So, without access to Windows Update and the Microsoft Store, users are angry at the company. However, this is a Windows 10 problem that is not Microsoft’s fault. Instead, it seems a DNS bug is causing the problem. In fact, the reports suggest users in the United States on Comcast and in Europe on BT are experiencing the most problems. Users are reporting they cannot initiate updates through Windows Update, while the Microsoft Store is blocking app downloads and updates. A Microsoft Answers thread was started on Jan. 29, 2019, suggesting the issue has been ongoing for several days. When an update fails to start, users are presented with the same generic error message: “We couldn’t connect to the update service. We’ll try again later, or you can check now. If it still doesn’t work, make sure you’re connected to the Internet,” the error reads.
Workaround
Microsoft has not yet confirmed the issue, so it is unclear why the DNS is specifically affecting these two services. If this is an issue from network carriers, it may be a while before it is patched as the situation will be out of Microsoft’s hands. Luckily, changing DNS settings on your device will mitigate the problem. To change DNS on a Windows 10 machine, take the following steps:
Open Search Search for Control Panel Select “Network and Internet” and click Network and Sharing Center Find the Change adapter setting located on the left pane and select it Right-click the active network interface and choose “Properties”. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Type out preferred DNS server address
A machine restart may be needed
