One of the most common problems users may encounter is Windows update getting stuck. This is very annoying since people don't know how much time they have to wait before the update gets finished. What’s more, some even can’t confirm whether the Windows Update is stuck or just running slow. This page shows you all how to deal with such a situation.

Updates of applications and systems are very important since they add new features and enhance performance & security overall. Considering this, many Windows users would like to get the updates installed as soon as Microsoft releases them. However, many of them complained about the same problem – Windows update stuck.

Windows Update Stuck Situations

Once you start Windows Update on a computer, it will work silently and automatically in the background until the available updates are listed. Users can choose the ones they want to install or just install them all. After that, they should wait for the completion of the installation (your computer may be restarted a few times during the process). However, many people encounter Windows stuck on updates.

  • Windows update stuck at checking for updates/Windows update stuck at checking your PC
  • Windows update stuck at downloading updates/the progress bar is stuck
  • Windows updates stuck on blue screen/Windows update frozen while installing updates
Tip: To prevent your important data from getting lost during the update process, you should make a backup of them in advance. However, if you didn’t have a chance to do so when finding files are lost, please get the safe and powerful recovery tool from the home page to help you recover them.

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What Causes Windows Update Stuck

Your Windows update could get stuck due to lots of reasons. According to feedback, the most possible causes are software conflict, preexisting issues in the system, and Windows updates issues.

[Update 2021] How To Recover Lost Files After Windows Update?

Is Windows Update Really Stuck

How long does Windows 10 update take? The Windows 10 update process may take some time, ranging from several minutes to several hours or even a day.

  • If the system is installed on HDD, the Windows update will take 90 minutes or more.
  • However, if you’re using an SSD, the update should take between 10 and 30 minutes.

Is your Windows update taking forever? If the Windows 10 updates stuck at a point for a very long time (about 3 hours or more), the process is sure stuck. You should start working on updates stuck.

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How to Fix Windows 10 Update Stuck or Frozen

Please try the solutions below when your Windows update freezes.

#1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I.
  2. Click Update & Security.
  3. Shift to Troubleshoot in the left pane.
  4. Select Windows Update in the right pane.
  5. Click on the Run the troubleshooter button and wait.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue.

Run the troubleshooter

#2. Access the Login Screen

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to access the login screen.
  2. Sign in as you normally do.

This is a quick fix for Windows 10 update stuck.

#3. Restart Computer

  • Press the power button to turn your computer off and then press it again to turn on.
  • You can also use the reset button.
  • Besides, you should try to start your PC in Safe Mode to solve the problem.

#4. Delete Windows Update Cache

  1. Press Windows + S.
  2. Type cmd.
  3. Right click on Command Prompt.
  4. Choose Run as administrator.
  5. Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
  6. Type net stop bits and press Enter.
  7. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all files in it.
  8. You can also type Remove-Item -path c:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution in Command Prompt window and press Y to confirm.
  9. Restart your computer.

If the problem is solved, you should repeat step 1~4 to run net start wuauserv and net start bits.

Delete SoftwareDistribution folder files

#5. Perform System Restore

You should perform a system restore to cancel the changes; this is very useful if there’s problem with the Windows installation. You may access System Restore from Safe Mode or from the Advanced Startup Options. Then, choose a proper restore point for the system.

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#6. Try Startup Repair

If the System Restore failed, you should turn to the automatic repair feature. Please access the Startup Repair from the Advanced Startup Options screen. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to continue.

#7. Reset Your PC

If above method still failed, you should also try to Reset PC.

  1. Press Windows + I.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Shift to Recovery.
  4. Click on the Get started button under Reset this PC.

How To Factory Reset Windows 10: Full Guide.

Reset this PC

#8. Clean Install Windows

If the problem persists, you still have a trump card: perform a clean installation of your Windows system. Your previous copy of Windows will be removed and the system drive will be erased. Then, you can install Windows again from scratch.

Other fixes for Windows update stuck:

  • Make a quick-fix batch file
  • Update computer BIOS
  • Test memory, check CPU and RAM
  • Update Windows with Media Creation Tool
  • Update Windows from Microsoft Update Catalog
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