10 Methods to Fix “Windows Update Stuck”

Is Windows Update becoming stuck in the middle of a process? It is the most prevalent issue that many Windows users encounter. Windows update service is necessary. It guarantees that your system has all the newest features and security patches.

The operating system’s update repetition is determined by the features available. The extent of the security risk. Windows Update process is simple, and consumers have complete control.

Methods To Fix A Stuck Windows 10 Update

1. Wait For some time And Force Restart Windows.
2. Run the DISM command
3. Launch Windows In Safe Mode
4. Manually Download the Updates.
5. Run Windows Troubleshooter Program
6. Launch Antivirus Scan
7. Install Windows from scratch.
8. Startup Repair Using System Restore Point 
9. Delete Files in Software Distribution
10. Update BIOS

1. Wait For Some Time And Force Restart Windows

It may appear to be the obvious solution to the situation. The most straightforward approach is to give it a little more time. Its possible progress indicator isn’t moving, but it doesn’t indicate anything is happening.

Windows provides cumulative updates monthly. Other update releases are bundled into a single, easy-to-install download and installation. On a twice-yearly basis, you’ll also see significantly more significant feature improvements.

The Windows operating system has undergone significant changes. It includes many bug fixes as well as new features and modifications to the general user experience. These modifications can be substantial and time-consuming to complete.

Force a restart if your Windows 10 update has been stuck for an hour or more. Only do this if your computer is truly unresponsive. It’s possible to ruin your system by restarting in the middle of an update cycle. To get everything back up and running, you’ll need to reinstall Windows.

2. Run the DISM Command

Because it includes DISM instructions, this solution is only for sophisticated users.

The steps are as follows:

• Select the ‘Administrative privileges’ option from the ‘command prompt’ window.

• Enter the command below, then hit Enter. It only takes minutes to perform this task.

• DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

• Use the commands below to repair a damaged Windows Update containing external files. Instead of C:/Repair/Source/Windows, use the actual source location.
• Enter the following command and click Enter:

• sfc/scannow

• Now close the command prompt page and try the  Windows updates once more.

3. Launch Windows In Safe Mode

Only the most essential apps and code that Windows needs to run are stored in Safe Mode. There’s even less possibility of a rogue, damaged file interfering with the Windows updates.

• To get to Settings, press Windows+I or go to Start Menu and then Settings.
• Then select Update & Security, followed by Recovery.

• Restart now by selecting Advanced-startup. It will cause your system to reboot and display a special Choose an option screen.

• Select Troubleshoot then Advanced options. Start-up Settings and Restart from the Choose an option screen.
• Press F4 to start your system in Safe Mode once it has booted up again and you have reached the sign-in page.
• Press F5 to enable the Safe Mode (Networking) if you also need to browse the internet while in safe mode.

4. Manually Download the Updates

This method involves using an external utility called WSUS Offline Update to fix the stalled update. This utility aids in the download and installation process of Windows update.

The utility must be launched and used to download and install the updates. Here’s how to make use of the tool:

• Install the WSUS Offline Update program on your computer. 
• Run the UpdateGenerator.exe feature after extracting the utility to a separate folder.
• Select the correct Windows version (x64 Global for 64-bit, x86 Global for 32-bit). When you select the ‘Start’ option, the program will begin downloading the updates.
• The speed of your network connection determines the speed of updates. When your system has a fresh OS installation, it may take longer.
• When the download is complete, access the WSUS tool’s ‘Client’ folder and launch the UpdateInstaller.exe app.
• Click ‘Start’ to begin installing all of the updates you’ve downloaded. The update service will function properly once all of the updates have been installed.

5. Run Windows Troubleshooter Program

Run Windows 10 Troubleshooter feature to fix a “stuck windows” problem.

• To begin, press the ‘Start button. Look for the option called ‘Troubleshooting.
• Go to the System and Security function in the control panel’s troubleshooters list.

• Select the option to “Fix difficulties with Windows Update.”

