FIX: Windows 10 Your device is at risk – Cannot Update Windows (Solved). (2024)

On a Windows 10 based computer, the following warning message is displayed in Update and Security center: "We couldn't connect to the update service. Your device is at risk because it's out of date and missing important security and quality updates. Let’s get you back on track so Windows can run more securely."

The above warning message, is a typical information from Windows 10, if your system needs to be updated, so the usual solution to fix the warning, is to check and install all available updates. But, in some cases the above warning message is displayed, if Windows cannot update your system for some reason (e.g. If Windows 10 couldn't connect to the update service).

This tutorial contains instructions to resolve the Windows 10 update error "We couldn't connect to the update service, Your device is at risk and out of date".

How to fix: Cannot Update Windows 10 – Your device is at risk.

Important: Before applying the methods mentioned below to troubleshoot Windows 10 Update/Upgrade issues, proceed and apply the following steps and then try to update Windows again. If the update fails again, then proceed to the method below.

1. Ensure that you have signed in with an account with administrative privileges.
2. Make sure that the Date, Time & Regional settings are correct.
3. Download and install the Servicing stack update, according to your Windows 10 version. (To view the Windows 10 version go to: Settings –> System –> About.)

• Servicing stack update for Windows 10 Version 1607
• Servicing stack update for Windows 10 Version 1703
• Servicing stack update for Windows 10 Version 1709
• Servicing stack update for Windows 10 Version 1803
• Servicing stack update for Windows 10 Version 1809

Method 1. Install the latest cumulative update manually.

Method 2. Uninstall the KB4058043 Update.

Method 3: Change DNS Settings.

Method 4. Force Windows to re-create the Windows Update Store folder

Method 1. Install the latest cumulative update manually.

The first method to fix the "Your device is at risk because it’s out of date" warning message, is to install manually the latest cumulative update for Windows 10 from Microsoft Update Catalog. To do that:

1. According your Windows 10 version, click the corresponding link below.

• Download Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607.
• Download Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1703.
• Download Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1709.
• Download Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1803.
• Download Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1809.

2. Sort the results by date (Last Updated).
3. Locate the latest cumulative update and then click the Download button.

4. When the Download is completed, proceed to install the Update.

Method 2. Uninstall the KB4058043 Update.

In some Windows 10 PC's, the update issues and the update warning message "Your device is at risk because it’s out of date", is caused after the installation of the update KB4058043. So, proceed and uninstall the KB4058043 Update. To do that:

1. Go to Settings -> Update and Security and click View installed update history.

2. Click Uninstall updates.

3. Highlight the KB4058043 update (if exists) and click Uninstall.

4. After uninstalling the update, try to check for updates again. If the update fails again, then proceed and install the latest cumulative update for your Windows 10 version. (See instructions at Method 1 above).

Method 3: Change DNS Settings.

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.

2. Click Adapter Settings on the left.

3. Double click to open the active Network Connection (e.g. the "Local Area Connection").

4. Select the 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click Properties.

5. Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and type the following Google DNS Server addresses:

• 8.8.8.8
• 8.8.4.4

6. Press OK (twice) to close network properties.

7. Restart you computer.

Method 4. Force Windows to re-create the Windows Update Store folder

The final method to fix the "Your device is at risk" update error in Windows 10, is to recreate the Windows Update Store folder ("C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution"), which is the location where Windows stores the downloaded updates. To do that:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open run command box.
2. In run command box, type: services.msc and press Enter.

3. Right click on Windows Update service and select Stop.

4. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows folder.
5. Select and Delete the “SoftwareDistribution” folder.*
(Click Continue at "Folder Access Denied" window).

* Note: The next time that the Windows Update will run, a new empty SoftwareDistribution folder will be automatically created by Windows to store updates.

6. Restart your computer and then try to check for updates. If the problem, persists, then follow the instructions in this comprehensive troubleshooting guide to fix Windows 10 Update problems.

That's it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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