Fixed: Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected in Windows 10

David Darlington

Jan 27, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Many people are aware of the benefits of regularly updating their OS. This is the best way you can secure your computer from threats and malware or virus attacks. This is also a way of Microsoft to attempt to repair any bugs, system errors, etc. Overall, updates improve the general functionality and usability of your computers. However, as these updates are not 100% perfect, you might come across errors when trying to update from time to time. In this article, we’ll show you some solutions if you encounter a potential windows update database error detected.

Overview of Potential Windows Update Database error

This problem usually occurs when your current OS can’t reach the Windows folder in your Drive. This is usually drive C. This might be due to some corrupt files, the bad registry in the system, etc.

Solved: Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected in Windows 10

Keep on reading to find out ways to fix Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected in Windows 10.

Solution 1 - Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. On the Search box, type in Control Panel. Click on the Troubleshooting icon.

2. On the left-side menu, click on View All.

3. You will see a list of items you can perform a troubleshoot on. Click on Windows Update to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

4. Follow the Windows Update procedures to proceed. Just hit Next.

5. Continue with the instructions until Windows successfully finishes the troubleshoot.

6. Restart your PC after the troubleshoot. Check if the error persists.

Solution 2 - Refresh your PC without affecting your files

1. Go to the Settings app. Do this by typing in Settings in the search bar or simply looking it up on the Start menu.

2. Then click on General.

3. Go to Refresh your PC without affecting your files option.

4. Click on the Get Started button. Then, continue with the process by following the instructions stated. This will take more or less half an hour.

5. Restart your PC after the refresh and see if the error persists.

Solution 3 - Perform an SFC scan

System File Checker is an easy and quick way to deal with any system errors you might encounter. It scans for system errors and corrupt files and at the same time, attempts to repair them if fixes are available. Follow the instructions below to know how to perform this:

1. Go to Command Prompt by pressing on Windows + X on your keyboard. Then, choose to run Command Prompt as administrator. You can also do this by typing in Command Prompt in the Search bar or Run.

2. Type in sfc /scannow in the command line then press Enter

3. The System File Checker will scan your whole computer for broken files and attempt to repair them.

4. You may need to reboot your PC to see the results.

5. If the error is still there, we can use the DISM scan.

6. Do this by going to Command Prompt by pressing on Windows + X on your keyboard. Then, choose to run Command Prompt as administrator.

7. In the Command Window, type in DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter/.

Solution 4 - Disable Windows Update Service.

1. Go to Command Prompt by pressing on Windows + X on your keyboard. Then, choose to run Command Prompt as administrator. You can also do this by typing in Command Prompt in the Search bar or Run.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type in the commands below. Press enter after every command or line:

Net stop wuauserv

Net stop cryptSvc

Net stop bits

Net stop msiserver

Ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old

Net start wuauserv

Net start cryptSvc

Net start bits

Net start msiserver

3. Once these commands are entered, you may exit Command Prompt. Perform a reboot of your PC and see if the error persists.

Solution 5 - Launch System Configuration

1. Launch Run by typing in Run in the Search bar or pressing Windows + R on your keyboard. In the Run box, type in msconfig to launch System Configuration.

2. Click on the Services section. This will show you a list of all the services. At the bottom left corner of the window, mark the box beside Hide all Microsoft services. Select Disable all

3. Then, go to the Startup section then select the Open Task Manager.

4. A list of all applications will show up. Right-click all the files individually and choose Disable in the drop-down menu.

5. In the System Configuration window, select Apply to apply the changes then hit OK.

6. You may need to restart your PC to see the results.

If you’re a regular PC user, coming across errors like this might not be a surprise. After all, the internet is piled with many questions about how to solve problems concerning computers. If you ever encounter the error: potential windows update database error detected, there’s simply no need to panic. Any of the solutions above are sure ways to fix this.