How to Fix Windows 11 Update Error "Error encountered"

If you're trying to install a Windows 11 update, there's a chance you will run into one of the most generic Windows errors of all time "Error encountered." Although the message doesn't give you any information about what's actually gone wrong, it will stop your computer from installing the latest updates until the issue has been fixed. The good news is that most of the generic error fixes you would have used in the past should fix this error too.

How to Fix Windows 11 Update Error "Error encountered"

The easiest place to start is with the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. Microsoft includes this tool with Windows 11 to automatically detect and repair common update problems. While it's the easiest place to start, I've yet to have any of these tools actually solve a problem for me. That said, you might get lucky...

• Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
• Select System from the left-hand menu.
• Click Troubleshoot.
• Choose Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update and click Run.
• Allow Windows to scan for problems and apply any recommended fixes.
• When the process finishes, restart your computer and try installing the update again.

Delete Delivery Optimisation Files

From my experience dealing with tons of dumb Windows update error messages, this solution is one that seems to work most of the time. It's also easy to do.

• Open Settings.
• Go to System > Storage.
• Select Temporary files.
• Check the box next to Delivery Optimisation Files.
• Click Remove files.
• When cleanup is complete, try to update again. It should work now.

Remove the Most Recent Windows Update

It might seem strange, but uninstalling a recent Windows update can often fix update-related problems. Microsoft has a track record of releasing updates that break things, including the update process. This means it's quite common to get stuck on a certain version of Windows because a previous update broke something.

• Open Settings.
• Go to Windows Update.
• Select Update history.
• Click Uninstall updates.
• Remove the most recently installed update.
• Restart your computer.
• After your PC restarts, try installing updates again.

Install the Latest Available Updates

After you have removed any junk updates, go ahead and try to update again. There's a chance that a new update will solve this problem. Keep these steps in the back of your mind, as you might have to use them again since this is a semi-regular occurrence on Windows 11.

• Open Settings.
• Select Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Download and install any available updates.

If Microsoft has already fixed the problem, installing the latest cumulative update may resolve the error immediately.

Download the Update from the Microsoft Update Catalogue

If nothing so far has worked, it's time to use the Microsoft Update Catalogue. This will let you manually install an update that is stuck.

• Visit the Microsoft Update Catalogue website.
• Search for the KB number of the update that's failing, or search for the latest cumulative update available for your version of Windows 11.
• Download the version that matches your system architecture.
• Run the downloaded installer and complete the installation.

Note: If you accidentally download an update that isn't compatible with your system, Windows will simply refuse to install it, so there's little risk of causing any damage.