Windows Update Stuck at 100: Find Causes and Expert Solutions

Why Is Windows Update Stuck at 100

As a key part of the operating system, Windows Update ensures smooth system performance and security by installing important updates.

However, for Windows users, update problems are nothing new. Updates may sometimes simply fail to start, or initially run well but then get stuck at some point. Many users have reported the issue of Windows update stuck at 100.

When restarting the PC to install updates, you may see the following message and get stuck on that screen for a long time.

Working on update 100% complete

Don’t turn off your PC. This will take a while.

It can be incredibly frustrating, preventing the machine from restarting automatically.

This issue can be caused by the following factors:

• Pending updates: A previous incomplete update or pending updates can block the current installation.
• Large updates: Updates are large or complex, which may require extended installation time.
• Corrupted files: The downloaded update files may be damaged, or there could be underlying corruption in system files, disrupting the update process.
• Conflicting software or drivers: The third-party software or outdated drivers can interfere with the update process.
• Insufficient space: Windows updates require a significant amount of free disk space to install. If the space is not enough, the update process may halt.
• External devices: Connected USB devices and other peripherals can cause conflicts, triggering a stuck update.

After knowing the potential causes, let’s explore what to do when the Windows update is stuck.

Generally speaking, you should consider backing up data beforehand and taking troubleshooting steps.

Back up Data Before Fixing the Stuck Update

It is crucial to back up your data before trying to fix “Windows update stuck at 100%” due to the possible risk of data loss. Specifically, human errors when fixing the update may corrupt or delete your files.

To back up data, MiniTool ShadowMaker is strongly recommended. Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, this professional PC backup software works well for disk/partition/system/folder/file backup and recovery.

Even if the operating system doesn’t load normally, it makes data backup easy and efficient, thanks to its user-friendly interface and bootable media creation feature.

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Then, follow the instructions to make a backup.

Step 1: Insert the bootable drive or disc into the unbootable computer. Also, prepare another USB drive or an external drive and connect it to that machine to store the backed-up data.

Step 2: Press Esc, F2, Del, or F10 to enter the BIOS menu and boot the system from that bootable drive/disc.

Step 3: Follow the prompts to launch MiniTool ShadowMaker in the MiniTool recovery environment.

Step 4: Head to Backup and select the backup source and target.

1. Choose SOURCE > Folders and Files, tick files or folders to back up, and click OK.
2. Click DESTINATION, choose an external drive, and then click OK.

Step 5: Perform the data backup by tapping on Back Up Now.

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Upon the backup, we will outline several solutions to resolve the stuck update issue.

How to Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100

If you are struggling with “working on updates 100 complete stuck”, first, wait longer, as the update may still be processing.

If the issue persists, try a forced restart, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, clear the update cache, remove external devices, and repair corrupted system files.

Here is a breakdown of the solutions.

Method 1: Wait for the Process to Complete

Even after the progress reaches 100% completion on the screen, the system may still be configuring updates in the background. The updates may be complex and large, requiring more time to complete the final step.

It is recommended to wait for at least another hour before taking further action. Usually, it is better to wait for 2-3 hours.

If the issue persists, proceed with the methods below.

Method 2: Remove Any USB Peripherals

Your Windows 11/10 computer may be connected to various external USB devices, such as USB sticks, printers, external hard drives, and other peripherals.

However, these external devices may conflict with the update process, causing the system to get stuck on the “working on updates 100% complete” screen.

To fix the stuck issue, remove those USB peripherals.

Some users reported that the update completes quickly after disconnecting the external devices.

Method 3: Force Restart Your PC

If Windows updates are still stuck after waiting several hours and removing external devices, force a restart of the computer.

Here is how to do that:

Step 1: Press and hold the Power button on your computer until the system shuts down.

Step 2: Remove the power supply. If possible, remove the battery from your laptop.

Step 3: Wait for a few minutes and reconnect the power supply and battery.

Step 4: Boot your PC and see if the issue is solved.

Method 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 11 and Windows 10. It is tailored for automatically diagnosing and fixing common issues that block Windows updates from installing correctly.

To restore the stuck updates, it is worth a try.

See how to run it:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app by pressing Win + I on your keyboard.

Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Step 3: Select Additional troubleshooters and locate Windows Update from the list. Then, click Run the troubleshooter.

Step 4: The troubleshooter begins to detect update problems. Once problems are detected, click Apply the fix to repair them.

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After that, restart the system, perform an update again, and see if it can complete.

Method 5: Set Windows Update Service to Automatic

The Windows Update service is responsible for automatically downloading and installing updates on your computer, keeping the system secure and smooth.

However, you may configure it incorrectly, or the service itself doesn’t function properly for some reason. If this is the case, you are likely to encounter the issue of “Windows 11/Windows 10 update stuck at 100”.

Setting the Windows Update service’s startup type to automatic may work.

So do that:

Step 1: In the Search box, type services, and choose the best match to open the app.

Step 2: Find Windows Update and double-click on this service to open the Properties window.

Step 3: Set Startup type to Automatic and save the change by clicking Apply > OK.

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Method 6: Clear Update Cache

The SoftwareDistribution folder is located in your C drive. It temporarily stores the update files that have been downloaded from Microsoft’s servers but have not yet been installed.

Clearing it can resolve many update problems, including the issue of “Windows update stuck at 100”.

Take these steps for this task:

Step 1: Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E.

Step 2: Access the path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all the files and folders.

After deletion, Windows will automatically recreate the folder and re-download any necessary files to facilitate a new installation.

Method 7: Run SFC and DISM

When installing Windows updates, corrupted or missing system files may interfere with the process, causing “Windows update stuck at 100%”.

You can run System File Checker (SFC) & Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) to repair any corruption in system files and the Windows image.

Follow the following steps to perform the scans:

Step 1: Type CMD in the Search box, right-click on Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to start the scan.

Step 3: After it finishes, execute the DISM scan by running the command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

Then, restart the system and check if your issue is resolved.

Method 8: Perform a System Restore

A restore point is a snapshot of the system files, registry, and settings, which allows you to revert the computer to an earlier state.

When the Windows update is stuck at 100%, running a system restore is recommended. It can restore your system to a point in time before the update began.

To do that:

Step 1: In the Run dialog box (press Win + R to open it), type rstrui.exe, and click OK to access the System Restore window.

Step 2: Click Next and check the created time to pick the right restore point. You can double-click on the selected restore point to see the affected programs and drivers.

Step 3: Confirm your restore point and begin the process by clicking Finish > Yes.

Method 9: Uninstall the Problematic Update

If the Windows update still gets stuck, the culprit may be the update itself that goes wrong. Try to uninstall the recent update in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Take these steps:

Step 1: Go to WinRE using installation media or by forcing a shutdown three times. Refer to this guide on how to open Advanced Startup Options to find details.

Step 2: Click Troubleshooting > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.

Step 3: Uninstall the recent feature or quality update by following the instructions on the screen.

Your issue may disappear. Then, re-download and reinstall updates under Windows Update in Settings.

Bottom Line

To sum up, this post has introduced what causes “Windows update stuck at 100%” and shown 9 solutions to solve it. Besides, backing up valuable files is recommended before fixing the stuck update for security.

If you are confronted with the same issue, try these methods. Of course, if you have any better solutions, you can share them with us. Also, tell us if you have any problems when using MiniTool software by sending an email to [email protected].

Windows Update Stuck at 100 FAQ