How to fix
Windows update error 0x1900131
on Windows

Hello. I tried to install an update on my Windows computer but I received a 0x1900131 error. Is there anything I can do about it?

If you have a Windows computer, then you know how important it is to keep your system up-to-date with the latest Microsoft updates. Not only do these updates fix various bugs and introduce new features, but they also help patch any security issues that might leave your device vulnerable to attack. However, sometimes users can run into errors when trying to install these updates – like the recent 0x1900131 error code.

There are different ways to go about fixing bugs on your computer. If it is just a simple bug, an automatic built-in Windows troubleshooter should help you. However, if the problem is more complicated, there are many different things that could have gone wrong. Windows is an extremely complicated system that relies on thousands of processes running in the background to keep it running smoothly. 

The most common reason Windows updates fail to install is that the operating system is missing some files required by Windows Updates. When error code 0x1900131 appears, it means that Windows cannot finish updating the operating system. Other reasons for update failures may include incorrect user input and accidentally deleted files from the registry that now cause system malfunctions.

Rather than spending hours attempting to fix your computer manually, we suggest using a repair tool [d1]. Not only will it resolve various Windows errors, like BSODs,[ref en-1] and registry[ref en-2] issues, but it can also clear cookies and cache[ref en-3] from your browsers. As an added bonus, you should notice increased performance. However, if you would prefer to follow step-by-step instructions, they are provided below.

Method 1. Run the Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows + X keys and go to Settings
• Go to Update and Security
• Click Troubleshooter
• Select Additional troubleshooters

• Run the Update troubleshooter
• Restart

Method 2. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 3. Check Disk

Ensure that your disk is not damaged. You can perform checks using Administrative Command Prompt:

• If you are using an HDD as your main driver (where your operating system is installed - C: by default), use the following command and press Enter:
  chkdsk c: /f
• If you are using SSD, use this command:
  chkdsk c: /f /r /x

• If you receive an error, type in Y and hit Enter
• Restart your device to perform the check

Method 4. Restart Windows Services

• Press Windows + R to open the Run box
• Type in services.msc and press OK
• Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK
• If the status is Running, right-click then select Restart

• Locate the Windows Update service and double-click it
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and OK. If the status is Running, right-click, then select Restart

Method 5. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator again
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”
  rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc

• Restart your PC

Method 6. Download the Update Manually

Whenever Windows updates fail to install automatically, you can always try doing it manually. First, you need to find out which KB number is relevant to you.

• Right-click Start button and pick Settings
• Go to Update & Security
• On the right, locate and click View update history
• From the list, note the KB number that fails to install with the error code

• Go to Microsoft Update Catalog page, type in the KB number, and press Search
• Download the update and install it manually

Method 7. Update via Media Creation Tool

• Download Windows 10 installation media from the official website

• Open the tool once it installed
• Agree to license terms
• Choose Upgrade this PC now
• Wait for the update to be installed