Windows Update is a complimentary service offered by Microsoft. It helps the Windows users to avail the bug fixes, feature enhancements, drivers, newest security updates as well as another update. This service also holds Microsoft Windows OS as well as some other products of Microsoft. All Windows OS can utilize the Windows Update. The only necessary things are an internet connection and a running Operating System.
To keep your Operating System up-to-date is essential, especially when you wish to stay secured with the newest security enhancements. Despite this, sometimes the update procedure becomes problematic with several errors attacking in there. These errors prevent the update procedure. ‘Potential Windows update database error detected’ is one of those common errors faced by several users while running the Update procedure. This error normally happens when the user is tried to run the Windows Update troubleshooter with damaged system files.
If you are in the same condition, then nothing to be getting worried about this. There are various ways to fix this issue. Here in this article, we are going to present some of the easiest solutions to fix this annoying issue. Hence, you are advised to have a look at the article given below. So, let’s start.
There are several causes behind this issue. The corrupted registry files can cause the ‘potential Windows update database error detected.’ When you are trying to update your computer manually, then you can also face the same issue. However the reason behind the error, you need to fix the error to up-to-date the Operating System. Hence you need to have a glance at the troubleshooting methods given below. Before going to perform the troubleshooting steps you need to create a backup of the essential files of your computer. So learn to do it via the simple steps mentioned:
The first method you should try to fix this issue is to run the System File Checker. You need to try this process before going to perform other methods. SFC checks the computer for corrupt or faulty system files as well as it repairs them automatically. To run this, you need to follow the steps given below:
Now, try to run the Windows Update to check whether the windows update database error still occurs or not. If you see that the error is not gone, then go to the next method.
DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management is a tool that can help the user to repair as well as service the Windows images. To use the DISM tool you need to perform the steps as follows:
1st: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /scan health
2nd: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Now, check that the error continues or not. It the issue still occurs then go to the next method.
This method is somewhat more reliable as well as it indicates that you will reset the whole update utility manually as well as initiate the updating process. To perform this, you need to execute the steps given below:
1st: net stop wuauserv
2nd: net stop cryptSvc
3rd: net stop bits
4th: net stop msiserver
1st: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
2nd: ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
1st: net start wuauserv
2nd: net start cryptSvc
3rd: net start bits
4th: net start msiserver
Now, run the Windows Update to check that the windows update database corruption is gone or not. If you still face the same issue, then you should try the next method.
Windows comes included with an in-built troubleshooter specially designed to fix similar problems as well as it can help you to get rid of another problem. To run this, you should perform the steps as follows:
After performing the above steps, if you still face any trouble, then go to further solution.
Now, you need to try to delete some folders from your computer to check if it can fix your issue. To delete some folders, you need to have a look at the steps given below:
Now, you need to try to initiate the window update. If you face the same error, then go to the next step.
When other solutions become fail, then the last bet is to reinstall the windows without utilizing any files. Because you do that with the Windows 10 Operating System. First, you need a DVD or a USB to install the latest version Windows 10. To perform this, you need to follow the steps given below:
Now, you have to check that the potential Windows update database error detected 2018 persists or not. If you see that the error is not gone, then go to the solution given below.
After starting the windows utilizing a usual startup process, different apps and services begin automatically as well as they started to run in the background of the system. These apps and services include some fundamental system processes such as system utility apps, antivirus program, and other software that you installed on your computer previously installed. Such services and apps can create conflicts of software, including the ‘potential Windows update database error detected’ error. You can easily perform a clean boot to begin windows by utilizing a minimum set of startup programs and drivers. This will help you to remove the software conflicts that happen when you install any update or program, or when you run an application in windows.
Now, check that the ‘potential Windows update database error detected’ continue while you are attempting to troubleshoot the Windows Update.
Now, you should try to refresh your computer to check if it can solve the error. To perform this, you should follow the steps stated below:
After that, you need to check again if you still face the ‘potential Windows update database error detected’ error notification. If the error persists then follow the next procedure.
After trying all the solutions given above, if you are still unable to update the system, then you should try to reset the Catroot2 folder of the system. To reset the folder, you should perform the steps mentioned below:
1st: net stop cryptsvc
2nd: md %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old
3rd: xcopy %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old /s
Now, try to start the Windows Update to check whether the Windows update database corruption error has been fixed.
In the above discussion, we have provided some of the easiest solutions to fix the potential Windows update database error detected. We hope if you implement the above methods in their respective order, then it will definitely help you to put an end to this error. After successfully implementing the above steps if you face any kind of trouble, then you should connect with a tech expert. In addition, you can also share your queries and valuable feedback through the comment box given at the end of this post.