If your screen displaying Potential Windows Update Database error detected when running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, then you’re not the only one who is facing this problem. Windows allows users to receive the latest security updates, bug fixes, drivers, feature enhancements and other updates.

Windows Update is a free service that is provided by Microsoft so that the service keeps Microsoft Windows operating systems and some other Microsoft applications and software updated. All Windows operating systems can use Windows Update. The only condition is a working operating system and an internet connection.

Keeping Windows Operating System up-to-date is important, especially when you want to stay protected by having the latest and modern security improvements. In spite of this, the update process can sometimes be challenging with various errors and issues preventing the update to be completed.

Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected

For instance, you may have come across the Potential Windows Update Database error detected during the Windows Update process in Windows 10. When users are running the Windows Update troubleshooter with corrupted system files, Windows update cannot access the folders then Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected error typically arises.

Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected does not provide further information about the cause of the error and methods that should be taken to fix the Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected error.

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How To Fix Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected

To fix the error Potential Windows Update Database error detected, a user might need to run the System File Checker and DISM tool. A user can also reset Windows Update components or run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Method 1 – Run System File Checker

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + X and click on Command Prompt Admin.

Step 2: Then type command:

sfc /scannow

Step 3: After applying the above step, restart your computer.

Method 2 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft Windows includes a variety of several trouble-shooters. They are designed to quickly identify and automatically resolve various computer and OS problems.

Trouble-shooters are a good method to start if you encounter an error or a problem with your computer, operating system or any other connected devices. Here are some steps to run trouble-shooters.

Step 1: Search for Trouble-shooting in the Search field and select it.

Step 2: There is a View All option on the left side of Window Pane, Select it.

Step 3: It will display all the lists of Trouble-shooters, select Windows Update.

Step 4: There will be a window appears, follow the instructions and then let it run.

Step 5: The Windows Troubleshooter will fix the error.

Step 6: Restart your computer and look for the error if it is still showing.

Method 3 – Performing a Clean Boot and then Updating Windows

Several applications and services start automatically and then run in the background when you start Windows using a normal start-up operation.

These applications or programs include basic system processes like antivirus software, system utility applications, and other software that has been previously installed. A clean boot in Windows is performed to start it using a minimal set of drivers and start-up programs. Here are some steps.

Step 1: Open the Run Box (Windows key + R) and type command MSConfig and then click OK.

Step 2: A box appears, go to the Services Tab and then Check on Hiding all Microsoft Services box.

Step 3: Then, Click on Disable All. It will disable all the unnecessary services.

Step 4: Then, go to the Startup tab and click on the Open Task Manager.

Step 5: Disable all the startup items that are enabled inside the Task Manager.

Step 6: Click OK after applying the above steps and Reboot your computer.

Step 7: After rebooting, Open Run Box and type command msconfig and then click OK.

Step 8: Go to the General tab and select Normal Startup, Click OK.

Step 9: Reboot your computer.

Method 4 – Run Check Disk Utility

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + X and click on Command Prompt Admin.

Step 2: Type command on the prompt window and press Enter.

CHKDSK/f/r

Step 3: The prompt will ask whether to schedule in the next reboot, then type Y and press Enter.

Step 4: Restart your computer and check for error if still occurring.

Method 5 – Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + X and click on Command Prompt Admin.

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter. (This command will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete).

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess (Replace Repair Source with the actual location of your repair source)

Step 3: After the above command executed type following command and press Enter.

sfc /scannow

Step 4: Restart your computer.

Method 6 – Rename the Software Distribution Folder

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + X and click on Command Prompt Admin.

Step 2: Type the following commands and press Enter after typing each one:–

NET STOPWUAUSERV
NET STOPCRYPTSVC
NET STOP BITS
NET STOPMSISERVER

Step 3: After above command executed type following command and rename the folder and press Enter:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Step 4: After the above command executed type following commands and press Enter after typing each one to restart services:

NET START WUAUSERV
NET START CRYPTSVC
NET START BITS
NET START MSISERVER

Step 5: Finally, Restart your computer.

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Final Words

The above methods and steps are given in a very easy language, apply them carefully and get rid of the Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected Problem.