"Windows Update keeps crashing my computer [Causes and 8 Solutions]?"

Software programs can cause errors in various ways, frustrating users, especially on Windows. These constant crashes make matters worse. If you're wondering why "Windows Update caused my computer to crash," it could be due to a faulty update. The tools will address the issue of Windows Update causing my computer to crash and its solutions. Let's get started!

Why does my computer always crash during a Windows update?

Microsoft regularly adds changes to software and other utilities to fix existing bugs or introduce new features. There's a lot of trial and error that goes into releasing an update or feature. However, even after extensive testing, the latest files may still contain some errors and quirky functions that can cause Windows to crash when updating.

Most of the time, Windows updates fail due to bugs, new software, insufficient storage space, power failures during installation, and connectivity issues.

If your computer crashes during a Windows update, it could be due to any of these reasons. You can troubleshoot and fix the issue using a few troubleshooting methods.

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How to Stop Windows Updates from Crashing Your PC

If Windows updates are interrupting you, there are several ways to fix the issue. If you can't access your desktop, you'll need to use WinRE or boot into Safe Mode to fix the problem.

• Method 1: Roll Back Windows Update
• Method 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Method 3: Run SFC and DISM
• Method 4: Disable Fast Startup
• Method 5: Reset Windows Update Components
• Method 6: Disable Driver Signature Enforcement
• Method 7: Perform a System Restore
• Method 8: Reset Windows

Method 1: Roll Back a Windows Update

If a Windows Update is causing your computer to crash, you can roll back the Windows Update to remove the new updates. After uninstalling the problematic update, your computer will be returned to its previous state. Here's how to roll back a Windows Update:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.

Step 2: This will open the Programs and Features tab. Click on View installed updates on the left side.

Step 3: Choose the latest update from your computer (usually the one at the top), and click Uninstall.

If you can't access the desktop or your computer isn't working properly, use the Windows Recovery Environment to uninstall the update.

Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates, and then choose whether to Uninstall the latest quality update or Uninstall the latest feature update, depending on the cause of the problem.

Uninstall the update from WinR

Method 2: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows operating system allows you to troubleshoot different aspects of your computer to find errors. If Windows Update keeps crashing, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to find a solution.

For Windows 10:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Select Windows Update, and run it.

For Windows 11:

Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshooters, and then under Additional troubleshooters, click Windows Update and run it.

Method 3: Run SFC and DISM

If the system files responsible for Windows Update get corrupted or damaged, Windows Update might crash. You can quickly run the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command to look for and fix any errors. These commands scan for discrepancies in system files and reset them to their default state when they encounter any issues.

Step 1: Open a command prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Press Enter to run each of the following commands in order.

These are commands for the Windows operating system:
• – sfc /scannow: The System File Checker command, which scans for and repairs any errors or corruption in system files.
• – DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth: The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command, which checks and repairs the integrity of the system image online, helping to restore it to a healthy state.

Run a System File Checker scan

Method 4: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a feature that helps your computer boot up faster than normal by putting it in a hibernation state instead of fully shutting down. This prevents the kernel from refreshing, allowing your operating system to run for hours without interruption. Here's how to disable it:

Step 1: Open the Run app, type powercfg.cpl, and click OK.

<Step 2> In Control Panel, open Power Options and choose Change plan settings.

Step 3: Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable,” and then uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup.

Step 4: Click “Save Changes” to apply the settings.

Method 5: Reset Windows Update components

The Windows Update components allow you to download and install the latest updates. They ensure that bugs are fixed, security patches are applied, and drivers remain in sync with their respective software programs. If these components run into issues, we need to reset them so they can function normally.

Step 1. Run CMD as an administrator.

Step 2. Before resetting the component, we'll stop some Windows Update services. Type the command and press Enter.

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop bits
• net stop appidsvc
• net stop cryptsvc
These are command-line instructions for stopping specific services in a Windows operating system: 1. net stop wuauserv: Stops the Windows Update service, which is responsible for downloading and installing updates for your system. 2. net stop bits: Stops the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), which is used for transferring data in the background, including Windows updates. 3. net stop appidsvc: Stops the Application Identity service, which helps to identify and manage the identity of applications running on the system. 4. net stop cryptsvc: Stops the Cryptographic Services, which manages the digital certificates and performs cryptographic operations, such as file hashing and encryption. These commands are typically used for troubleshooting, maintenance, or when you need to temporarily disable these services for any reason. Remember to restart the services after you're done with your task using the corresponding "net start" commands.

