How to Fix Stuck Windows Update

Before jumping into fixes, start with a quick reality check: does your system meet the update’s requirements? If your hardware or software isn’t compatible, no amount of troubleshooting will get the update to install. If you are still using Windows 10, keep in mind that Microsoft ended support in October 2025, so it is worth checking whether an upgrade or Extended Security Updates are available for your device.

But if your PC meets the requirements and Windows Update is still stuck, there are several potential causes to investigate. Connection problems, low storage space, corrupted system files, and broken update components can all cause Windows Update to stall. Some fixes take only a few minutes, while others require more careful troubleshooting.

10 ways to fix a stuck Windows Update

To fix a stuck Windows Update, start with the simplest, lowest-risk fixes and work your way down until the problem’s resolved. Our color-coded guide moves from green to red as solutions become more advanced or disruptive, so you’ll know when to proceed with extra caution.

Simple fixes involve basic checks.

Windows tools offer guided environments that are generally safe and straightforward because Windows does much of the work.

Technical repair involves actively modifying Windows components, including running commands such as DISM/SFC, resetting update components, or removing updates or drivers. Mistakes can have consequences, so proceed carefully.

Last-resort steps can be highly disruptive and may require significant technical skill. Consider getting expert help.

LEVEL	TO DO	COMPLEXITY
Simple fixes	Restart PC Check basic requirements	LOW
Windows tools	Run Windows Update troubleshooter Boot into Safe Mode	LOW/MID
Technical repair	Repair Windows files with SFS/DISM Reset Windows Update components and cache Uninstall a recent Windows Update	MID/HIGH
Last resort	Use System Restore Do a clean install of Windows	HIGH/requires expert skills

Step 1: Check that the update really is stuck

Don’t skip this step and intervene prematurely. Be patient. Wait and watch. Interrupting an update can cause problems with your PC.

Windows Updates can take longer than expected, particularly large feature updates or updates on slower hardware. Look for signs of activity, such as a changing percentage, progress bar, spinning dots, or disk activity. Remember that progress percentages are estimates rather than precise measurements.

If there’s no movement at all after several hours and there are no other signs of activity, the update is probably frozen. Then it’s time to move on to the simple fixes below.

Step 2: Restart your PC

Sometimes all you need to do to get a stuck Windows Update moving again is restart your computer. Try a soft restart first by opening the Start menu and selecting Restart. If you can’t enter the Start menu, press Ctrl + Alt + Del to see if you can access the security screen and restart your PC from there.

If that doesn’t work, a hard reboot involves holding down the power button to force your PC to shut down. Restarting can clear temporary problems and refresh background processes, which may help the update proceed. But don’t take a hard reboot too lightly — forcing your PC to shut down can cause data loss or other problems, particularly if Windows is actively installing an update.

Once your PC restarts, you may be notified that the update wasn’t installed properly and prompted to try again.

Step 3: Check basic requirements

Verify that all the basic requirements for installing a Windows Update are being met. Is your computer plugged in and charging? Is your internet connection stable? Slow or intermittent internet can interrupt update downloads.

Also, check your peripherals and disconnect non-essential devices, such as USB drives and external hard drives, that could interfere with the update.

If Windows Update still freezes or fails, check that you have sufficient disk space:

1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar.

2. Select This PC from the left-hand panel. The available space on your drive will appear under Devices and drives.

If necessary, take steps to free up disk space and make room for the update.

Step 4: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

If you’ve met all the basic requirements, the Windows Update troubleshooter might shine a spotlight on the problem. As the name suggests, this built-in tool scans for issues and attempts to resolve them automatically. Even when it can’t fix the issue, it may provide useful diagnostic information.

Here’s how to use the troubleshooter in Windows 10:

1. Click on the Start Menu and select Settings > Update & Security.

2. Select Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.

3. Follow the prompts to diagnose and resolve any issues.

And here’s how to run the troubleshooter in Windows 11:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings

2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters

3. Find Windows Update and click Run. Let Windows scan for problems and apply any available fixes.

4. Restart your PC when the troubleshooting is complete.

If you’ve worked through the steps above, try installing the update again. If it’s still stuck, there’s one more Windows troubleshooting environment worth trying before moving on to more technical repairs.

Step 5: Boot into Safe Mode

Booting your PC in Safe Mode starts Windows with only a limited set of drivers and services. Disabling nonessential software can make it easier to diagnose conflicts that may be contributing to an update problem.

You can access Windows Startup Settings, including Safe Mode, through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Review the official Microsoft Support Windows Startup Settings Guide for instructions on accessing these options through Settings or the Shift + Restart shortcut.

You can also use System Configuration (msconfig) to change certain startup settings. Microsoft’s official clean Boot guide explains how to troubleshoot software conflicts by starting Windows with only essential drivers and startup programs. Note that a clean boot and Safe Mode are different troubleshooting methods.

If you’re still having Windows Update problems, it’s time to move on to more advanced troubleshooting. But first, be sure to back up important files because some advanced troubleshooting steps can result in data loss if performed incorrectly.

Step 6: Repair Windows files with SFC and DISM

If a Windows Update is stuck because of corrupted system files or Windows components, two built-in repair tools can help. The System File Checker (sfc /scannow) scans protected system files and replaces corrupted files when possible. DISM can repair the Windows component store that Windows relies on for system repairs.

Microsoft generally recommends running DISM first, followed by SFC. To use these tools, you’ll need to open Command Prompt as administrator:

1. Type cmd in Windows Search, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

3. Wait for DISM to complete its scan and any necessary repairs.

4. Next, type sfc /scannowin the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

5. Wait for System File Checker to finish. The results will tell you whether Windows found integrity violations and whether it was able to repair them.

