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Fix: Windows Update red exclamation mark
2 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Those of you that keep yourPCsconstantly updated and visit the Windows Update menu frequently have probably noticed that sometimes there’s a red exclamation mark on the Windows Update icon.
A lot of users have beenasking on forumswhat does this mean and how they can get rid of it:
MyPChangs for an hour (and possibly longer) at “Restarting”. It never comes to “configuringupdates“, restart and “working onupdates“. The usual sfc and dism checks turned out that everything is ok. Free disk space is more than 20 GB. No third party antivirus or tuning sw installed. No driver change since two years. No USB device attached.
Answers and solutions of the most diverse kind were soon to follow.
What is the red exclamation mark?
Apparently,updatesmarked with the red exclamation mark are criticalupdates, rather than simple updates, like antivirus definitions.
To that extent, they are there to signal that you must install the latestupdatesto benefit from the latest security features.
How do I get rid of the red exclamation mark?
1. Install the updates
Normally, Windows 10 can be set to downloadupdatesautomatically, but there are some that need your permission. When a criticalupdateappears that needs manual permission, simply download and install it and the mark will go away.
2. Remove any Windows update blockers
If you’ve set yourPCto stop anyupdates, or are using a third-party tool to block them, then they will accumulate over time, and the red mark will never go away.
Thus, uninstall any program that blocksupdates, and allow yourPCto get them.
By following any of these steps, you should now have upgraded your Windows OS with all the criticalupdates, and the red exclamation mark should be gone.
Did you find this guide useful? Let us know in the comment section below.
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Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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