Solved: Windows Server 2019 Updates Not Working (Top 5 Ways)

Why are Windows Server 2019 updates failing?

Microsoft consistently releases monthly updates for Windows Server 2019, aiming to improve the operating system's performance while incorporating new features and addressing security vulnerabilities. When an update notification appears on your device, you can utilize the Windows update option to download and install these updates.

By doing so, you can ensure that your system remains up to date with the latest enhancements and fortified against potential security risks. Occasionally, you might encounter difficulties like meeting errors like Windows Server 2019 updates not working.

Causes lead to Server update error

There could be not only one single reason causing Server 2019 updates failing. Here are some common issues that account for the error:

1. Internet Connectivity: Ensure that the server has a stable internet connection. Updates require internet access to download and install.
2. Windows Update Service: Check if the Windows Update service is running correctly.
3. Disk Space: Verify that there is sufficient free disk space on the server. Updates require space to download and install. If the disk is almost full, you may need to free up some space.
4. Antivirus/Firewall: Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software installed on the Server. Sometimes, these security programs can interfere with Windows Update processes.

If you find yourself grappling with such challenges, the following guide will provide assistance. It aims to help you understand and resolve the most frequently encountered problems associated with Windows Update.

How to fix Windows Server 2019 updates failing

If you encounter Windows Server 2019 updates failing issue, or getting an error code like 0x800f0986 Server 2019, just continue to read the following fixes.

• Method 1. Restart the Windows Update service
• Method 2. Run Disk Cleanup
• Method 3. Run SFC & DISM
• Method 4. Fix via the built-in Windows update troubleshooter
• Method 5. Reset Windows update registry keys
• Suggestion: backup your Server files in case of data loss

Method 1. Restart the Windows Update service

The initial method to fix this issue is to restart the Windows Update service. You need to check if it is running as it is accountable to update the operating system.

Step 1. Open Run window by pressing Windows + R key.

Step 2. Type services.msc and click OK.

Step 3. In the Services Window, press the W key to navigate the Windows update service.

Step 4. Once you find Windows Update Service, right-click on it and select Properties.

Step 5. Under the Startup type menu, Select Automatic.

Step 6. Click OK, then select Start if the service is stopped.

Step 7. Click Apply and check if the Windows Update is working.

Method 2. Run Disk Cleanup

The Disk Cleanup tool allows you to quickly clean up the Windows Server system drive by deleting unnecessary and temporary files. Then you can try this method to remove and delete temporary files that might be disturbing the update.

To delete temporary files:

Step 1. In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup, and select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.

Step 2. Select the drive you want to clean up, and then select OK.

Step 3. Under Files to delete tab, select the file types to get rid of.

You can select components whose files can be deleted. You are prompted to delete the following temporary files:

Setup Log Files;
Downloaded Program Files;
Temporary Internet Files;
Recycle Bin;
Temporary files;
Thumbnails.

If you need to free up more space, you can also delete system files:

In Disk Cleanup, select Clean up system files.

Select the options you need, and Disk Cleanup will show the amount of disk space you gave. Click Delete Files and confirm the deletion of files.

Method 3. Run SFC & DISM

Windows also has a built-in System File Check (SFC) that checks for problems with files on your computer, kindly run SFC & DISM to fix any corrupted Windows System Files:

Step 1. In the search box on the taskbar, type and select Command prompt. Select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth (note the space before each "/"), and then press Enter.

✍Note: This step may take a few minutes to start and complete.

Step 3. After you see a message that says The operation completed successfully, type sfc /scannow (note the space between "sfc" and "/") and press Enter.

Method 4. Fix via the built-in Windows update troubleshooter

Step 1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters >Windows Update.

Step 2. Then click on Run the troubleshooter button to launch it.

Wait until the troubleshooting process is finished. It will provide valuable details about the issue and try to fix it. If the Windows update troubleshooter not working and does not fix the issue, head down to the next method.

✍Note: make sure that you have installed the latest Windows update, or you can manually install from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Method 5. Reset Windows update registry keys

In your Windows system, there are chances that the registry keys are corrupted or modified. So, resetting the Windows update registry keys to their defaults is a convenient way to solve the issue. Here are the steps to do it.

Step 1. Please download the Windows Update Reset file.

Step 2. Once download, please open the file and click Run.

Step 3. Then select Yes to confirm. Once the process is over, please check if the error has been solved.

Suggestion: backup your Server files in case of data loss

Aiming at safeguarding users’ data security, AOMEI Backupper is a full-featured backup and restore software that is equipped with powerful and resourceful backup options. To prevent terrible situations like 0x800f0986 Windows Server 2019, it’s wise to backup files in advance. The Server version is designed for Windows Server users and guarantees any case of data loss once you have made proper backups.

For more distinguished features of this software are listed below:

⊱You are allowed to backup almost everything you want, from a single file to multiple folders, and disks, partitions and disks as well.
⊱It is embedded with a schedule backup feature to save your effort, which means you can set a backup plan in daily/ weekly/monthly/event triggers and USB Plug-in mode.
⊱It also offers flexible backup methods, namely, you can create a complete copy of your files, or you also backup the changes via incremental and differential backup.
⊱Apart from backup, it offers you powerful clone and sync utilities, as well as restore domain controller from Windows Server backup.

Now download AOMEI Backupper Server and launch it. Here is a full tutorial on system backup, you can also choose the other backup types you need.

Step 1. Select System Backup after you choose Backup at the left panel.

Step 2. Then the required system partition is selected by default. You just need to choose the destination path to store the backup files.

Step 3. Then if you want to set a customized backup schedule, you can click on the Schedule Backup at the bottom.

You can enable Schedule Backup to automatically back up your files in daily/ weekly/monthly/ event triggers and USB plug-in mode.

At the second option on the left panel, click on Backup Scheme and you are allowed to set the backup method and tick enable automatic backup cleanup to save more storage location.

Step 4. Confirm your options and click Start Backup.

🔥Hot: Windows Server 2025 now available

Windows Server 2025 was officially released on November 1, 2024, bringing several exciting updates. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Desktop Shell: The first time you sign in, the desktop shell adopts the sleek look and feel of Windows 11, offering a modern and familiar user interface.
• Bluetooth Support: Windows Server 2025 now includes Bluetooth functionality, making it easy to connect and pair devices like mice, keyboards, headsets, and audio devices.
• DTrace Integration: DTrace is now a native tool in Windows Server 2025, providing a powerful command-line utility for real-time system performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Email & Accounts: You can now manage Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft accounts, and Work or School accounts directly in Windows Settings under Accounts > Email & Accounts. However, note that domain joining remains necessary for most configurations.

If you'd like to experience all these wonderful features, learn how to do Windows Server 2025 in-place upgrade here.

Conclusion

Now you can efficiently troubleshoot Windows Server 2019 update not working via the above five ways. Still, we strongly recommend you to backup your crucial files in advance in case of any kind of data loss.

AOMEI Backupper is a top software in the data protection field with user-friendly and convenient interface and settings, also providing all-around backup plans when troubleshooting various unexpected situations like Windows 11 22H2 blue screen.