Read More: how to fix potential windows update database error detected
When trying to repair your Windows 10 Update feature, you might get the error message potential Windows update database error detected.
This can be fixed by applying the steps posted below for the potential Windows Update database error detected issue and get back to your normal usage of Windows 10.
What does potential Windows Update database error detected mean? This error means that your operating system cannot access the C:/Windows folder. This is due to some bad registries inside the Windows 10 system.
You can fix it in a matter of minutes if the steps are followed correctly.
There are many problems that can occur with Windows updates, and in this article, we’re going to address the following issues:
- Repair Windows update database corruption failed – According to users, sometimes issues with Windows Update database can occur. However, many users reported that the database repair process failed on their PC.
- Windows Update database error 0x800f081f – This problem sometimes comes with an error code. Many users reported 0x800f081f code along with this error message.
- Windows Update database error registration is missing or corrupt – This is a variation of this problem, but you should be able to fix it by using one of our solutions.
- Windows Update database error update service not running – Many users reported this problem as well. According to them, it seems that update service isn’t running on their PC at all.
- Windows Update database error code 80072ee2 – This error message sometimes comes with an error code, and many users reported error code 80072ee2 on their PC.
- Windows Update database was stuck – Sometimes issues with Windows Update can occur, and several users reported that their database was stuck.
How can I fix potential Windows Update database error detected?
2. Use third-party repairing software
You can use a reliable system repair program to scan and identify all the Windows files that need to be fixed and restore the registry values to their default settings.
For a fully optimized OS and a healthy PC, it’s important to replace the files that have been corrupted with new ones. This tool has a large database of replacement files and with a simple click; you can enable it to automatically replace all the damaged files with healthy ones.
Reboot your computer after the software has completed the above-mentioned tasks.
4. Perform an SFC scan
If you’re getting the same error message, you might be able to fix it by performing an SFC scan. By performing this scan you’ll fix file corruption that might be causing this error.
To perform an SFC scan, do the following:
- Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu. Now select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list. If Command Prompt isn’t available, you can use PowerShell (Admin) instead.
- When Command Prompt starts, enter sfc /scannow and press Enter to run it. SFC scan will now begin and attempt to repair your computer. Keep in mind that this process can take about 15 minutes, so don’t interrupt it.
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Check if the problem persists after the SFC scan has been completed. If you’re still having this problem, you might want to try using DISM scan instead. To do that, open Command Prompt as administrator and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command.
Remember that DISM scans can take as long as 20 minutes so don’t interrupt them. If the problem persists, you can check the scan results.
If you are unable to run an SFC scanner before, please try it again after the DISM scan. This will confirm that the issue is solved.
- READ MORE: Scannow command has stopped before the process finished? Don’t worry, we’ve got an easy fix for you.
5. Restart Windows update service and rename the affected files
Sometimes you can fix the error message simply by disabling Windows Update service and renaming the affected directories. To do that, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator. You can find more information in the previous solution.
- When Command Prompt opens, enter the following commands:
- Net stop wuauserv
- Net stop cryptSvc
- Net stop bits
- Net stop msiserver
- Ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution thegoneapp.com
- Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 thegoneapp.com
- Net start wuauserv
- Net start cryptSvc
- Net start bits
- Net start msiserver
After running these commands, restart your PC. Once your PC restarts, try to install Windows updates again.
If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.
6. Perform a clean boot
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Sometimes, the issue can appear due to third-party applications. Applications can interfere with Windows and cause this message to appear.
To find the problematic applications, you need to perform a clean boot by doing the following:
- Press Windows Key + R and enter msconfig. Press Enter or click OK.
- Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services. Click on the Disable all button.
- Now navigate to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
- You will see a list with startup applications. Right-click the first application on the list and select Disable. This process should be repeated for all applications.
- Now go back to System Configuration window and click on Apply and OK to save changes. If you’re asked to restart your PC, choose the Restart now option.
If you’re interested in how to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, check out this simple guide.
- READ MORE: Can’t open Task Manager? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right solution for you.
If the issue persists, restart your computer. If the problem persists, it could be caused by one of the disabled apps or services.
To resolve the issue, disable disabled applications and services one at a while until you locate the one responsible.
Remember to restart your computer after you enable a certain set of services or apps. Once you have found the problem application, you can either uninstall it, update or disable it.
That is it, five methods on how you can fix your potential Windows Update database error detected error message in Windows 10.
Let us know if these methods worked for you, or if you need additional assistance.
You can also refer to this guide for troubleshooting Troubleshooter issues that have stopped working.
- How do I fix Windows Update database error?
As described in this guide on how to solve potential Windows Update database error, there are a few working solutions for you to apply. For example, you may refresh your PC.
- Where is the Windows Update database stored?
The Windows Update database is stored on the system drive. More precisely, you may find it in C:WINDOWSSoftwareDistributionDownload.
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