Fix: Windows Was Unable to Get a List of Devices

Check the best solutions that worked for others

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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TheWindows was unable to get a list of devices from Windows Update.Please try again latererror message pops up for some users when trying to install printers. That error message pops up when users select theAdd a local printeroption on theAdd Printerwindow.

Consequently, users can’t install their printers. Here are a few resolutions that can fix theWindows was unable to get a list of deviceserror. These work for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How can I fix the Windows was unable to get a list of devices from Windows Update error?

1. Check if There are Pending Updates

TheWindows was unable to get a list of deviceserror might arise when there’s a pending update.

To check if that’s the case, press theWindowskey +Qhotkey and enterupdatein Cortana.

Then selectCheck for updatesand make sure you install all of the listed updates. Restart Windows if there’s a pending update, and then try installing the printer after the update has been installed.

In caseWindows Update is not showingor theupdate continues to load, start by fixing it first and then try the other solutions here.

2. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Once check whether Windows is still stuck updating the list of printers. In case the problem persists, head to the next method.

3. Edit the SoftwareDistribution Folder Title and Reset the Catroot2 Folder

The second resolution usually fixes theWindows was unable to get a list of devicesissue for most users.

However, the first and third resolutions are two alternatives that might also fix the printer error.

Some users have also stated that deleting all the files in the DataStore subfolder within SoftwareDistribution can fix the issue.

We hope you managed to fix theWindows was unable to get a list of devices from Windows Updateissue on your PC. And while you are at it, find out how tofix all Windows Update errorsin one go.

Let us know all about it in the comments section below.

Fix: Windows Was Unable to Get a List of Devices#

How can I fix the Windows was unable to get a list of devices from Windows Update error?#

1. Check if There are Pending Updates#

2. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder#

3. Edit the SoftwareDistribution Folder Title and Reset the Catroot2 Folder#

Fix: Windows Was Unable to Get a List of Devices

How can I fix the Windows was unable to get a list of devices from Windows Update error?

1. Check if There are Pending Updates

2. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

3. Edit the SoftwareDistribution Folder Title and Reset the Catroot2 Folder