Potential windows update database error detected

The “potential windows update database error detected” has become common, as reported by a number of Windows 10 users. This error gives users an unpleasant experience with Windows Update and can, in most cases, prevent updates from installing. In some cases, it can even prevent the Windows Update Troubleshooter from working properly. 

This article outlines what the potential windows update database error detected means, what causes it, and how to solve it. 

Recommended Read: Unable To Reach Windows Activation Servers

Table of Contents 

• What is potential Windows update database error detected?
• What causes the “potential windows update database error detected”
• How to fix potential Windows update database error detected in Windows 10
• Preliminary workarounds
• Fix #1: Boot the Computer in Safe Mode
• Fix #2: Restart Windows Update services and Clear Windows Update Temporary Files
• Fix #3: Fix or Repair Corrupt system files 
• Fix #4: Manually download the updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog
• Wrapping Up 

What is potential Windows update database error detected?

On a number of occasions, users see the potential Windows Update database error detected when they’re conducting Windows updates. It usually points to Windows Operating system issues or malfunction. 

However, uses can encounter the “Potential Windows update database error detected” message during several processes regarding Windows updates. For example;

• When you’re using the Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix some Windows Update issues automatically;
• When you select several other computer repair functions such as “Repair Windows Update,” “Repair Windows Update Database Corruption,” or “Repair Windows Update components.”
• When you are updating your Windows Operating system;
• When you’re installing Windows Update manually;

When you see the “potential windows update database error detected,” you may also encounter different codes or sometimes no code at all. However, their solutions are the same as shall be outlined in this article.

What causes the “potential windows update database error detected”

As mentioned above, this error is related to Windows Update and its components and can occur on a number of occasions. There can be many potential causes of this error, including; 

• Corrupt system resgistires 
• Malware or virus infection 
• Software bugs
• Outdated hardware drivers
• Poor/unstable network connection
• Windows Update cache is full. 
• Using corrupted or pirated Windows Operating system Key

Note: Although this error message is often a precursor of a larger ‘computer drama,’ you shouldn’t worry. You can fix it and continue working on your computer normally. 

How to fix potential Windows update database error detected in Windows 10

Many users are often left weary when encountering the potential Windows update database error detected message. You can use the following solutions to fix this error:

Preliminary workarounds

Before you get into technical solutions for the potential Windows update database error detected error message, use the following workarounds to try and solve the problem;

1. Tweak your network router to solve the issue if it was network related. Sometimes unstable network can prevent Windows Updates from successfully downloading or installing. 
2. Scan your PC with quality antivirus software. Malware and virus infections are known to cause many computer errors. Scanning your computer will help remove any malware or virus causing the error.
3. Temporarily disable your antivirus software; sometimes, some highly sensitive third-party antivirus software can flag some Windows Update components and cause errors. You can temporarily disable the antivirus software until you’re done with the activity. 

If these workarounds fail to work, you can proceed to the following steps to fix potential Windows update database error detected.

Fix #1: Boot the Computer in Safe Mode

Booting the computer in Safe Mode allows you to start the computer with only essential applications during the Windows launch. Windows will start and run on only the most stable drivers. Additionally,  non-essential processes that may be causing the error will no start during the Windows Launch. This way, you can locate and disables non-core components that are plausible causes of the error message.

To start your PC on Safe Mode: 

1. Click the Start button > Select the Power icon.
2. Press the Shift key down and click Restart.
3. On the new menu select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
4. Click the Restart.
5. Your computer will reboot, presenting you with a menu—select option 4 to Enable Safe Mode (or option 5 to select Safe Mode with Networking).

Once in Safe Mode, you may again run the anti-malware software and remove some difficult malware or uninstall any recently installed Windows update that can be causing the Windows malfunction. Once done, restart your computer normally and see if you’re still encountering the error message.