If SFC reports that it couldn’t perform the requested operation, you can try running it in Safe Mode or consult Microsoft’s System File Checker documentation for additional troubleshooting steps.

Step 7: Reset Windows Update components and cache

If corrupted update files or services are causing the problem, you can try resetting Windows Update components using Command Prompt. This process stops several update-related services, renames folders containing cached update data, and then restarts the services.

Proceed carefully and back up important files before making system-level changes:

1. Open Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. Run the following commands one at a time to stop Windows Update-related services:

   net stop wuauserv

   net stop bits

   net stop cryptsvc

   net stop msiserver

3. Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, which Windows uses to store update files:

   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

   Windows will create a new SoftwareDistribution folder when needed.

4. Rename the Catroot2 folder, which stores the signatures and catalogs Windows uses to verify updates:

   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

5. Restart Windows Update services by running the following commands:

   net start wuauserv

   net start bits

   net start cryptsvc

   net start msiserver

6. Finally, restart your PC, go to Settings > Windows Update, and try installing the update again. If it still gets stuck, move on to the next step.

Step 8: Uninstall a recent Windows Update

A problematic update or driver may sometimes cause Windows Update or Windows itself to malfunction. If the problem began immediately after installing an update, consider uninstalling that update.

Keep in mind that removing a security update can leave known vulnerabilities unpatched, so uninstall updates only when necessary and reinstall a fixed or replacement update when one becomes available.

To uninstall a recent Windows Update from Settings:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. In Windows 11, go to Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

   In Windows 10, go to Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.

3. Select the update you suspect is causing the problem (often a Cumulative Update or Feature Update) and choose Uninstall, if that option is available.

4. Restart your computer and check whether the problem is resolved.

If you can’t access Windows normally after a problematic update, you may be able to uninstall it through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) . From the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart. Windows may also enter WinRE automatically after repeated startup failures.

Once you’re in WinRE:

1. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates.

2. Select Uninstall latest quality update.

3. Confirm the uninstallation and wait for the process to complete.

4. Restart your computer.

To help ensure your drivers aren’t the culprit in the future, consider using a specialized tool like Avast Driver Updater, which can scan for outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers and help you update them.

Still stuck even though you’ve tried every step above? The following fixes are last-resort options that can significantly change your system and may result in data loss. Double check your important files are backed up before continuing, and if you’re not confident performing these steps, it’s best to contact a professional technician.

Step 9: Use System Restore

System Restore rolls back system changes to an earlier point in time — a bit like loading an earlier save point in a video game. If a recent change is interfering with Windows Update, restoring your PC to a point before the problem began may fix it. Keep in mind that apps, drivers, and system settings changed since the restore point may be reverted or removed, but your personal files are generally not affected.

To use System Restore, you’ll need a restore point from before the problem started. Windows may have created one automatically, or you may have created one manually.

Here’s how to restore Windows to an earlier point:

1. In the Start menu, type “Create a restore point.”

2. Select the result to open System Properties.

3. In the System Protection tab, select System Restore.

4. Select Next, then choose a restore point from before the Windows Update problem began. If available, select Show more restore points to see additional options.

5. Select Next > Finish.

6. Confirm the restoration. Your PC will restart and restore Windows system files and settings to the selected restore point.

Step 10: Do a clean install of Windows

If all else fails, you can perform a clean install of Windows. This removes your existing Windows installation, applications, settings, and — depending on the installation options you choose — personal files, giving you a fresh installation of the operating system.

Because a clean install can wipe the hard drive, back up all important files before proceeding. Make sure you also have anything you’ll need to reinstall your applications afterward.

To help ensure the process runs smoothly, follow Microsoft’s official instructions for reinstalling Windows and creating installation media. Because Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025, upgrading to a supported version of Windows is generally preferable on compatible hardware rather than performing a fresh Windows 10 installation .

What to do if these steps don’t work

If none of these methods fix the problem, contact Microsoft support or a professional technician who can diagnose and resolve the issue. You can also consult Microsoft’s community forums and official support resources for further advice.

Don’t give up on your PC just yet. Even seemingly serious problems can often be fixed — including the dreaded blue screen of death .

Why do Windows Updates get stuck, and what are the signs?

Windows Updates can get stuck for several reasons, including corrupted update files, insufficient storage space, software conflicts, and unstable internet connections.

Signs that an update may be stuck include a progress bar that hasn’t moved for hours, a PC caught in a restart loop, or “Configuring Windows” or “Getting Windows Ready” messages that remain on screen unusually long.

Here’s a closer look at the usual update-halting suspects:

• Corrupted update or system files: Damaged or corrupted system files (or files within the update itself) can interfere with the update process.

• Software conflicts: Antivirus and other software can hinder updates by flagging new downloads or installations. Temporarily disabling conflicting software may help, but only do so when necessary and re-enable your security software afterward.

• Hardware compatibility issues: Older hardware may not be compatible with newer Windows Updates designed for more recent devices.

• Insufficient disk space: Windows Updates need free space to install, so a drive packed with files and applications can cause updates to stall.

• Poor or unstable internet connection: Updates downloaded from the internet need a stable connection to install properly. Connection issues can interrupt the process, so check that your internet is working reliably.

• Update dependencies or sequencing issues: Some updates rely on particular drivers, features, or other components being installed and up to date.

Get your PC ready for smoother updates

Before a major Windows Update, outdated drivers can create unnecessary friction. Avast Driver Updater helps you scan for and update old or faulty drivers, reducing the chance of compatibility issues and helping your system run more smoothly when it matters most. Try Avast Driver Updater for free to get your system up to date and running at its best.