“Potential windows update database error detected” error message appears on Windows screen during different processes of Windows Update. It can appear simply when you are performing Windows Update, or conducting other functions such as Repair Windows Update and similar.
You may encounter different error codes with the error message or no error at all under different circumstances. Solutions for each of the cases is however the same. You have to go through the different troubleshoot methods that are described below.
Different fixes for potential windows update database error detected in windows 10
Fix 1: Use SFC Scan
The suggested solution from Microsoft helped lot of users receiving potential windows update database error detected. So, before doing anything else, you should go with this fix at first. SFC refers as System File Checker. It checks for corrupted system files and automatically repairs them. Here are the steps you have to follow:
- Search for cmd on the search box,
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator,
- Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter,
- The process would begin the then and soon it will provide the automatic fix.
Fix 2: Use DISM Scan
DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. It is a tool helpful in repairing and servicing Windows images. This is another recommended solution from Microsoft to the affected users:
- Run Command Prompt as Admin,
- Use the below commands and never forget to hit Enter on each time:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /scanhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Wait now for the process to finish and see if the problem continues.
Fix 3: Reset Windows Update Components manually
If the previous two methods won’t work in your case and you still receive potential windows update database error detected error message, we recommend you reset the entire update utility and see if this provides you the fix:
- Run Command prompt as Admin,
- Enter the below commands to stop the processes Windows Update Services, MSI Installer, BITS and Cryptographic,
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
- Now, rename the folders SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2. For that use the below two commands:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
Now, you have to start those processes you ended in step 2. Use the below commands for the purpose:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- Reboot your device and perform Windows Update.
Alternatively, you can use the below script and achieve the same result:
- Download the script for your Windows system and locate it on your Download Folder,
- Right-click on it and select Extract,
- Right-click on the WuReset.bat files after the extraction and run it as administrator,
- Finally, “Task completed successfully” message pops up and you should restart your PC now and check if the problem is fixed.
Fix 4: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
This is a pre-installed troubleshooter to deal with the issues like potential windows update database error detected. This would surely help if nothing else before help:
- Open Control Panel, click on Troubleshooting,
- Select System and Security and then select Fix problems with Windows Update,
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the steps.
Fix 5: Delete Some Folders
Some affected users reported that deleting certain folders help them in resolving the problem. You should search for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and delete everything inside. Then, open C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete the Download.old file therein. Then up, begin the Wndows Update process and see if the problem persists.
Fix 6: perform Windows Reset
If all solutions fail, simply reinstall Windows without using any files as you can do this Windows 10. Very first, use USB or DVD to download Windows 10 installation and load the DVD or USB device you prefer toy our Windows Installation media and start your device. Go to the Troubleshoot option and select Choose> Advanced option > Reset This PC > Keep my files.
Conclusion
That’s all! We have provided all possible fixes for potential windows update database error detected in windows 10. If you want to automate the fixes, you can employ PC Repair Tool – an automatic tool to deal with Windows system related issues. It works effectively in case of any issues due to system files corruption.
