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SawyerGage's avatar
SawyerGage
Iron Contributor
Nov 03, 2025

System > Troubleshoot > Other trouble-shooters - do not run, gives error pop-up...

Hi Guys,

Been trying to resolve recent updates not installing, so tried running the Windows Update trouble shooter, but when I click on the "Run" button (System > Troubleshoot > Other trouble-shooters) I just get a pop-up error message (see below).


I also get the same error if I click on "Run" for any of other trouble-shooters.

I have heard rumours that the trouble-shooters are being 'retired', but surely they shouldn't bomb-out like this?

Also, if there another, more up to date Windows Update trouble-shooter?

Cheers,

Mike

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1 Reply

  • pmnmpr's avatar
    pmnmpr
    Copper Contributor
    Nov 03, 2025

    Hi Mike

    good question, and yes, this is something several users have recently run into.
    Here’s what’s happening and how to fix or work around it.

     

    Microsoft has started retiring the legacy troubleshooters (including Windows Update, Internet Connections, Bluetooth, etc.) across Windows 10 and 11.

    • The Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters page still lists them,
      but many are no longer linked to their executable tools (.diagcab or msdt.exe-based troubleshooters).
    • When you click Run, Windows tries to launch a missing or unregistered .diagcab file, which triggers the error:

    “This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action...”

    So yes — it’s not your system’s fault, but rather a result of Microsoft deprecating the MSDT framework in favor of the new Get Help and Windows Troubleshooter Platform (WTP) tools.

     

    Solutions:

    Option 1 – Use the new “Get Help” app (recommended)

    1. Press Windows + R → type gethelp → Enter
    2. In the search box, typeWindows Update troubleshooter
    3. The new AI-based assistant will automatically detect update issues and attempt to fix them (this is the officially supported replacement).

    Alternatively, you can search in the Start menu for Get Help → open it → type your problem.

    Option 2 – Use command-line troubleshooters (if still present)

    Some older .diagcab troubleshooters may still exist locally.

    Try these in command prompt:

    msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic

    or

    msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic /skip yes

    If you get the same “no association” or “file not found” error, it means your Windows build has fully removed MSDT.
    In that case, proceed with the Get Help method.

    Option 3 – Run built-in update repair tools manually

    If you just want to repair Windows Update manually, you can still do so via command prompt:

    net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc

    Then restart your PC and recheck for updates.

    Option 4 – Use DISM and SFC for possible corruption

    Run these commands (in Command Prompt as Administrator):

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

    This will repair system file associations that might also cause the "no app associated" error if it’s due to corruption rather than deprecation.

    Extra Note

    Microsoft officially states that MSDT troubleshooters will be fully removed by 2025, replaced with new troubleshooters under the Windows Troubleshooter Platform.
    Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/planning/msdt-and-troubleshooter-retirement

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