Garmin Instinct software unable to be updated due to connectivity issues.

3281940 said:

all normal troubleshooting recommendations followed

Have you tried restarting the watch? Then if not working, resetting the watch to factory defaults?

3281940 said:

Garmin instinct will show up on Garmin express software and will receive a message stating the Garmin Express Servers are unavailable.

Typically, Garmin Express is going to be the most reliable way to get your watch up to the latest version. IIRC, I've seen that error when my username and/or password for my Garmin account was wrong. Such as after I reset my password but didn't update it in Garmin Express. If you're sure all is well, then next step would be to uninstall Garmin Express, check the option "Delete all Garmin Express files from your computer." 

Then download the latest version from Garmin - Garmin Express - Windows | Garmin

Then reinstall the app.

More here - Garmin Express Displays a Server Error Message | Garmin Customer Support

If still no joy, contact Garmin Product Support directly.

I have talked to Garmin product support, sounds like the software version is too far behind to salvage it. They have offered a new Instinct device at a discounted rate.

Any one else with any ideas?

Otherwise thanks for your help!!

Well, try re-installing the Express or at least re-adding the watch to it, even when one watch works with it, other may not, duno why, maybe some setting or cache got wrong, but indeed it may help to connect.