Windows Update Stuck: 9 Easy Ways to Solve It

Are you trying to figure out how to solve a Windows update stuck? It’s one of the things you don’t need to be aware of… till you have!

Most times, Windows 10 runs smoothly, effortlessly updating what is required to be upgraded without any help from us users. However, it happens that all the hard work in the background gets slightly clogged, and one of the updates becomes stuck.

Most often, a Windows update stuck can be caused by a software conflict or a preexisting issue that causes the display to freeze. Even Windows laptops may experience problems from time to time

Why Is My Windows Update Stuck on Restart?

Windows gets stuck on restart and during a Windows update. Something went wrong is a frequent problem when updating the Windows OS in Windows 10 or 11. The error that occurs during updating can be observed on Windows 8, 7, Vista, and other versions of Windows. To understand how to fix this issue, we need to determine the cause of this error.

Windows updates may become stuck when they are restarted after the patch is installed, either during shutdown or startup. It is usually a software conflict or a known issue that is discovered during Windows updates. It also occurs due to an update-related issue. Other common reasons include:

• Outdated drivers
• Corrupt system files
• Poor Internet connection
• No update to Windows
• The safe boot is disabled.
• Antivirus interference
• Malware/computer viruses attack

Since Windows needs to configure various software and devices, it is quite common for Windows to encounter this issue. If your computer is stuck at the restarting screen, do not panic. Follow these simple solutions to resolve the Windows update stuck problem. Stay tuned!

How to Fix the Windows Update Stuck

1. Make Sure the Update Is Actually Stuck

We’ll discuss several solutions to fix Windows update stuck for multiple variations of Windows and a range of Windows update errors, so you can use specific steps depending on your specific circumstances and the software you are using.

The first thing to remember is that tampering with updates that aren’t really stuck can cause a variety of issues, and it is important to ensure they’re not stuck.

If you have the time and patience, we’d suggest taking a few hours, particularly with slower machines. Go and trim the grass or go to the cinema. It might seem like a lot, but you should not get involved in these basic processes unless you are absolutely required to.

Also read: 10 Best Windows Update Blocker Software for Windows 11

2. Restart your PC

Do you know the reason why Windows update stuck? “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” is such a popular IT support routine. Because when it is possible to fix an issue quickly with a Windows upgrade, it often succeeds. There’s no magic formula to this. It simply eliminates the memory of your computer’s temporary files (including any processes or files) and lets Windows begin again with everything that’s on the system.

When your update is stuck on downloading, even though you’re still accessing Windows, you can restart it in the normal way. However, if they’re not able to progress before and after OS is loaded, you’ll be required to press the power button and then perform an unintentional reset. This could cause problems by itself, and your updates definitely aren’t progressing at all.

3. Check the Windows Update utility

If you are using Windows 10, you can find the Windows Update page by opening the Settings app in the Start menu and then clicking Update and Security. If something is wrong and Windows recognizes what it is, it will provide information. Sometimes, you’ll receive an error message for an update again after some time.

If you go to ‘Advanced options’ in the menu bar and select ‘View Your updates’, you will be able to find recent successful updates. You can then remove any (or all) of them. It can also be an excellent option for troubleshooting. Windows 10 has actually streamlined the updating process, which means you’ll be seeing fewer errors.

4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft understands your frustration. It knows the update process can trigger issues now and again, and the Troubleshooter app offers to fix the Windows update stuck issue. You can search for the outdated Control Panel for “troubleshooting,” after selecting ‘Fixing issues by using Windows Update’ from the options on screen.

It should be accessible for Windows 7 and 8, too. However, if it isn’t, you can also find it on the internet. However, if you’re not yet updated to Microsoft’s most recent and best operating system, it’s still worth it, as it’s more likely than not to fix your update issues in the process.

5. Start Windows in Safe Mode

Safe Mode works like an unintentional restart, but with basic applications, and the code Windows requires to run is installed into the memory of Windows, which means you’re less likely to encounter a true, damaged, or rogue file interfering with the upgrade. In Windows 10, hold down the Shift button, and then select Power, then Restart in the Windows sign-in screen.

The next screen you’ll see Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, Startup Settings, and Restart. Then, you’ll find that the Safe Mode option appears: try running through the update process again, if you’re able. A quick Google search will provide Safe Mode instructions for older versions of Windows.

6. Use System Restore

Systems Restore has been a great help in solving Windows update stuck; it’s obscure inside Windows 10. Go to Control Panel, System, System Protection, and select System Restore. Follow the wizard and select ‘Show additional restore points’ to view all the available options.

Select a date and time and then follow the wizard to restore the way Windows was set up at that time (and hopefully, resolve your issues with updating simultaneously). The procedure won’t affect your personal files or applications; however, it might not be accessible to you based on the way Windows was originally set up.

7. Clear Windows Update Cache

If Windows’ own troubleshooter fails to function, you can try to perform the same procedure yourself, for example, stop the Windows Update service, delete temporary files, and then restart Windows Update. This is a bit more complicated but not too difficult to carry out.

Then, boot up in Safe Mode and go to Command Prompt, which is one of the most fundamental Windows interfaces. Right-click on the Start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin), and a text box will be displayed. Enter “net stop wuauserv” and hit Enter, and then follow it by typing “net stop bits” and hitting Enter again.

Back in Windows proper, go to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and then delete anything you discover in it. It’s not likely to break anything by doing this; These are simply temporaries that Windows creates to know the location of its files. And Windows Update will create them completely from scratch.

After that, you can return to the command prompt and start typing “net start wuauserv” (Enter) and then “net start bits” (Enter) to make Windows Update and its related background services function again. Hopefully this will be enough to restart an update previously in the dead.

Also read: How to Fix Video Scheduler Internal Error in Windows 10/11

8. Run a Virus Scan

One of the most obscure reasons why a Windows update isn’t being installed is that an infection or a form of spyware blocks it. These types of malware tend to evade Windows security updates, which is the reason they attempt to stop the latest updates from being installed on your computer.

Try running a virus scan with any security program you’ve installed (you are probably running some, do you?). If you believe your antivirus software may have been compromised, you can download a few third-party antivirus programs.

9. Reset Windows as a Last Resort

Restoring important Windows files and options for the OS is much simpler than it used be. Resetting Windows 10 gets all Windows system files back to factory state, without affecting your personal data in the process (although you may choose to change your drive if you want to).

The option is available on the Recovery tab of the Update & Security page in the Settings application. Note that third-party programs are removed and will require installation again. Windows 8 offers both reset and refresh options, and for Windows 7, the reset option is typically provided by the PC manufacturer.

Final Thoughts

A Windows update stuck issue can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s fixable without professional help. Start with patience and basic fixes, then move to advanced solutions only if necessary.

Keeping your system updated ensures better performance, stability, and security, so it’s worth taking the time to resolve stuck Windows update issue.

FAQs: Windows Update Stuck