How to Protect Your Device from Risks by Updating Security and Quality Settings

Understanding the “Device at Risk” Message in Windows

If you’ve seen that warning pop up saying your device is at risk because it’s out of date or missing important security updates, you know it can be a real headache. Usually, this message appears in the Windows Update section—under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. It’s Windows warning you that your system might not be fully protected against the latest threats. The message might say that some critical security or quality updates are missing—those patches that keep hackers and malware at bay.

At first, it can be a bit worrying, especially if you’re not used to handling update issues. Basically, Windows is saying, “Hey, I need a bit of TLC to stay secure.” But what does that really mean? And how can you fix it? After some tinkering and a few late-night attempts, I discovered a few methods that actually work. Here’s what I’ve learned about what causes this warning and how to get rid of it.

What Causes the “Device at Risk” Warning?

This warning usually shows up when Windows can’t install the latest security patches or updates. Common causes include a poor internet connection, incorrect date and time settings—which can really throw things off—or glitches in the Windows Update process.

I’ve also come across errors like 0x80073712. That one’s basically Windows throwing a tantrum because it can’t find a system file it needs to finish an update. I’ve seen this happen after major feature updates or if some system files get corrupted. Interestingly, some users have reported that temporarily changing the timezone—like switching to US Pacific or even their local timezone—can make the warning disappear for a while. That’s more of a trick than a proper fix, though.

This warning isn’t just annoying—it’s a sign that something needs attention. Ignoring it could leave your device vulnerable to malware, hacking attempts, or worse. It’s like a digital alarm that shouldn’t be ignored.

How to Clear the Update Error and Remove the Warning?

Getting rid of this warning can feel tricky, especially if the usual fixes haven’t worked. Here’s what I tried and what actually helped. Keep in mind, some steps involve using the command prompt or advanced settings, so proceed carefully.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides a built-in troubleshooter. You can find it under Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update. Just run it—sometimes, it’s enough to fix minor glitches. Alternatively, you can launch it directly from the command line by typing msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic into the Run dialog (Win + R) or PowerShell. It doesn’t fix everything, but it’s worth a try.

2. Reset Windows Update components manually
If the troubleshooter doesn’t do the job, you’ll need to do a more thorough reset. This involves stopping the update services, clearing cache files, and restarting the processes. To do this, open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands one after the other:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits

This resets the update cache by renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder, which can sometimes get corrupted and cause issues. It might sound complicated, but with some patience and maybe a quick look on online forums, it’s manageable. Keep in mind, this process forces Windows to re-download update files, which can sometimes fix the root problem.

3. Clear the Software Distribution download cache
If problems persist, try deleting only the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. Be sure to stop the Windows Update service first, then delete or rename the folder, and restart the service. This forces Windows to fetch fresh update files instead of relying on possibly corrupted ones. Remember to restart your PC after and check for updates again.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted system files can block updates. To fix that, open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This repairs system files, which can resolve issues preventing updates from installing. I’ve had to do this a few times when the system behaved strangely or was missing files.

5. Adjust Group Policy Settings
If you’re using a Windows version that includes Group Policy Editor (Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions), try launching gpedit.msc. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Check policies like Configure Automatic Updates to ensure they aren’t disabling or blocking updates. Sometimes third-party tools or accidental changes can mess with these settings. Also, some OEM systems or BIOS configurations—especially around secure boot—may interfere, so it’s worth checking those if you’re having trouble.

6. Confirm Date, Time, and Time Zone Settings
Seems simple, but if your clock is way out, Windows won’t install updates. Make sure Set Time Automatically is enabled in Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time. Also, verify that your timezone is correct. I’ve temporarily switched to US Pacific just to see if the error clears before setting it back—sometimes that helps, especially on Windows 10 machines that stubbornly refuse updates until the clock matches reality.

7. Check Network and Firewall Settings
If your network blocks Windows from reaching Microsoft’s update servers, updates won’t work. Disable third-party firewalls temporarily or create a new network profile in Settings > Network & Internet. Sometimes switching to a different network—like a mobile hotspot—can help identify if the issue is with your internet connection. You can also try pinging windowsupdate.microsoft.com from Command Prompt or PowerShell to see if it’s reachable. If not, you’ll need to troubleshoot your network or firewall rules.

8. Use the Windows Media Creation Tool and Bootable USB
When all else fails, creating a bootable Windows installation media might be the best fix. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website, prepare a USB drive, and boot from it. You can attempt an in-place repair or do a clean install—just remember to back up important data beforehand. Sometimes, a fresh start is the quickest way to clear persistent update issues caused by corrupted system files or registry problems.

If Basic Fixes Don’t Work: Digging Deeper

If none of these options resolve the issue, it might be deeper corruption—like registry errors or driver conflicts. Back up your data and consider a Windows Repair Install or a full reinstall if things are really knackered. It’s not ideal, but sometimes starting from scratch is the fastest way to a securely functioning system.

One thing’s certain—ignoring that warning isn’t a good idea. Leaving your system unpatched opens you up to security risks you definitely don’t want to take.

Final Thoughts: Staying Secure and Up-to-Date

This whole process can be frustrating—I’ve been there myself. The key takeaway is to keep Windows and your other software patched and up to date. Don’t dismiss that “device at risk” message; it’s a sign that you need to take action. Sometimes, a simple restart or booting into Safe Mode helps to resolve stubborn update issues. It’s also handy to check your event logs using tools like Event Viewer or run commands such as Get-WinEvent -LogName WindowsUpdateClient in PowerShell for clues.

Honestly, fixing these errors can take a bit of patience and trying a few different approaches. But it’s worth it—your security depends on it. Hope this helps someone else struggling with the same problems. It took me ages to figure out some of these tricks, so I’m passing them on in case they save you a Saturday.