The Windows Update history log is used to record all the previous attempts of Windows update installations. If an update fails to install, an entry will be added. Even if the update has been installed successfully later, either by installing a later compiled pack that includes the failed update or by Automatic Update in the background, those logged items remain in the update history.
Therefore, the history is not related to the current system status. To check whether Windows is up-to-date, we can have a check with Windows Update.
Also, please understand the information of Windows Update history is in a file and if you would like to delete it, all the update history, not just the installation failures will be removed.
To clear the Windows Update history, please follow the steps below:
- Go to start..
Search for cmd and open with administrator rights.. - Now type – net stop WuAuServ and press enter to stop the Windows Update Services
- Once you press enter you will get the result like “The Windows Update Service was stopped successfully”
- Now Go to Start and search for %windir% and open SoftwareDistribution >> DataStore
- Now you can see DataStore.edb
Just rename it as DataStoreold - Now go back to command prompt screen and Start the Windows Update Service
Type — net start WuAuServ and press enter - Once you press enter you will get “The Windows update service was started successfully” message
- Now go back to update
- Kudos, the history is empty now..
Watch the video for the full demonstration of the above steps