Fix #2: Restart Windows Update services and Clear Windows Update Temporary Files

Many users have reported that this error often occurs when something is wrong with the Windows Update service. Restarting or resetting the Windows Update service may resolve the error. Here’s how to reset Windows Update services:

1. Press Wins Logo + R together to open the Run dialog.
2. Next, type services.msc > then press Enter to open the Windows Services.
   
   
3. Locate Windows Update > Right-click on it > then select Stop if it is showing it’s current status is “Running.” However, if the Windows Update service’s current status is not running, you can skip this step.
4. Now, again press Wins Logo Key + E to open File Explorer. 
5. Copy this path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore > then paste it in the File Explorer address bar > and press Enter. This path will take you to the DataStore folder.
   
   
6. Press Ctrl + A > then hit Delete to delete all the folders and files in the DataStore folder.
   
   
7. Now open the Software Download folder.  Copy this path C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download > then paste it in the File Explorer address bar > and then press Enter.
   
   
8. Press Ctrl + A > then hit Delete to delete all the folders and files in the Download folder.
9. Now restart the Windows Update services. Go back to the Services window > right-click on the Windows Update > then select Start.

Once done, try again to perform Windows Update and see if you are still encountering the potential windows update database error detected message. 

Fix #3: Fix or Repair Corrupt system files 

Corrupted system files are one of the key causes of the potential windows update database error detected message. Fixing them will help you repair the error and get your PC back to normalcy. 

You will use both the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Service (DISM), WIndows built-in tools, to fix this error through the Command Prompt. 

To open the Command Prompt:

1. Open Windows search and type cmd
2. Select Run as an administrator to open an elevated command prompt
3. In the elevated command prompt, type or copy-paste the following commands, then press enter after each command. You’ll need to scan for the computer’s health, find the corrupt files, and fix them all using the DISM tool.
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /scanhealth
   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Note: you will need a stable internet connection. In addition, the DISM tool may fail if the Windows Update client is broken.
5. Close the command prompt and open it again once the DISM process is complete.
6. Next, conduct an SFC scan to check and repair other errors that the DISM tool might have missed. Type (or copy-paste) this command and press enter
   sfc /scannow (Ensure that there is a space between sfc and the forward slash)

The DISM scans may take some time to complete. So, you keep your patience until the process is complete, then exit the command prompt and try again to conduct Windows Update. 

Fix #4: Manually download the updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog

If the potential windows update database error detected issue persists, you could manually download the updates from Microsoft Update Catalog and install them on your computer manually. Many users have reported that this solution worked. 

1. Open Windows Update: Press the Wins Logo > then type Windows Update > then press Enter.
2. Check the Updates you couldn’t install: Click View History.
   
   
3. Note down the code of the update(s) that couldn’t install; for example, KB3006137.
4. Open the command prompt > type this command systeminfo > then Press Enter to view your system type.
   Note: “X64-based PC” means that your Windows OS is 64-bit; “X86-based PC” means that your Windows OS is 32-bit.
5. Now go to the Microsoft Update Catalog official Website.
   
   
6. Next, type the update code that you want to install or download, for instance, KB3006137 > then press Enter or click Search.
7. Once the search results show up, select the right update for your Windows operating system > then click Download.
   
   
8. A Window will pop up with a link; click the link to start the download.
9. Once the file downloads, double-click on it and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Windows update.

Once the update is installed, you will not see the potential windows update database error detected message again.

Wrapping Up 

We believe this tutorial has helped you learn how to fix the potential Windows update database error detected error message. If you enjoyed reading this article, share it with your friends, colleagues, and family. Return to us for more informative articles all related to productivity and modern-day technology!

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Handling Windows update is always a frustrating thing since many Windows update errors may occur. And the issue potential Windows Update Database error detected would occur when running Windows Update Troubleshooter. This post will show you 5 methods to solve this Windows update problem.

Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected

It is possible for you to encounter some Windows update problems when you are trying to update Windows. For example, you may encounter the Windows 10 won’t update problem. Thus, you may run Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix the problem. However, instead of solving problem, you may also receive an error message potential Windows Update Database error detected (Not fixed).

