The update is not applicable to your computer.Windows Update

How to Fix The update is not applicable to your computer. (Windows Update)

Quick Answer

The error message 'The update is not applicable to your computer.' indicates that the Windows update package you are attempting to install is not compatible with your system's architecture, operating system version, or current installed updates. The fastest resolution often involves verifying system compatibility and ensuring the correct update package is selected, or using the Windows Update troubleshooter.

What Causes This Error

Incorrect system architecture (e.g., trying to install a 64-bit update on a 32-bit system, or vice-versa).
The update is already installed on the system.
The update is for a different version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10 update on a Windows 11 system).
Missing prerequisite updates required for the current update to install.
Corrupted Windows Update components or system files.
The update is not designed for the specific edition of Windows installed (e.g., Home vs. Pro).

Step-by-Step Fixes

1Verify System Architecture and Windows Version

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
Type 'msinfo32' and press Enter to open System Information.
Locate 'System Type' (e.g., 'x64-based PC' for 64-bit, 'x86-based PC' for 32-bit) and 'OS Name' (e.g., 'Microsoft Windows 10 Pro').
Compare this information with the requirements of the update package you are trying to install. Ensure the update matches your system's architecture and Windows version.
If the update package is incorrect, locate and download the correct version from the Microsoft Update Catalog or Windows Update.

2Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Open the Settings application by pressing Windows key + I.
Navigate to 'Update & Security' (Windows 10) or 'System' > 'Troubleshoot' (Windows 11).
Select 'Additional troubleshooters' (Windows 10) or 'Other troubleshooters' (Windows 11).
Locate and select 'Windows Update', then click 'Run the troubleshooter'.
Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes. Restart your computer if prompted.

3Check for Already Installed Updates

Open the Settings application by pressing Windows key + I.
Navigate to 'Update & Security' > 'Windows Update' (Windows 10) or 'Windows Update' (Windows 11).
Click on 'View update history' or 'Update history'.
Review the list of installed updates. Check if the update package you are trying to install is already listed as successfully installed.
If the update is already installed, no further action is required for that specific update.

4Manually Download and Install the Update from Microsoft Update Catalog

Identify the specific Knowledge Base (KB) number of the update that is failing to install. This can often be found in the update error message or Windows Update history.
Open a web browser and navigate to the Microsoft Update Catalog website (catalog.update.microsoft.com).
In the search bar, enter the KB number (e.g., 'KB1234567') and press Enter or click 'Search'.
Review the search results and identify the update that matches your Windows version, edition, and system architecture (e.g., 'Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems').
Click the 'Download' button next to the correct update, then click the download link in the pop-up window to save the .msu file.
Once downloaded, double-click the .msu file to manually install the update. Follow any on-screen prompts.

Advanced Fixes

Reset Windows Update Components

Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
Stop the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: 'net stop bits', 'net stop wuauserv', 'net stop appidsvc', 'net stop cryptsvc'.
Delete the qmgr*.dat files by typing: 'Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat"' and pressing Enter.
Rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: 'Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old', 'Ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old'.
Reset the BITS and Windows Update services to their default security descriptors by typing: 'sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)' and 'sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)'.
Re-register the BITS files and Windows Update DLLs by running a series of 'regsvr32' commands (e.g., 'regsvr32.exe atl.dll', 'regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll', etc. - a full list can be found in Microsoft's support documentation for resetting Windows Update components).
Restart the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: 'net start bits', 'net start wuauserv', 'net start appidsvc', 'net start cryptsvc'.
Restart your computer and attempt to install the update again.

Perform a System File Checker (SFC) Scan and DISM Restore Health

Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. This will scan for and attempt to repair corrupted system files. Allow the scan to complete.
After the SFC scan, if issues were found and not fully repaired, or if the update still fails, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and press Enter. This command uses Windows Update to provide files needed to fix corruptions.
Allow the DISM command to complete. This process may take some time. Once finished, restart your computer.
Attempt to install the update again after the system restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'The update is not applicable to your computer.' mean?

This error means that the specific update package you are trying to install is not compatible with your current Windows operating system. This could be due to differences in system architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit), Windows version, edition, or because the update is already installed or requires other prerequisite updates.

How do I find my system's architecture (32-bit or 64-bit)?

To find your system's architecture, press the Windows key + R, type 'msinfo32', and press Enter. In the System Information window, look for 'System Type'. It will typically say 'x64-based PC' for 64-bit systems or 'x86-based PC' for 32-bit systems.

Can I ignore this error if Windows Update is working otherwise?

If you encountered this error while trying to manually install a specific update, and your regular Windows Update process is functioning correctly and installing other updates, then it is likely safe to ignore this specific error for that particular update. It usually indicates the update is simply not needed or not designed for your system.

What is the Microsoft Update Catalog?

The Microsoft Update Catalog is a website provided by Microsoft that allows users to manually search for and download specific Windows updates, drivers, and hotfixes. It is useful when automatic updates fail or when a specific update needs to be installed offline or on multiple machines.