Reset Windows Update Agent

Hi Manuel
great job, your solution fix my tons of clients that report uncorrect version and/or uncorrect date of contact in wsus.
Does "Resets the Windows Update Components" recreate the SusClientID?
When you clone a lot of pc you have to reset SusClientID otherwise on wsus console all look like the same record.
Before your cmd, sometimes (not often) i recreated SusClientID and it also fixed wsus agent problem.
Thanks
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/sus/2009/05/05/resolving-the-duplicate-susclientid-issue-or-why-dont-all-my-clients-show-up-in-the-wsus-console/

Thank you Luca,

The reset SusClientID option it's distributed in several options:

* Deletes any incorrect registry values. This option removes some Windows Update registry keys such as the following: SusClientId, SusClientIdValidation, PingID, AccountDomainSid.

* Searches Windows updates. This option runs the command to force a check-in to the WSUS server: wuauclt /resetauthorization /detectnow command

I recommend the following sequence to reset SusClientID: Deletes any incorrect registry values, Resets the Windows Update Components And Searches Windows updates.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Hi Luca,

Due to the need for a tool that can perform this task, I have created a small script for it:

https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Reset-WSUS-Client-ID-90661da1

i like it

Thank you so much!

Hello Manuel!!! Let me start with how awesome your tool is. I've been able to fix countless Windows Update errors thanks to it.

Writing to confirm if there's a bug or if I'm simply not using the WUReset script correctly. 

Trying to get it to run via command line. So, opening my prompt via Run as Admin, typing "resetWUEng.bat /reset /clean:temp" or "resetWUEng.bat WURESET /reset /clean:temp" Both cases, the script launches, and I'm presented with the Terms and Conditions of Use. How can I skip this? is there an hidden parameter I'm missing?

Hi Stephane.Faubert,

Thank for your comments.

Apparently there is a misunderstanding, since the commands mentioned are used with the executable version(WURESET.exe).

The execuable version contains some additional features, but in general, it fulfills the same functions as this version

Please, download it on wureset.com/downloads.php and try again.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Ohhhhh!!! That explains why :) Ok I will try it out. Thanks a bunch!

Here is the list of options:

Open System Properties.
Reset the Windows Update Components.
Delete temporary files in Windows.
Open Internet Explorer options.
Run Chkdsk on the partition Windows is installed on.
Run the System File Checker tool.
Scan the image for component store corruption.
Check the image for corruption or other issues.
Perform repair operations automatically.
Clean up superseeded components.
Delete incorrect Registry values.
Repair / Reset Winsock.
Force Group Policy Update.
Search for Windows Updates.
Explorer other local solutions.
Explorer other online solutions.
Download Diagnostic Tools.
Restart the PC.
While it is clear automatically what some options do, e.g. Open System Properties, it may not be clear what others such as "Delete incorrect Registry values" do.

The only option to find out is to open the script in a plain text editor and check the relevant parts of it to see what it does.

The temporary file cleaning part for instance uses the two commands del /s /f /q "%TEMP%\*.*" and
del /s /f /q "%SYSTEMROOT%\Temp\*.*" to remove files from system temp folders.

Some operations run lots of commands. If you select to reset Windows Update components, a series of commands is executed that include stopping services, killing tasks, deleting files, registering files again and more.

I have tested an amended form of the script. It now does what I expected it to do. I suggest amending the script to include the additional line 
del /s /q /f "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat"

I cannot know how many users have this alternative qmgr location. All I know is that both mine do & neither of them has the qmgr location given in the original script. I clean installed Windows 10 on both computers during August.

 At the risk of boring you:-
1 I thought something needed to be investigated because, after running the original script then manually running Settings, Updates it searched for updates even though it was not connected to the internet or to any other computers and produced results [a list of updates to be downloaded - those that had been found during a previous update search]. So I concluded that the previous update queue had not been cleaned out by the batch file.
 2 After running an amended script that deleted the qmgr files in the alternative location, running Settings, Updates resulted in an almost immediate response that it couldn't connect to the update services [no list of updates was displayed]. This new behaviour makes sense because the computer was still not connected to the internet or any other computers.
So, the amended script successfully reset Windows update, including the update queue, whereas the original batch file did not.

 The subject is of particular significance to me because I use a metered internet connection and I sometimes run Windows update to see if there is anything large enough to warrant going to the free & fast WiFi in my local library. I need to reset the update queue so that I can run Windows update from a clean start - otherwise it would continue with the existing list of updates and only afterwards would it bother to search for new ones [new ones that might supercede those just installed].

Denis

Denis, 

I just checked my Surface Book Win 10 (fully updated as of Oct 11) and it has both of the locations you showed for the qmgr files. Apparently they are aliases, deleting from either location deletes from the other as well. (Just one data point, I have no idea how any other version might work.) 