• In the troubleshooting Windows Update window, select the ‘Advanced’ option.
• Under advanced settings, enable the tick for the option to “Apply fixes automatically.”

• Select the ‘Run as Administrator’ option and then the ‘Next’ option.
• It will give the tool administrative capabilities. It allows erasing the relevant files from the download cache with ease.

The troubleshooter feature can help you figure out what’s causing your problems and then fix them by deleting the blocked update. You can re-run the update.

6. Launch Antivirus Scan

Windows 10 includes Windows Security, which is a built-in antivirus program. Whether you fear your device is infected, you can use the Windows Security Centre to run a virus scan to see if any malicious files are there.

• The Windows Security Centre icon in the system tray can be used to open it. Alternatively, type “Windows Security” into the Start menu to open it.
• Go to the app’s home screen and click the “Virus & threat protection” tile to access the antivirus page.

• To scan your device, go to “Current threats” and click the “Quick scan” option. It may take time to complete, but you can continue to use your computer while it does so.

• After the scan is ended, the results will be displayed on the “Current threats” panel.
• If threats are discovered, the “Threat history” button will provide you with information about them.

7. Install Windows From Scratch

A clean install includes deleting all of the data on the hard disk where Windows is installed. Then, on the same hard disk, reinstalling Windows from scratch. If you don’t have to, you don’t want to do it. If the steps before this one failed, this is a highly likely fix. It cleans any software conflicts into the operating system.

8. Startup Repair Using System Restore Point 

It’s not always possible to remedy a stuck Windows update, especially if there’s a problem with your Windows installation. You can access System Restore Point to restore Windows to a previous state.

• Open the Run dialogue box to access your System Restore points by pressing Win + R. Click OK after typing sysdm.cpl.

• Click the System Restore tab in the System Properties window.
• Select a Windows Restore point before your failed update in the System Restore window by clicking Next. To continue, click Next.
• To confirm, click Finish. It will take Windows back to the last point in time you choose.

You should be able to rerun Windows Updates after the restore procedure is completed. If the issue persists, you might need to consider wiping and reinstalling Windows.

9. Delete Files in Software Distribution

The troubleshooter does not fix a stuck windows update problem. It’s time to engage with the system settings on your computer. It shouldn’t harm your computer, and you’ll merely be deleting temporary Windows Update files.

• Search for “cmd” in the Search box.
• Go to the Command Prompt window and select Run as Administrator.
• Stop Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Services after that. You’ll need to type two commands into the command prompt:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop bits

• The Windows Update Service with the Background Intelligent Transfer Service will be disabled.
• Delete the C: Windows/SoftwareDistribution folder’s files. Press Delete after selecting all files. If you can’t delete the files because they’re in use, you’ll need to restart your computer. Try deleting the files again after turning off the two Windows Update services.
• Either restart your computer or turn on the Windows Update services manually.
• Open a command prompt (admin) and input the following:
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start bits
• Run Windows Update now. You’ll discover that your computer needs several updates.
• Windows will schedule a restart after all updates have been installed, though you can always restart immediately.

10. Windows Update Service (BIOS)

Fix a stuck windows update by updating Bios in computer systems. The general steps are as follows. 

• To find and download the BIOS update utility, go to the manufacturer’s website.
• Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to update BIOS using a more automated way.
• If the BIOS update is for a different computer, execute it.
• Check for an option to create a recovery flash drive that you can use to boot the non-working machine.
• Copy the file to a pen drive. Plug it into the computer that requires a BIOS update and restart it.
• To update the BIOS, follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to press the Install, Setup, or Flash BIOS buttons. It might be found on the tool’s main screen or in the Advanced menu.
• Restart when prompted to allow the BIOS upgrade to complete. Select any Update or Continue buttons to complete the update if any extra steps are required.

Conclusion

When updating Windows 10, you may run into issues. To resolve this problem, use the solutions listed above. Begin with the most straightforward techniques. If none of the solutions work, go back to the previous restoration points.

Frequently Asked Questions