Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected is a very common issue. But don’t worry as we have 5 Ways to Fix Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected. After following one of these ways, you will be able to overcome this problem.
The Potential Windows Database Error Detected message could only be found when running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. The error is usually shown while updating your Windows 10. The update may get stuck, or you will not be able to update your windows because of this error. In some cases, the Windows Update Troubleshooter might be able to fix the issue related to the windows update, but it is not always successful.
In this particular case, the troubleshooter shows Potential Windows Update Database error Detected, but would not be able to fix the detected error and when trying to fix the issue, it returns as “Not Fixed”. It means that you cannot download any new updates on your computer and hence risk the security and functioning of your computer.
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Table of Contents
- 1 Database Error during Windows Update
- 2 How to Fix Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected
- 2.1 Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- 2.2 Method 2: Performing a Clean Boot and then Updating Windows
- 2.3 Method 3: Run System File Checker
- 2.4 Method 4: Run Check Disk Utility
- 2.5 Method 4: Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
- 2.6 Method 5: Rename the Software Distribution Folder
- 3 Conclusion
Database Error during Windows Update
An error message saying ‘Detected possible Windows update database error’ can appear during a variety of different Windows update processes. First of all, when simply upgrading Windows to a newer version, it will appear. Besides, it can happen when you pick some other features, such as “Repair Windows Update” or the like.
You can encounter several different codes or no code at all, but they have the same solution. This can seem very daunting to individuals who struggle to go ahead with the update only to face an error message that something went wrong after several months of delaying. There are several solutions to the problem, and all of them will need to be tried to end up satisfied with the end product.
How to Fix Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected
If you are facing a similar issue with your windows update, we are here to help you with the best methods that can solve the issue in windows. Before you begin to fix the issue, go through the steps carefully to not make any mistakes. And we recommend you to create a restore point in case something goes wrong. But it is highly unlikely when these are done correctly, so proceed carefully.
Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
1. Type Troubleshooting in the Windows search bar and then click on it.
2. From the left window pane, select View all.
3. Then from the list of Troubleshoot computer problems choose Window Update.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and then let the Windows Update Troubleshooter run.
5. The Troubleshooter will Fix the windows Update Database Corruption error. And then Fix the Potential Windows Update Database error detected. Also, check for Windows Update Not Working Error interrupting your system.
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6. Restart your computer and then try again to install the updates. Then check whether the potential Windows Update Database error detected issue is fixed or not.
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Method 2: Performing a Clean Boot and then Updating Windows
1. Press the Windows Key+R, then type in “msconfig” and click OK.
2. Go to the Services tab and then Check the Hide all Microsoft Services box.
3. Then, click Disable all to disable the unnecessary services that might be causing the error.
4. Next, Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
5. Inside the Task Manager, Disable all the startup items that are enabled.
6. Click OK and then Restart your computer. Then check whether the Windows Update can run now. If the Windows Update Database error detected is fixed, update your windows.
7. Press the Windows Key+R again, then type in “msconfig” and click OK.
8. Go to the General tab and select the Normal Startup option, then Click OK.
9. Restart your computer and the potential windows update database error detected issue would be solved.
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Method 3: Run System File Checker
1. Press the Windows Key+X and then click on Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Then, type in the following command and hit enter:
Sfc /scannow
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\wind ows
3. After the process is finished, restart your computer.
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Method 4: Run Check Disk Utility
1. Right Click on the Windows Button and then select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. In the Command Window, type in CHKDSK/f/r and then hit Enter.
3. The command prompt will ask whether to schedule the can in the next reboot, then type Y and hit enter.
4. Reboot your computer to save the changes.
5. Check whether the potential Windows update database error detected issue still exists.
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Method 4: Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
1. Press the Windows Key+X and then select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Enter the following command and then hit enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess (Replace Repair Source with the actual location of your repair source)
Note: – Before you DISM, keep the Windows Installation Media Ready.
3. Wait for the above command to complete, it may take 15 to 20 minutes.
4. After the DISM process is completed, type the following command and hit enter.
sfc /scannow
5. Let the File Checker run and after it is finished, Reboot your computer.
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Method 5: Rename the Software Distribution Folder
1. Press Windows Key+X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Then Type in the following commands to stop windows update services and hit enter after each one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
3. After that, Type in the following command to rename the Software Distribution Folder, then hit enter:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
4. Then, type in the following commands to restart Windows Update Services, then hit enter after each one:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
5. Restart your computer to save the changes.
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Conclusion
These are the best and proven methods that can help you to solve the issue of potential Windows Update database error detected. This can be a very annoying error message given the fact that though it is shown in the Windows update troubleshooter, the troubleshooter is at times helpless in fixing this issue. But when the troubleshooter fails, you have these methods to resolve the problem.
But we remind you again that before you begin to attempt any of the above methods, we strongly recommend you to go through these steps carefully and thoroughly. Even a small mistake can damage your system and therefore it is essential to be thorough before trying to fix the issue. But when done correctly these methods can surely do their magic. We hope that these steps helped you to solve the issue you are facing with your windows update.

Gravit Sinha is the founder of ValidEdge. Ever since he was a kid, he has been a problem fixer and that passion is what inspired him to start and grow this website! 🙂