Solved How do I delete failed updates from history etc


jimbo45

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Hi Windows Gurus
I've 2 failed updates (which were optional to start with). But if I do a windows update these failed updates block the process. How do I delete / get rid of them.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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Far as i know you can't delete individual update logs you can delete all if you want.

You can use following batch script to delete windows update history.

Create a new text file, paste the code below into it, and save it as clear_update_history.bat.


Batch:
@echo off
:: Check for administrative privileges
net session >nul 2>&1
if %errorLevel% neq 0 (
    echo ========================================================
    echo ERROR: This script must be run as an Administrator!
    echo Please right-click the file and select "Run as administrator".
    echo ========================================================
    pause
    exit /b
)

echo ========================================================
echo   Clearing Windows Update History
echo ========================================================
echo.

:: 1. Stop Windows Update Services
echo [*] Stopping Windows Update services...
net stop wuauserv >nul 2>&1
net stop bits >nul 2>&1
net stop cryptsvc >nul 2>&1
echo [+][OK] Services stopped.
echo.

:: 2. Delete the Update History Log
echo [*] Deleting Windows Update history log...
if exist "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Network\Downloader" (
    del /q /f /s "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*" >nul 2>&1
)

:: The DataStore.edb file contains the actual history database
if exist "%WINDIR%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb" (
    del /f /q "%WINDIR%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb"
    echo [+][OK] Update history database deleted.
) else (
    echo [-] History database file not found or already deleted.
)
echo.

:: 3. Restart Windows Update Services
echo [*] Restarting Windows Update services...
net start cryptsvc >nul 2>&1
net start bits >nul 2>&1
net start wuauserv >nul 2>&1
echo [+][OK] Services restarted successfully.
echo.

echo ========================================================
echo   Process complete! Your update history has been cleared.
echo ========================================================
pause
 

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Hi Jimbo45. I interpret this to mean that after two failed optional updates, Windows Update is no longer working. You've not stated how you are attempting the latest update (manually? Check for Updates?) - or in what way it's failing.

That they are listed as failed in Update History should not affect the use of Windows Update.

Assuming you are simply using Windows Update - manual Check for updates- then I suppose an obvious suggestion for reversion to a state before you applied the option updates would be to use an appropriate System Restore point - if you have one.


If on the other hand, you mean that Windows Update always attempts the optional updates and bombs out even when another update is pending, then if you wished to be selective, you could use a tool like WUMT (free) with checkbox selection.

Or choose not to receive optional updates. Or even hide them - WUMT supports that as well.
 
Last edited:

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Hi Jimbo45. I interpret this to mean that after two failed optional updates, Windows Update is no longer working. You've not stated how you are attempting the latest update (manually? Check for Updates?) - or in what way it's failing.

That they are listed as failed in Update History should not affect the use of Windows Update.

Assuming you are simply using Windows Update - manual Check for updates- then I suppose an obvious suggestion for reversion to a state before you applied the option updates would be to use an appropriate System Restore point - if you have one.


If on the other hand, you mean that Windows Update always attempts the optional updates and bombs out even when another update is pending, then if you wished to be selective, you could use a tool like WUMT (free) with checkbox selection.

Or choose not to receive optional updates. Or even hide them - WUMT supports that as well.
Thanks

That seems to have fixed it. Marked now as solved.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,11 Linux Fedora Rawhide pre-release 45
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
    Screen Resolution
    4KUHD X 2
(y)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo t480s
    CPU
    i7-8650U
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD 620
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    C SN810 SDCPNRY-512G-1006
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender

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