We couldn’t install some updates because the PC was turned off error in Windows 10 Fix

Windows Update is installed on the system when it is restarted. In case if you force shutdown your system when Windows is updating,the update will not be installed properly on the system. Further when you will restart your computer you will see “We couldn’t install some updates because the PC was turned off” message. To solve this issue follow these solutions on your computer, but before going ahead, go through these workarounds to try out some simpler solutions for the problem.

Workarounds-
1. It requires a reboot of your system to complete a normal Windows Update process. Reboot your computer and check if it works.
2. If you are using any antivirus on your computer, disable it temporarily and check if you can update your system.
If any of these simpler tricks didn’t work out, follow these solutions-

Fix-1 Delete contents of SoftwareDistribution folder-

1. Press Windows key+R to launch Run.

2. Type “cmd” and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter together. Click on “Yes” if you are prompted by User Account Control.

 

Cmd

 

Command Prompt window will be opened with Administrative rights.

2. Now, copy and paste these commands one by one in Command Prompt window, and press Enter after each command to execute them. This will temporarily stall the necessary components of Windows Update service.



net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Wu Cmd1

 

Minimize the Command Prompt window.

3.Again, Press Windows key+R to launch Run, and then copy-paste this line and hit Enter.

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

Note- Replace “C:” with the drive letter of your Windows installation drive.

 

Software Distributiion

 

Download folder will be opened in File Explorer window.

4. Now, press Ctrl+A to select all the folders and press “Delete” to empty the SoftwareDistribution folder. Close File Explorer window.

 

Delete Software Distribution

 

5. Maximize the Command Prompt window.

Now, you have to start the necessary Windows Update services again.

6. In order to do so copy and paste these following commands one by one in Command Prompt window and hit Enter after each command to execute them-

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

 

Startupdateservice

 

Now, reboot your computer. After rebooting, check if you can update Windows or not.

If this doesn’t help, go for the next fix.

 

Fix-2 Automate Windows Update service-

Automating Windows Update service on your computer may help you out.

1. Press Windows key+R to launch Run on your computer.

2. In Run window, type “services.msc” and then hit Enter.

 

Services Run

 

Services window will be opened.

2. In Services window, scroll down and find “Windows Update” service. double click on it to open it’s properties.

 

Windows Update Double Click

 

3. In Windows Update properties, click on ‘Startup type:‘ and choose “Automatic“.

4. Check if ‘Service Status:‘ is “Running” or not. Otherwise, click on “Start” to start the process.

5. Finally, click on “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes on your computer.

 

Automatic Windows Update

 

Close Services window on your computer.

 

Fix-3 Empty Catroot2 folder-

1. Press Windows key+R to launch Run window on your computer.

2. Now, copy-paste this location in Run window and then hit Enter to go to the location.

C:\Windows\System32\catroot2

 



Catroot2

 

Empty Catroot2
Close File Explorer.
Try to update your computer again. Go for the next fix if this one doesn’t work out.

Fix-4  Run Windows Update Troubleshooter-

If nothing is fixing your issue, run Windows Update troubleshooter to detect and fix the issue at your end.

1. Click on the Search box beside the Windows Icon, type “Troubleshoot settings“.

2. In the elevated search results, click on the “Troubleshoot settings“.

 

Search Troubleshooter

 

2. Now, on the right side of your Settings window, scroll down to find Get up and running section, click on “Windows Update” and then click on “Run the troubleshooter“.

 



Windows Update Troubleshooter

 

3. Follow the on screen instructions and let the Windows Update Troubleshooter complete the process.

Now, click on “Next” in the troubleshooter window.

 

Windows Update Troubleshooter1

 

This process will take some time as Windows will detect any problem with your pending Update.

3. Now, click on “Next” to apply the fix.

 

Windows Update Troubleshooter2

 

4. Reboot your computer.

After rebooting your computer, try to update your Windows Update.

Your system should be updated without any further problem.