Question
Issue: How to fix “Potential Windows update database error detected” issue?
I tried to repair Windows when I was unable to download updates. I accessed to Windows Update and selected “Repair Windows Update Database Corruption” and “Repair Windows Update components,” but was shown “Potential Windows update database error detected” error, and it said that the issue was not fixed. Can you please help?
Solved Answer
Since IT specialists spread awareness about outdated operating systems and its dangers, people are more likely to install all the latest Windows updates[1] to improve system performance, stability, and security. To successfully update the OS to its latest version, all users need is a working internet connection.
However, Windows 10 update process sometimes is a tough nut to crack due to various errors, including “Potential Windows update database error detected.”[2] The latter error harasses Windows users when they access the Windows Update[1] section and attempt to check for updates.
The error code “Potential Windows update database error detected” can pop-out while performing various other different processes related to Windows updating and not only when trying to update your Windows OS to the newest version. There are other options such as “Repair Windows Update” that the user can select. Note that there is a possibility that the error code might appear in this type of process also.
Most of the updates on Windows are installed automatically,[3] unless the device owner defers the updates manually. However, if you opt for installing some updates before the system detects and installs them automatically, you may have some problems. You should know that if there are no official pop-up messages that ask users to update the system, so users should do it manually via the Settings panel.
In order to fix Potential Windows update database error detected error, a root cause should be detected. However, there are several different reasons why the error occurs in the first place (such as system file corruption, for example), so methods to fix it also differ from machine to machine.
“Potential Windows update database error detected” issue
If you have disabled automatic Windows Update service and keep installing Windows 10 updates manually, you may face various obstacles, for example, 0x80070020, 0x80080005, 0x8024001f, 0x80244022, 0x80096004 and others. The first Windows Update service remedy is the Windows Update Troubleshooter, which is supposed to detect and fix the error automatically.
BUT what if Windows Update Troubleshooter[4] scan ends up with an error “Potential Windows update database error detected?” The answer is simple – you will have to fix all the problems manually. First of all, address the issue related to Windows Update Troubleshooter and then find the fixes regarding Windows Update error.
In addition, you should also check the system for damaged registry entries[5] or corrupted system files. Registry entries and crucial system files often trigger system’s problems, software incompatibilities and similar issues. To check that, we would strongly recommend using FortectMac Washing Machine X9 or another professional software utility.
Method 1. Use Command Prompt
- Right-click on Windows key and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Copy and paste the following commands in the Command Prompt and press Enter after each of them:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
If these commands did not help to fix “Potential Windows update database error detected” issue, try sfc / scannow and Dism tools.
Method 2. Run SFC and DISM tools
- Click Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type sfc /scannow command and press Enter.
- Then type the following commands and hit Enter after each of them:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Close Command Prompt and reboot the system.
Method 3. Enable System Restore
If Windows Update service worked fine up until today, you may try to use System Restore function and then try to check for Windows Updates. If you don’t know how to use System Restore, please refer to this post.
Method 4. Erase folders which might be causing the issue
- Find C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution\\Download folder and delete all content that is inside it.
- Search for C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution and open it.
- Locate the Download.old file and delete it.
- The update should be performed successfully.
Method 5. Perform a clean boot
- Type in System Configuration into Windows search and press Enter.
- Navigate to Services tab and tick Hide all Microsoft services.
- Now click on Disable all at the bottom-right of the window.
- Go to Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Click on each of the entries and then click Disable button.
- Close down the Task Manager and press Apply and OK on the system configuration window.
Reboot the PC and check whether the “Potential Windows update database error detected” error persists. If so, it means that one of the apps is causing the issue – enable each of them one-by-one to determine the culprit and uninstall it.
Method 6. Reset Windows OS
If none of the above methods helped, you can reset Windows – the process will not cause you to lose your personal files. Note that apps installed will be lost, however.
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Go to Update & Security section.
- On the left side of the window, select Recovery.
- Under Reset my PC, select Get started.
- Pick Keep my files.
- Confirm with Reset.
Repair your Errors automatically
ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:
Prevent websites, ISP, and other parties from tracking you
To stay completely anonymous and prevent the ISP and the government from spying on you, you should employ Private Internet Access VPN. It will allow you to connect to the internet while being completely anonymous by encrypting all information, prevent trackers, ads, as well as malicious content. Most importantly, you will stop the illegal surveillance activities that NSA and other governmental institutions are performing behind your back.
Recover your lost files quickly
Unforeseen circumstances can happen at any time while using the computer: it can turn off due to a power cut, a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) can occur, or random Windows updates can the machine when you went away for a few minutes. As a result, your schoolwork, important documents, and other data might be lost. To recover lost files, you can use Data Recovery Pro – it searches through copies of files that are still available on your hard drive and retrieves them quickly.
Olivia Morelli is a young, but a perspicacious IT expert who is currently just a year away from a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Systems. Her primary passion is cyber security, however, thanks to her detailed understanding of computer networks, operating systems and hardware, she can find a fix for any PC or Mac issue...
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Windows Update: Everything You Need to Know. MakeUseOf. Technology website, focused on bridging the connection between users, computers, devices and the Internet.
- ^ Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected. Microsoft forum. Questions and answers.
- ^ Martyn Casserly. How to use Automatic Updates in Windows 10. Tech Advisor.
- ^ Windows Update Troubleshooter. Microsoft.
- ^ Windows Registry. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
