Windows 10 is a powerful operating system that frequently receives updates to improve security, reliability, and user experience. Among these updates, feature updates stand out because they bring new functionalities, enhancements, and performance improvements. However, many users encounter a recurring notification: “The next Windows feature update is ready and includes reliability improvements”. While this message is intended to inform users about available updates, it can become frustrating when the update repeatedly fails to install or seems stuck.
If you are facing this persistent notification or installation issues, this guide is designed to help you. We will explore the reasons behind the update message, provide step-by-step solutions to fix it, and offer additional tips to ensure smooth updates in the future. By the end of this guide, your Windows 10 system will be updated reliably without interruptions.
Common Causes of the Feature Update Notification
Understanding the root causes of this Windows update issue will help you apply the correct solution:
- Pending or Stuck Updates
Sometimes previous updates are incomplete or stuck, causing Windows to repeatedly notify you about the next feature update. - Insufficient Disk Space
Feature updates require significant free space on your system drive. Without enough storage, the update may fail to start or complete. - Corrupted Windows Update Components
Corruption in the Windows Update cache, temporary files, or system files can prevent successful installation. - Incompatible Software or Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers, antivirus software, or third-party apps can block the update process. - Network Connection Problems
Unstable internet or proxy/VPN configurations may prevent Windows from downloading update files completely. - System File Errors
Damaged or missing system files can interfere with Windows Update services.
Fix 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter to detect and fix update issues automatically:
- Press Win + I → Open Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
- Click Windows Update → Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to detect problems.
- Restart your PC and check if the update notification disappears.
💡 Tip: Run the troubleshooter even if Windows doesn’t detect an issue—it can fix subtle problems automatically.
Fix 2: Clear Windows Update Cache
A corrupted update cache can prevent updates from installing:
- Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Locate Windows Update → Right-click → Stop.
- Open File Explorer → Navigate to
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. - Delete all files in the Download folder.
- Go back to Services → Start Windows Update again.
- Restart your PC and attempt the update.
Fix 3: Free Up Disk Space
Feature updates often require several gigabytes of free space:
- Press Win + E → Right-click C: drive → Properties → Disk Cleanup.
- Select Temporary files, System files, and other large items → Click Clean up system files.
- Consider uninstalling unused apps or moving large files to an external drive.
- Restart Windows and check the update again.
Fix 4: Reset Windows Update Components Manually
If clearing the cache doesn’t work, resetting update components can resolve deeper issues:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Execute these commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- Close Command Prompt → Restart your PC.
- Retry Windows Update.
Fix 5: Check for Driver and Software Conflicts
Incompatible drivers or apps can block updates:
- Press Win + X → Device Manager.
- Look for drivers with yellow warning signs → Update or uninstall them.
- Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software.
- Attempt the update again.
💡 Tip: Some third-party apps, especially system optimizers, may interfere with updates. Consider uninstalling them temporarily.
Fix 6: Use the Windows 10 Update Assistant
The Update Assistant is a reliable tool to manually install feature updates:
- Visit the official Microsoft Windows 10 download page.
- Download and run the Update Assistant.
- Follow on-screen prompts to download and install the latest feature update.
- Your system will restart multiple times during installation.
Fix 7: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted system files can prevent updates from completing:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run the following commands:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Wait for both processes to finish.
- Restart Windows and try the update again.
Fix 8: Temporarily Disable Metered Connection
Windows may not download updates on a metered connection:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
- Click your network → Properties → Turn Set as metered connection OFF.
- Retry Windows Update.
Additional Tips
- Always keep a backup of your important files before installing feature updates.
- Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for the latest update.
- Keep your antivirus and firewall up-to-date but consider temporarily disabling them if updates fail.
- Avoid forcing shutdowns during update installation—this can cause corruption.
- Check Microsoft’s Windows Update History for known issues affecting your update version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Windows 10 keep showing “The next Windows feature update is ready”?
This usually happens when previous updates are pending, corrupted, or your system cannot complete the installation due to conflicts or insufficient space.
2. Can I skip a feature update?
Yes, you can pause updates temporarily in Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Pause updates. However, skipping updates for too long may leave your system vulnerable.
3. Will resetting Windows Update components delete my files?
No, this process only clears temporary update files and resets related services—it does not affect personal files.
4. How long does a Windows 10 feature update take?
Depending on your system and internet speed, updates can take 30 minutes to a few hours. Ensure your PC stays powered on during the process.
5. Can I use the Update Assistant if Windows Update fails?
Yes. The Update Assistant is designed to bypass common update issues and install feature updates manually.
Conclusion
The “Next Windows Feature Update is Ready and Includes Reliability Improvements” notification is a common occurrence in Windows 10, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating. Most issues arise from pending updates, corrupted files, insufficient disk space, or incompatible software and drivers. By following step-by-step solutions like running the Windows Update troubleshooter, clearing update cache, using the Update Assistant, or resetting system components, you can resolve these issues effectively.
Keeping your system updated ensures better reliability, security, and access to the latest Windows features. With this guide, you now have all the tools to handle feature update notifications confidently and maintain a smooth, secure Windows 10 experience.