In fact, handing Windows Update is always a challenging thing because many issues may occur when running it, such as the issue Windows Update cannot currently check for updates.

And many computer users complain that they have encountered the Windows update error potential Windows Update Database error detected. And here is a real example from the answer.microsoft.com:

I have a fresh install of Windows 8.1. I have not had any problems with downloading or installing Windows updates. I ran the disk clean-up and it got stuck on the Windows update part. So I ran the Windows Update Troubleshooter. I received the message: Potential Windows Update Database error detected 0x80070490.from the answer.microsoft.com

Thus, do you know how to fix this Windows update error? If no, just go on your reading.

5 Solutions to Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected

In this part, we will show 5 methods to solve this Windows update problem. You can try them one by one.

To backup files, you can take advantage of a piece of third-party software. Here, the professional Windows backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker is recommended.

MiniTool ShadowMaker is a user-friendly program. It has the ability to back up the operating system, file, folder, disk, and partition with its various powerful features. It also enables you to synchronize files to two or more locations so as to keep data safe.

In addition, MiniTool ShadowMaker provides the restore service which can help users to restore the computer to an earlier date or get the data back. Compared to the Windows snap-in backup tool, MiniTool ShadowMaker is more effective because sometimes Windows backup may fail to work.

Thus, you can download MiniTool ShadowMaker from the following button and install it on your computer to provide protection for your data and PC.

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And now, we will show you how to back up the operating system with MiniTool ShadowMaker. As a matter fact, its operation methods are pretty easy.

Step 1: Install MiniTool ShadowMaker on your computer, launch it and click Keep Trail to continue.

Step 2: In the popup window, choose Connect in This Computer to enter its main interface.

Step 2: After entering its main interface, go to the Backup page and click Source module to choose Folder and Files and check the files you want to back up.

Step 3: Next, click Destination tab to decide where you want to the backup image to. It is recommended to choose an external hard drive.

Step 4: Then click Back up Now to perform the backup task immediately or choose Back up Later to delay the backup task.

When the backup process is finished, you can effectively keep the data safe. Now, it is time to repair Windows Update Database corruption problem.

Solution 1. Use System File Checker Tool

The issue potential Windows Update Database error detected error may occur when there is a corruption of the system files. In order to repair Windows update, you can run System File Checker to check the status of system files and repair the corrupted system files.

You can rely on the following operation methods to repair Windows Update Database corruption.

Step 1: Type cmd in the search box of Windows and right-click on the Command Prompt icon and choose Run as administrator to continue.

Step 2: In the popup command window, input sfc/ scannow and hit Enter to go on.

Related article: Quickly Fix – SFC Scannow Not Working (Focus on 2 Cases)

Step 3: Then the process will begin and it will take several minutes. You can’t close the command window until you see the message Verification 100% complete.

When the process is finished, you can restart your computer and check whether the issue potential Windows Update Database error detected is solved and whether you can perform Windows update.

Solution 2. Run DISM Tool

If you meet the issue potential Windows Update Database error detected when you run Windows Update Troubleshooter, you can try to run DISM tool to solve this problem. The DISM tool can be used in many situations and one of them is to repair the corrupted Windows update files.

So just follow the step-by-step instructions to run the DISM tool.

Step 1: Type cmd in the search box of Windows and right-click on the Command Prompt icon and choose Run as administrator to continue.

Step 2: In the popup window, input the following commands. Please remember that you need to hit Enter to continue after each command.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /scanhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

This process will take a long time, so please wait patiently and don’t interrupt it. When the process is finished, you can reboot your computer to check whether the Windows update error is solved.

Solution 3. Reset Windows Update Components Manually

Here, we will introduce the third method to fix Windows update error potential Windows Update Database error detected. In this way, you can try to reset Windows Update components manually. Now, you can go on based on following instructions.

Step 1: Type cmd in the search box of Windows and right-click on Command Prompt icon and right-click it to choose Run as administrator to continue.

Step 2: In the popup window, type the following commands and please remember to hit Enter to continue after each command.

