Windows 10 Update can stop working for lots of reasons, like getting stuck while looking for updates or failing to finish installing something. Figuring out what to do next can be tricky, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here’s what you should do if Windows Update gets stuck.
What to Do When Windows 10 Update Is Stuck
Windows Update is important for your computer, but it can sometimes have problems. Sometimes, it gets stuck and doesn’t move forward. Even though your computer is still working, the progress bar might stop showing any updates
There are plenty of reasons why Windows Update gets stuck, and there are plenty of ways to get it moving again:
Windows Update might just require some time to resolve, especially if you’re running older hardware. It should (hopefully) untangle itself over time.
If it doesn’t, you can try running the Windows Update troubleshooter and see if it finds any issues.
You might also have to try more advanced techniques. This involves clearing the Windows cache, booting the operating system in safe mode, and using System Restore to roll back to an earlier time.
Also, Read How to Resolve Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot Issues
1. Perform Some Quick Fixes to Get Windows 10 Update Unstuck Again
Before you do anything advanced, try these small tricks that can help unstick Windows Update:
Reboot your system.
Disconnect any attached media drives and disable any active VPNs.
Check that you have enough disk space available for the update. If you need more, you will need to delete some files or folders to free up disk space.
Temporarily disable your antivirus software and turn off Windows Defender.
If none of these work, it’s time for some more advanced tricks.
2. Give Windows Update 10 Some Time
Sometimes when your computer is updating, it might seem like it’s stuck. But actually, it might just need some time to finish up. How long it takes depends on how big the update is and how fast your internet is. So, don’t worry if it’s taking a bit longer than expected.
Wait patiently for your computer to finish updating, especially if it’s an older model. If the issue continues after a few hours, you can begin fixing it.
3. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft’s official Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter might not solve all your issues, but it’s a great first step. Even if it doesn’t fix everything, it could point you in the right direction.
To run the troubleshooter, launch Windows Settings and head to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. There, click Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
The troubleshooter will scan the service for bugs and errors and automatically fix any it finds. If a fix isn’t available, it might still tell you the error code. You will have to look online for solutions, though.
4. Clear the Windows Cache
If the update keeps failing, the files likely get messed up while downloading. To fix this, just clear the Windows Update cache.
First, go to the Start menu and search for “command prompt.” Then, right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator.”
In the Command Prompt window 10 that opens, type in “net stop wuauserv” and hit Enter. This will stop the Windows Update service on your computer.
Open the View tab and make sure that the box labelled Hidden Items is ticked. Select all items in the folder and delete them.
5. Use the Services Console
If your Windows Update gets stuck while searching for updates, you can try using the services console to get it going again. Just search for “services” in the Start menu and pick the top result
6. Scan Your Computer for Viruses
If your Windows Update seems stuck, it could be due to a virus or malware. Don’t worry, Windows has tools you can use to check for viruses without having to buy antivirus software.
7. Turn Off Automatic Updates
If you’re having trouble because an update didn’t install properly, consider turning off automatic updates. This can prevent further issues. Otherwise, Windows will keep trying to download the update, undoing any changes if it encounters an error. To stop Windows 10 updates temporarily:
Press the Windows key + I to bring up Settings.
Head to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Advanced options and scroll down to Pause updates.
Select for how long Windows should pause installing updates.
8. Launch Windows in Safe Mode
When you boot up your computer in Safe Mode, it starts without any extra apps running. This can be handy if you’re having trouble with your Windows 10 Update getting stuck. But before you give it a go, it’s a good idea to learn a bit about Safe Mode: what it does, how it works, and how to make the most of it.
9. Use System Restore to Revert Windows to an Earlier Time
If you’ve made a backup for your computer, you can easily undo any changes and get it back to how it was when everything was fine. Here’s how you can do it:
Launch Control Panel.
Head to View By and select Large Icons or Small Icons.
Click Recovery > Open System Restore > Next. Windows 10 will display the available restore point. To load an older restore point, check the Show More restore points option.
Select the restore point and click Next.
10. Check to See If Other People Are Experiencing the Same Problem
If your Windows 10 Update isn’t working right, try looking up online if others are having the same problem.
If you discover a problem, you might just need to wait until Microsoft releases a fix. Other times, you might find that one of the methods mentioned earlier helps fix the issue.
