as type drop-down menu to select All files, then click on Save.
   7. Locate the saved batch file on your PC. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
   8. Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears

   

This batch file executes the same commands as the manual method, simplifying the process for you.

Conclusion

Resetting Windows Update components can often fix issues with downloading and installing updates. If you encounter problems in the future, you now have the tools to reset these components manually or using a batch file. However, if the issues persist, there are other Windows Update troubleshooting methods you can explore to ensure your system stays up-to-date and secure.

Remember, maintaining a smoothly functioning system often requires a bit of technical know-how, and these methods can be valuable tools in your arsenal of system management techniques.

Restart Your Windows Computer

Is your Start menu not working? Or do you just want a desktop shortcut that restarts your PC? Here are all the ways to restart a Windows computer.

Restarting your Windows computer is one of the most popular ways to fix any temporary system glitches. At times, you may also need to restart your system to install a Windows Update or apply registry changes.

1. How to Restart Windows via the Start Menu

The easiest and most well-known way to restart a Windows computer is through the Start menu. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Click the Start icon on the taskbar or press the Win key to open the Start menu.
2. Click the power icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Select Restart from the menu that appears.

   

And voila! Your PC will reboot.

2. How to Restart Windows Using the Power User Menu

The Windows Power User menu provides quick access to some of the most important features and utilities. It also gives you the option to restart or shut down your Windows PC.

To restart Windows using the Power User menu:

1. Right-click on the Start icon or use the Win + X keyboard shortcut to access the Power User menu.
2. Select Shut down or sign out > Restart.

   

As soon as you do this, your PC will reboot.

3. How to Use the Ctrl + Alt + Delete Menu to Restart Windows

Another way to restart your Windows PC is through the Ctrl + Alt + Delete menu. It’s likely your best option if the Start menu is not working.

Start by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard to open the options screen. Then, click the power icon in the bottom right corner, and select Restart from the list. Your PC will restart immediately.

4. How to Restart Windows With the Alt + F4 Shortcut

You can also restart your PC easily by accessing the Shut Down Windows dialog. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Press Win + D to quickly navigate to your Desktop.
2. Press Alt + F4 on your keyboard to summon the Shut Down Windows dialog.
3. Use the drop-down menu to select Restart and click OK.

   

Aside from the above, you can also use the Shut Down Windows dialog to put your PC to sleep, shut it down, or hibernate it.

5. How to Restart Windows via the Command Prompt

If you’re an avid Windows user familiar with the command prompt utility, you can also restart your PC by running a command. Here’s how:

1. Click the search icon on the taskbar to open the search menu.
2. Type cmd and select Run as administrator.
3. Run the command “shutdown -r” in the console to restart your PC.

   

If you want to cancel the restart at any point during the 60-second period, use the command “shutdown /a”.

6. How to Restart Windows From the Login Screen

You don’t necessarily have to sign in to your Windows computer to restart it. Windows also gives you the option to restart your PC from the login screen or lock screen.

When you are on the Windows login or lock screen, click the power icon in the bottom right corner and select Restart from the menu that appears.

7. How to Create a Desktop Shortcut to Restart Windows

Create a desktop shortcut to restart your computer with ease:

1. Right-click on an empty spot on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
2. In the Create Shortcut window, type “Shutdown -r -t 00” in the text field.
3. Enter a suitable name for your shortcut and click on Finish.

   

Once you have created a desktop shortcut, you can double-click it to quickly restart your computer.

8. How to Use the Emergency Restart Feature in Windows

Windows also provides a secret Emergency restart option that can be useful if your PC freezes or if the above suggestions do not work. To use it:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard.
2. Press and hold the Ctrl key and click the power icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Click OK when the Emergency restart prompt appears.

   

Once you complete the above steps, your PC will reboot.

How Do You Prefer to Restart Your Windows PC?

Now you know several ways to restart your Windows PC. All of them are quick and easy to execute. You can pick the one that is most convenient for you.

In addition to the aforementioned methods, you can also remotely restart your Windows computer.