How to Collect Windows Update Logs Using TSS (Troubleshooting Script Toolset)

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Download and run TSS to gather critical logs
✅ Locate and analyze Windows Update logs (CBS, DISM, Event Logs)
✅ Share logs with Microsoft Support for advanced troubleshooting

Let’s dive in!

Why Use TSS for Windows Update Logs?

Windows Update failures can be frustrating, but TSS automates log collection, saving time and effort. It gathers:
✔ Windows Update logs (C:\Windows\Logs\WindowsUpdate)
✔ CBS (Component-Based Servicing) logs (for update installation failures)
✔ DISM logs (for Windows image corruption issues)
✔ Event Viewer logs (System, Application, Setup)
✔ System information (OS version, installed updates)

Instead of manually digging through logs, TSS compiles everything into a single ZIP file, ready for analysis.

Step 1: Download TSS Toolset

1. Visit Microsoft’s official TSS download page.
2. Download TSS.zip and extract it to a folder (e.g., C:\TSS).

Step 2: Run PowerShell as Administrator

• Press Win + X → Select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
• Avoid PowerShell ISE (not supported by TSS).

Step 3: Temporarily Allow Script Execution

Run this command to enable script execution (applies only to this session):

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Force

Step 4: Run TSS to Collect Windows Update Logs

Navigate to the TSS folder (e.g., C:\TSS) and run:

.\TSS.ps1 -Collectlog DND_SetupReport -AcceptEULA

📌 Key Notes:

• If you want to review the EULA, omit -AcceptEULA.
• When prompted, type A (Always run) and press Enter.

Step 5: Wait for Log Collection to Finish

The script will gather logs in the background. Progress is displayed in PowerShell.

Step 6: Find the Collected Logs

Once complete, logs are saved in:

C:\MS_DATA\TSS_<Date>_<Time>.zip

You can now:
🔹 Analyze logs manually (check WindowsUpdate.log, CBS.log)
🔹 Share the ZIP with Microsoft Support

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the issue persists, try:

.\TSS.ps1 -Collectlog Update -AcceptEULA

This gathers more detailed Windows Update diagnostics.

Common Issues & Fixes

❌ Script fails to run?

• Ensure PowerShell is running as Admin.
• Disable antivirus/firewall temporarily.
• Extract TSS to a different folder (e.g., C:\TEMP\TSS).

🔹 Need uncompressed logs?
Use -NoZip to skip ZIP creation.

Final Thoughts

TSS is a powerful, Microsoft-recommended tool for collecting Windows Update logs. Instead of manually searching through Event Viewer or log files, automate the process and get all necessary diagnostics in one place.

Have you used TSS before? Share your experience in the comments! 🚀

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