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FIX: This update is not applicable to your computer error
9 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Are you getting aThe update is not applicableerrorwhen you attempt toinstall an update onWindows 10? If so, there are a variety of potential factors and fixes.
It could be that you have an incompatible desktop orlaptop, that the update is superseded, that an update prerequisite is missing or something else.
This is how you can fixWindows updatesthat aren’t applicable.
This update is not applicable to your computererror message can prevent you from keeping your system up to date. Speaking of thiserror, here are some similar issues that users reported:
How do I fix this update is not applicable to your computer?
1. Check the Update Package Matches Your Windows Version
First, note that updates are built for more specific platforms. It might be the case that the update you’re trying to install isn’t compatible withWindows 10.
So double-check the update is forWindows 10and not another platform. TheMicrosoft Update Catalogalways includes OS details for updates in the Products column.
2. Check the Update Package Matches Your Windows Processor Architecture
If the update is forWindows 10, you should also check the other system requirements for it. The updates are also published for more specific CPU architecture, which is usually stated within the title.
For example, if the update title includes x86 it’s for x86 CPU architecture and isn’t compatible with x64 Windows systems. You can check your CPU architecture as follows:
If you’re interested in the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit apps,take a quick look on this article.
3. Check the Update History
If you’re sure the update matches both Windows platform and architecture, check that it hasn’t already been installed. Another update might have had the same payload. You can check your update history as follows:
So you can check if your update is already listed there. Another thing to check there is if a required prerequisite update for aWindows updateis missing.
If that’s so, install the prerequisite update first and then add the otherWindows update.
If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app,take a look at this articleto solve the issue.
Disaster strikes! Your Check for updates button is missing. No worries, you’ll get it back with these simple steps!
4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a variety of troubleshooters, and one of those can fixWindows Update. So if an update is not applicable, running theWindows Updatetroubleshooter might fix it.
This is how you can fix updates with the troubleshooter:
If the Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of this complete guide.
5. Update Windows 10 With the Most Recent KB Update
6. Run DISM and SFC Tools in Command Prompt
Windows has a couple of file scan tools that could feasibly fix updateerrors. They are the DISM andSFCtools you can run with the Command Prompt. This is how you can fixWindows UpdatewithSFCand DISM:
If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you bettertake a closer look on this guide. There’s asimilar articleabout scannow problems and how to fix them.
It seems that everything is lost when DISM fails on Windows 10? Check out this quick guide and get rid of the worries.
7. Change your system locale
According to users, if you’re unable to install certain updates due toThis update is not applicable to your computermessage, you might want to consider changing your system locale. Sometimes certain updates can encounter issues if the system locale isn’t set to English.
However, you can always fix this issue simply by changing your locale manually. To do that, you just need to follow these simple steps:
After changing the locale to English, try to install the update again. After the update is installed, you can revert locale settings to the desired values.
You can’t open Control Panel on Windows 10? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.
8. Use System Restore
If you can’t install an update due toThis update is not applicable to your computermessage, you might be able to solve the issue by using theSystem Restore.
In case you’re not familiar, System Restore is a useful feature that allows you to restore your PC to an earlier state. To do that, just follow these steps:
Once your system is restored, be sure to install the necessary updates and then try to install the desired update.
If you want to know how to create a restore point and what are the benefits of having one,take a look at this dedicated guide.
If System Restore isn’t working, don’t panic. Check this useful guide and set things right once again.
9. Perform an in-place upgrade
If you can’t install the desired update due toThis update is not applicable to your computererror, you might be able to circumvent the issue by performing an in-place upgrade.
This method will forceWindows 10to upgrade using theWindows 10installation media. However, all your files and registry entries should remain intact. To perform an in-place upgrade, do the following:
Can’t run the Windows Media Creation Tool? Don’t worry, we’ve already covered this issue in this amazing guide.
Once the upgrade process is finished, you’ll have a fresh copy ofWindows 10, and all your files and applications will be preserved. Keep in mind that in some cases you won’t haveChange what to keep optioninStep 5.
If that happens, you won’t be able to keep your personal files and applications, and you’ll perform a clean install using this method.
So those are some potential fixes for theupdate is not applicablemessage. First, check the update’s system details beforehand; but if it’s compatible run theWindows Updatetroubleshooter and Command Prompt file scan tools.
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to take a look.
More about the topics:windows 10,windows updates
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