Step 3: Run the following command to remove the existing update components:

• Delete "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat"

Step 4. Run the following command to get the default Windows Update components:

• Rename the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old
• Rename the C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 folder to catroot2.old

Step 5. Restart the update service with the following command:

These are commands in the Windows operating system to start specific services: 1. `net start wuauserv`: This command starts the Windows Update service, responsible for checking and installing system updates. 2. `net start cryptsvc`: This command starts the Cryptographic Services, which manage cryptographic operations on the system, including certificate services. 3. `net start appidsvc`: This command starts the Application Identity service, which verifies the digital signatures of applications and enforces policy execution. 4. `net start bits`: This command starts the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), which transfers files in the background, such as downloading and uploading updates, to minimize impact on user activities.

At the same time, run the command to reset Winsock: netsh winsock reset.

Method 6: Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

Driver signature enforcement in Windows 10/11 enhances system security. This feature is enabled by default and can prevent Windows from starting normally if any unsigned drivers are present when the computer boots up. Occasionally, Windows updates can break these signatures, leading to system crashes.

Steps to disable Driver Signature Enforcement:

Step 1: Boot the PC into WinRE and navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 2: Type the following command, and then press Enter.

This command disables integrity checks:

To re-enable the feature, run the same command with ON replaced by Off.

Method 7: Perform a System Restore

If you have created a System Restore point on your computer, you can use it to revert your PC's state to how it was before. Type “create restore point” and open System Properties. Below, we'll see how to perform a System Restore from the Command Prompt:

Step 1: Restart your computer while holding down the Shift key.

Step 2: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 3: In the "Startup Settings" screen, press the 6 or F6 key to select option 6 (Enable network connectivity in safe mode).

<Step 4> At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press Enter:

This line of code represents a list item, with the text "rstrui.exe". In a Chinese context, this would typically be translated as: "rstrui.exe". This is the name of an executable file, likely referring to the "System Restore" tool in the Windows operating system.

After you run the command, the System Restore Wizard opens, where you can use a recommended restore point or choose one and proceed.

Click “Next” on the System Restore Wizard to proceed.

Method 8: Reset Windows

If all else fails, your final option is to reset Windows, which will restore the entire operating system to its default state.

Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Recovery, and click Reset this PC.

You can reset it either by removing everything or by keeping my files.

Select an option to reset your computer.

Step 3. On the next screen, choose whether to Download from the cloud or reinstall from local: Download from the cloud gets the latest operating system files from the internet, while Reinstall from local uses the operating system on your local computer and resets it to factory defaults.

Step 5: Make any changes you need to the Advanced settings, and then select Reset.

<Step 6> Click <Reset> and then <Continue> to start the reset process.

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Additional Tip: How to Prevent Data Loss on Your Computer

If Windows updates keep causing your PC to crash, you might need to perform a recovery or reset. Both processes are complicated and come with a risk of data loss. If you want to protect your data, there are steps you can take. Back up your PC content with a tool like Todo Backup to prevent data loss.

Todo Backup is a comprehensive and free backup and recovery solution that employs advanced algorithms and efficient recovery mechanisms. It enables you to automatically back up files, folders, hard disk drives, or your entire system. It allows you to create a system image on one computer and restore it to another, enabling, for instance, the migration of Windows 10 to a different computer.

Moreover, the software offers cloud storage to save backups and uses password protection to lock data. As one of the best Windows file sync software, it lets you synchronize files between your computer and external drives. Download Todo Backup tool now and secure your data.

In short

A Windows Update causing a system crash can be a severe issue if left unaddressed. This article will discuss eight potential solutions to fix the "Windows Update caused my computer to crash" error and get your system back on track. System Restore and Windows Reset may erase all data from your computer. To prevent data loss, use a Todo Backup tool to back up your computer and restore files in case of emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows Updates Causing Computer Crashes

Here are some common questions about the “Windows Update caused my computer to crash” error.

1. Why is my computer crashing after I updated Windows?

A Windows update might cause your computer to keep crashing due to conflicts with existing software, bugs, insufficient disk space, or power failures.

2. Should I keep my Windows up to date?

Yes, most of the time, operating-system vendors like Windows and iOS release updates to enhance security. You can choose not to install particular ones, but mandatory updates will be automatic.

Why does my computer keep crashing on Windows 11?

If Windows 11 keeps crashing during updates, the causes could include:

• Outdated or corrupted drivers
• Prior software installations
• Damaged system files
• Virus attacks
• Outdated Windows version