I totally identify with your metered connection woes. I often go for two weeks or more without being able to update. Despite keeping the wuauserv service disabled at home, I just found two qmgr files stacked up. It does seem like it takes multiple reboots before it will actually start updating when I do get to a real connection. Maybe deleting the qmgr files would help that? 

Loren

Loren,

Yes, some others have also reported that they have both locations.  I have not seen any explanation for the differences but they might be because I recently clean re-installed.  

TenForums have now amended their script to include both locations so that everybody is catered for, see Windows Update - Reset in Windows 10 [http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/24742-windows-update-reset-windows-10-a.html].

I use a different approach to managing updates.
- See the MSA article Manage data usage and Windows updates in Windows 10 - WiKi [http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows_10-networking/manage-internet-data-usage-and-windows-updates-in/5417b89b-4790-4cd9-b854-809862274447]
- By basing the update control on the connection's metered property rather than disabling Windows update, rebooting is avoided completely for WiFi connections & is limited to a single reboot {upon removing the metered property} for Ethernet connections.
- If you have any questions about using the metered property then start a question in the MSA website & post a link to it in that article or post it here.

Denis

Denis,

Wow - great post on "metered" updates! I do have my expensive local connections set to metered, and it does help. But when I get to my city Wi-Fi, I almost always have to restart before "automatic" updates will even do the first check, and then several more times to work through each different batch of updates. And too often one of them just hangs up forever. 

Lately I've been using the MichalGajda PowerShell script for updates: 

https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/2d191bcd-3308-4edd-9de2-88dff796b0bc/

It seems to have some curiosities I don't fully understand yet, or maybe the Windows Update components it uses find the same problems there they do in "automatic" mode, but at least in PowerShell I get feedback about what is happening and can take action immediately instead of restarting and just waiting...  

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/5c6c1cf6-1494-4140-87da-caea1f42608c/microsoft-driver-update-for-hp-deskjet-895cse-locks-up-windows-update-unless-manually-hidden?forum=win10itprosetup&prof=required

(Latest info at the "this gets more complex..." section)

As for disabling the update service, I believe I'm getting your "the CPU usage suddenly leapt up to almost 100% and stayed there for days" if I leave it running. Actually the "Update Orchestrator Service" is even more likely to trigger CPU overload here, I keep them both disabled. For me it happens much sooner than a month after successful updates. 

Will be interesting to see if the "Reset Windows Update Agent" script has changed any of this. It apparently did reset my Wi-Fi to non-metered...  The cleanup function got rid of several GB of old junk, so running it was worth it just for that! 

Loren

Loren,

I am concerned that out discussion is off-topic here and therefore disconcerting for others monitoring this thread.  If you want to continue then please raise a question in the MSA forum & post a link to your question here or in a Comment to the Wiki article there.

There is no need to 'restart before "automatic" updates ...' because update can simply be run manually despite the metered setting.

You should not be getting "batches" of updates in Windows 10.  It is possible for a second run to be needed but I have never seen any more than that.

There have been several reports of repeatedly failing printer driver updates [not all of them HP ones].  Since you can go to HP directly to get their latest software for your printer, I would suggest turning off all hardware updates using the advice in the Wiki article.  Before you go to HP to see if they have any updated software, please consider their recently-reported drive to block the use of non-HP printer cartridges in their products  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37408173 [My HP printer is two years old so I am not going to bother updating its software any more]

I tested the reset Windows update components script from TenForums [modified for the additional qmgr location] on a computer with a metered ethernet connection and a computer with a WiFi connection.  Neither one had its metered property altered so I am baffled by your comment about that.  The TenForums script is based on the one from this TechNet thread - I have looked through this version as well but cannot see anything that would reset a metered property.  You would normally only find it has reset if the network driver has been reinstalled, the network has been forgotten or a Windows update has reset it.

I have not seen the Powershell method before.  I'll have a look at it soon.

Denis

Hi Denis and Loren,

Thanks for write. I've been busy and I have not had enough time to investigate about this issue, however, thanks to your contribution I have added the new location in this tool to others with the same problem can find a solution.

The process of developing a tool like this is quite long and although Microsoft is updating its content constantly, sometimes is not enough.

I am very grateful for your collaboration to this tool.

Manuel Gil.

My pleasure entirely.  Denis

also works on 2008 R2 server -even though it detects as Win 7 :-)
thanks for a great little tool.

