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Azure Virtual Machine (VM) Windows servicing stack reset tool

Applies to: ✔️ Windows VMs

Overview

This article covers steps to run a PowerShell script that resets the Windows servicing stack for a VM running in Azure. Running the tool can fix most problems that prevent Windows Updates from installing successfully.

Note

This article is intended for use with support agents and IT professionals. If you're a home user and looking for more information about fixing Windows update errors, see Fix Windows Update errors.

Features

  • Stops key services: wuauserv, crypts, and BITS.
  • Renames critical folders:
    • %SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution.
    • %SystemRoot%\System32\catroot2 (with a timestamp for backup).
  • Re-registers core update-related DLLs (skipping any missing files).
  • Restarts services.
  • Generates a summary of actions performed.

For more information, see Resetting Windows Update servicing stack script.

Azure portal view Run Command example.

How to run the tool

You can run the tool in any of the following manners.

1. Download from GitHub and run within the VM

Download the scripts from GitHub and then run them manually. To access the scripts, follow the resource links in the previous sections.

2. Use prepackaged run command scripts

For more information, see Run scripts in your Windows VM by using action run commands.

  1. Run Windows_Update_Reset to reset the servicing stack.
  2. Try to install the Windows Update that previously failed.

Additional resources

Contact us for help

If you have questions, you can ask Azure community support. You can also submit product feedback to Azure feedback community.

Third-party contact disclaimer

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find additional information about this topic. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party contact information.

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