How to Fix Windows Update Settings Won’t Load Issue?

Windows can get stuck on loading or remain blank for various reasons. This often happens due to corrupted Windows update files or stopped Windows update services such as Wuauserv or the Update Orchestrator Service, which might result in this issue. Additional causes include misconfigured network settings or interference from antivirus software.

Before we move on to the solutions, it is strongly recommended that you restart your computer, as this might resolve the issue without needing to follow the methods below. Restarting the computer restarts the essential services, including the Windows update services, which might get stuck or stopped, resulting in this issue.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter is specifically designed to fix common problems that can interfere with the Windows update process. This utility scans the system for issues related to the Windows update and attempts to fix them by doing common troubleshooting, such as restarting the Windows update services, repairing the corrupted files, and fixing the misconfigured settings.

1. Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
2. Go to System and select Troubleshoot from the listed options.
   
3. Go to Other Troubleshooters and run the Windows update troubleshooter.
   
4. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to run the Windows update troubleshooter.
5. Once done, check for the Windows update in the settings.

2. Change Your Network Profile to Private

When you set your Network Profile to Private, network discovery and file sharing will be enabled, which will be required for the Windows update services to work properly. However, if your Network Profile is set to Public, it might prevent the services and ports that rely on Windows update services.

1. Right-click the Ethernet or Wi-Fi icon from the bottom right and select Network & Internet Settings.
   
2. Go to Ethernet or W-Fi settings.
   
3. Change the Network Profile from Public to Private.
   
4. Once done, check if the issue is fixed or not.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

By resetting the Windows update components, you will clear the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders, which are the temporary storage locations for Windows update files. Sometimes, the files in these folders become corrupted, preventing the Windows update utility from functioning properly.

Plus, this process restarts the necessary Windows update services that might get stopped, resulting in this issue. Follow the steps to reset the Windows update component.

1. Download the Windows Update Reset bat file from the link.
2. Once it is downloaded, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Once done, check if the Windows update utility is now loading.

4. Turn off the Third-Party Antivirus Software

If you are still experiencing the issue, consider disabling third-party antivirus software if you use it. It can interfere with the Windows update utility and prevent it from loading properly. Since none of the methods worked, it could be the third-party antivirus software causing the issue. Therefore, try disabling it temporarily.

1. Right-click the Antivirus Icon from the system tray and hover over the option related to Manage.
2. Then, select Disable for 30 minutes or Disable permanently.
   
3. Once done, the issue should be resolved.
4. Once the update is successfully installed, ensure to enable the Antivirus again.

If the problem is still not resolved, you can consider using the System Restore utility if you have a restore point created before you encountered this issue. Otherwise, you can proceed with resetting Windows without losing your data.