Hello
I apologize in advance if the translation tools do not make me understand because I'm French and to express myself well I translated all in English.
I am running Windows 8.1 on a Surface Pro 3
Due to a problem I had to reset my PC at the beginning of December. Following this recovery system, I launched a search for update just after, but it was hours to search without success ...
I ended up wondering if Windows update was working properly
It seems that your tools could help me but I understood that Windows 10 would install automatically. Here is what I read:
"After running this tool, the migration to Win 10 will be automatic ... That's why:
call: AddReg "% key%" "AllowOSUpgrade" "REG_DWORD" "1"
This line adds in the registry the key for upgrading to Win 10. "
Passing this value to "0" blocks automatic migration to Windows 10.
As this conversation is from December 2015 I wanted to know if you agreed with that, if your script had been modified or if indeed the migration was inevitable.
Thank you for answering me it's been almost 2 months that I row with Windows Update
And I really do not want to go to windows 8.1 because it generates a problem amplification already present in 8.1
For info here are the manipulations already made:
- checking update settings
- search and problem solving via the control panel
- installation of the small Tweaking.com software, Windows Repair and all the stages realized without particular blocking

I uninstalled my main anti-virus, while keeping Defender active. And did not reinstall it until the end of all the following manipulations:
- In minimal mode, Windows Update searches without success. I waited 1 hour but it still runs.
- In safe mode with network support: same
- good news: the DISM repair ran successfully and the sfc scannow found no violation of integrity
But later Windows update is still running without success
thank you very much in advance

correction : "...And I really do not want to go to windows 10 because it generates a problem amplification already present in 8.1
For info here are the manipulations ..."
you will have understood ;)

Hi be_gael,

Sorry for being late.

I understand you, I'm Spanish speaker... so I translated my answer to the French.

Le commentaire a été fait lorsque l'outil était dans une version 9 ou inférieure. Dans une version supérieure, l'enregistrement "AllowOSUpgrade" a été supprimé, car cette solution n'était pas souhaitable pour certains utilisateurs (Il a même été qualifié de "Programme potentiellement indésirable" ou "malsain" par les utilisateurs du forum Zebulon.fr grâce à ce registre)

D'un autre côté, la migration vers Windows 10 était valable gratuitement la première année. Actuellement, la mise à niveau est possible uniquement si une licence Windows 10 est achetée.

Vous pouvez en apprendre plus à ce sujet sur: docs.wureset.com ou téléchargez la version utile sur wureset.com/downloads.php

J'espère que cette réponse vous sera utile.

Je te souhaite une bonne journée.

I was desperate for your script was my last hope after everything I tried to do without success. I follow all the steps and they seem to have passed successfully. But Windows Update always looks without success. Can you help me please Manuel?

Salut be_gael,

Essayez d'effectuer une installation sur le site avec l'image dans Windows 8.1.

Je laisse un lien sur "inplace-update" ou mise à jour sur le site (malheureusement, Je n'ai pas trouvé de lien en français où ce processus est expliqué):

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install/how-to-perform-an-in-place-upgrade-with-windows-10/7f0b236e-3c6c-4913-9691-c4baa2a6190a

https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/software-download/windows8ISO

J'espère que vous pourrez résoudre votre problème.

Hello,

I have a problem with Windows. Every time i start my PC i get an error msg like this 	"25AY.exe has stopped working". I can provide more info if needed. So I am asking, will this tool be helpful and if not, what can i try? Thanks.
  

Unfortunately this tool is only intended for Windows updates

Try this: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows

I hope this is helpful to you.

Muchas Gracia Manuel
Voy a probarlo ;)

Hello Manuel,
Thanks for the tool! I have a problem with Microsoft Store updating pre-installed apps after the latest Windows update. Should I try running this again? Thanks for your help!

Hi ZakFuller1236,

Try with this tool: http://aka.ms/diag_apps10

If the issue persists, see https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-other_settings/i-cant-open-my-settings-app/dfad7887-2f38-48a6-8510-0b4b0b531759

Manuel, Thanks so much for this useful script.
I searched many script, but all those script are time waster.
Thanks again for this useful script. :)

Hi Mike, thanks so much :)

Is it possible to automate this to perform the 'fix' without needing to require user input?  Trying to deploy a fix silently without involving the users.

Hi Shadimar,

You can automatizate also functions for command line in the latest versions. If you want, you can download this version in the page wureset.com/downloads.php

For more information: docs.wureset.com

oh goood

I am attempting to use the tool to get past a Windows Error 0x800f0922 preventing update (advised on Microsoft Support). When running the program to  reset the Windows Update components, it states that it "Failed to stop the cryptographic service" and the only option is to exit out. I've tried stopping the firewall since Zone Alarm seems to use this service, to no avail. I'm on a home system with Windows 10 (free upgrade from 7). Any work around to that error?

Hi Patbus,

I recommend reboot your PC in Safe Mode and run this tool again.

If the issue persist, follow the steps that appear in the following link:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-security/cryptographic-services-and-host-process-stopped/6ca432e7-80d6-4bb4-a188-331a07330168

I hope this helpful you.

thanks