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauservnet start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Step 3: After the process is finished, you can exit the command window and try to reboot your computer to check whether the Windows update problem potential Windows Update Database error detected is solved.

Solution 4: Perform a Clean Boot

If you encounter the Windows Update error potential Windows Update Database error detected, you can try to boot your computer in a clean boot and check whether the issue is affected by the third-party software.

Step 1: Press Windows key and R key together to open Run dialog, and type msconfig in the box and hit Enter or click OK to continue.

Step 2: Go to the General tab, choose Selective startup button and uncheck Load startup items option to go on.

Step 3: Go to Service tab, check the option Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all to continue.

Step 4: Then restart your computer to check whether you have solved the problem potential Windows Update Database error detected.

Solution 5. Reset the Computer

If all above methods fail to solve the problem potential Windows Update Database error detected, you can try to reset your computer to solve the problem. And the detailed operation methods are as follows.

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Step 1: Press Windows key and I key together to open Setting window, and choose Update & Security to continue.

Step 2: In the popup window, choose Recovery in the left pane and click Get Started under Reset this PC tab to continue.

Step 3: In the popup window, you can see two options including Keep my files and Remove everything. And here, it is recommended to choose Keep my files to continue since it can keep your personal files.

Step 4: Then you will see a list telling you which programs will be removed and you can reinstall them when the resetting process is finished. Then click Next to continue.

Step 5: In the next popup window, click Next to continue.

Step 6: Next, the process of resetting the PC will start. When the process is finished, you can check whether you can run Window Update and whether the issue potential Windows Update Database error detected is solved.

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Useful Suggestion

After you have successfully solved the problem, you had better create a system image to avoid some accidents. Thus, MiniTool ShadowMaker is capable of doing that.

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Step 1: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker to enter its main interface.

Step 2: If there is no backup image on your computer, MiniTool ShadowMaker will remind you to back up immediately. Then you just need to click SET UP BACK in the Home page to continue. MiniTool ShadowMaker is designed to back up the operating system by default. You can also click Source and Destination tab to choose backup source and destination.

Here, in order to provide better protection for your data and computer, three important things you need to know.

• Click Schedule button to set the backup task on a regular basis. This feature can help you to create an automatic backup.
• MiniTool ShadowMaker provides 3 backup schemes including Full, Incremental, and The incremental backup scheme is chosen by default.
• Set more advanced backup parameters by clicking the Option.

Step 3: Now, you can click Back up Now button to perform this action.

Step 4: When the backup process is finished, you had better go to the Tools tab to create a bootable disc or a USB drive by clicking Media Builder feature, which can help you to boot the computer to enter MiniTool Recovery Environment so as to perform some recovery solutions when the computer can’t boot.

After you have successfully backed up all your important files or the operating system, you can protect your PC and data.

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Bottom Line

In conclusion, this post has introduced 5 solutions to the Windows update error potential Windows Update Database error detected. Since updating Windows always leads to some problems, it is advised to back up the important files before solving the problem.

In addition, if you have any better solution to solve the problem potential Windows Update Database error detected, you can share it on the comment zone.

Or if you have any problem about MiniTool ShadowMaker, please feel free to contact us via the email [email protected].

Repair Windows Update Database Corruption FAQ

Всем привет друзья! Сегодня мы рассмотрим ошибку Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected.

Она может появляться на операционных системах Windows 10/11 при попытке установить обновления для системы.

Возникает она из-за проблемы с запуском Службы Обновления Windows. Ниже рассмотрим способ решения ошибки

Для начала попробуем перезапустить Центр Обновления Windows. Для этого нажимаем WIN+R ➣ вводим services.msc

Находим и перезапускаем Центр Обновления Windows

Далее переходим в папку Windows по пути C:\Windows ➣ Находим папку SoftwareDistribution

Заходим в неё и удаляем всё содержимое (что не удалится — оставляем) ➣ Перезагружаем компьютер ➣ Проверяем. Ошибка должна исчезнуть.