How to Resolve Windows 10 Update Error 0xc0000374

2024/02/04

Key Notes

Utilize the Windows Update Troubleshooter to identify issues quickly.
Clear temporary cache to resolve update problems effectively.
Manually installing updates may resolve persistent issues.

Resolving Update Error Code 0xc0000374 on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

Encountering the error code 0xc0000374 while updating Windows 10 can be frustrating. This guide will offer you actionable steps to resolve this issue effectively.

How to Fix Update Error Code 0xc0000374 in Windows 10

To resolve the Update Error Code 0xc0000374 on your Windows 10 device, follow these comprehensive steps:

Step 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to quickly identify and resolve update-related problems. To run it, follow these steps:

Launch the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
Navigate to Update & Security and select Troubleshoot.
Click on “ Additional troubleshooters ” in the right pane.
Select Windows Update and click on Run the troubleshooter.
Wait for the troubleshooter to identify and fix any issues.
Once finished, restart your PC and try to install the pending updates again.

Step 2: Clear Windows Update Temporary Cache Folder

Cached update files can occasionally cause issues; clearing them can help resolve the error. Follow these steps:

Press Win + S and type “ services ” to access the Services window.
Locate Windows Update, right-click on it, and choose Stop.
Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R, paste the following path, and hit Enter : %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore.
Select all items using Ctrl + A and delete them.
Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update again, and select Start.
Finally, restart your PC to apply changes.

Step 3: Use the System File Checker (SFC) Utility

Corrupted system files can lead to the 0xc0000374 error. Use the SFC tool to repair these files:

Open the Start Menu and type “ cmd ” in the search bar.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt, run the command: sfc /scannow.
Wait for the process to complete, which may take 15-20 minutes, then restart your PC.
After restarting, check for updates again.

Step 4: Clear Update Path Using Registry

If the error still occurs, clearing the Windows Update download path via the registry may help:

Right-click the Windows icon and select Run.
Type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
Look for and delete the WUServer and WIStatusServer DWORD keys.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Step 5: Manually Install the Latest Cumulative Updates

If all previous methods fail, you may need to install updates manually. Here’s how:

Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the relevant “KB” number.
Choose the appropriate package for your system architecture.
Click Download and follow the prompts to install the update.

Additional Tips

Always keep your system backed up before proceeding with major updates or changes.
Regularly check for known issues with the latest cumulative updates on the Microsoft website.
Consider enabling automatic updates to prevent such errors in the future.

Summary

In this guide, we’ve explored actionable steps to fix the Windows 10 Update Error Code 0xc0000374. Methods like utilizing the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clearing temporary cache, using SFC, adjusting registry settings, and manually installing updates should help resolve the issue effectively.

Conclusion

Encountering update errors can be challenging, but with the right approach and tools, you can easily troubleshoot and resolve the 0xc0000374 error in Windows 10. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the methods outlined above to maintain your system’s health and stability.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is error code 0xc0000374?

This error typically relates to corruption within system files or issues with update cache files in Windows 10.

How can I prevent this error in the future?

Keeping your Windows system updated regularly, running antivirus scans, and maintaining valuable backups can significantly reduce the chances of encountering this issue.