10 Fixes For Windows Updates Stuck At 0% Downloading

You have a legitimate copy of Windows; then, you are probably well aware of the importance of Microsoft’s operating system updates. These updates enhance the security of the system by correcting numerous security vulnerabilities.

10 Ways To Fix Windows Updates Stuck At 0 % Downloading

But what if you’re having trouble getting Windows Update? It is the case when Windows Updates are stuck at 0 %. It will remain stuck no matter how long you wait or what you do.

Why Does The Windows Updates Stuck At 0 (Causes)?

Various circumstances can cause this problem, and the technique required to resolve it varies. It could be that your internet connection is slowing down the download, or that you’ve run out of storage space in between updates, etc.

Unstable Power Supply

Windows 11 updates may become stuck on your PC due to an unreliable power source. On boot, the Windows 11 update is installed. If the power supply is unreliable, the installation process may be interrupted, resulting in “Windows updates stuck at 0.”

Inadequate Storage

Windows updates, particularly version upgrades such as Windows 11, require a lot of space to install. To begin the upgrade procedure, it will be downloaded to the system drive and then decompressed.

Insufficient storage on the system drive may be one of the causes of the Windows 11 upgrade becoming stuck. So, before you begin updating, ensure sure you have enough storage space to complete the procedure.

Internet Connection Is Unstable

It is the root of most of the ‘Windows updates stuck at 0’ problems. The same may be said about installing the Windows 11 upgrade.

In addition to being a cause in and of itself, a shaky internet connection can give rise to a slew of other issues.

ISO File That Has Been Corrupted

An inconsistent internet connection can cause this, but a corrupted downloaded file can also cause it. If the Windows ISO file is faulty or incompatible for some reason, the update process may become stuck.

The ISO file is critical in the Windows 11 installation process, and if it is corrupted, the installation process will be hampered.

What Are the Signs That My Windows Update Isn’t Working?

The following are some of the most common signs of a stuck update installation process:

Windows Updates Stuck at 0 %, 90%, 100%, and other percentages, or it isn’t progressing at all.

If the downloading portion of your “Windows updates stuck at 0” or a specific proportion of the data downloaded, it could indicate a stuck update installation process. Wait a few moments to check if your download is stuck at a certain point or hasn’t moved at all.

The Windows 11 download finishes at 100%, and it hangs for hours.

You should be taken to the next stage after you achieve 100% download, but if that doesn’t happen and your PC is frozen for an extended period, you may need to restart the process.

The Windows 11 update takes hours but makes no progress.

Although the Windows 11 upgrade takes some time to finish, it does not take hours. If your update takes several hours to install, it may be stuck, and you should try the remedies in this article to resolve the problem.

Solutions To Fix Windows Updates Stuck At 0% Downloading System Issue (7, 8, 10, Server 2016)

  1. Rename Software Distribution Folder
  2. Delete Software Distribution Folder
  3. Wait Or Restart Computer
  4. Free Up Disk Space
  5. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
  6. Disable All Non-Microsoft Programs
  7. Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall Temporarily
  8. Restart Windows Update Services
  9. Run Antivirus Program
  10. Turn Off Automatic Updates

1. Rename Software Distribution Folder

  • Open the Command Prompt window. This step can be completed by typing ‘cmd’ into the search dialog box and pressing Enter.
  • To stop Windows Update Services, execute the following commands and press Enter after each one:
    • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop cryptSvc
    • net stop bits
    • net stop msiserver
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
  • Then, to rename SoftwareDistribution Folder, execute the following command and press Enter:
    • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

(enter)

  • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • Finally, to start Windows Update Services, execute the following command and press Enter after each one:
    • net start wuauserv
    • net start cryptSvc
    • net start bits
    • net start msiserver
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
  • To save your changes, restart your computer.
  • Check if “Windows updates stuck at 0” is resolved or not.

2. Delete Software Distribution Folder

  • Type services in the search box by pressing Windows Key + R. Enter the command msc.
  • Stop the Windows Update service by right-clicking on it.
  • Navigate to the following drive location in Windows File Explorer:
    • C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  • Delete all of the SoftwareDistribution files and directories.
Delete all of the SoftwareDistribution files and directories
  • Right-click the Windows Update service, once more, and then select Start.
  • Now I’m going to try to download the previously stuck updates.
  • Check if “Windows updates stuck at 0” is resolved or not.

3. Wait Or Restart Computer

Waiting a few moments or restarting the machine will solve the Windows update not downloading problem. This method has assisted many Windows users in resolving the issue of Windows updates not downloading.

This strategy could be utilized if a slow internet connection causes the problem and there is no error on your machine. If that’s the case, you can utilize this method. Check if “Windows updates stuck at 0” is resolved or not.

4. Free Up Disk Space

Due to a lack of RAM, the issue of “Windows updates stuck at 0 %” downloading can occur. If the system has run out of storage, you may encounter the “Windows updates stuck at 0 %” downloading.

5. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

A built-in troubleshooter in Windows may be able to assist you in resolving the “Windows updates stuck at 0” issue.

  • Type troubleshooting in the search field by pressing the Start button or the Windows logo key on the keyboard. As indicated in the picture, select the Troubleshoot option from the list.
Troubleshoot option
  • You’re taken to the Control Panel, where you’ll find a list of troubleshooters. Under the category of System and security, look for “Fix difficulties with Windows Update” and choose it.
  • On the next screen, pick the “Additional troubleshooters” option.
  • To execute as administrator, choose the box parallel to apply the repairs option as indicated in the picture automatically and click the Next button.
Troubleshoot option
  • The troubleshooter works on its procedure and informs you whether it could discover and resolve the issue. The troubleshooter can usually locate the blocked update and remove it from the queue.
  • Attempt to run the Windows update now. This may assist you in resolving the “Windows updates stuck at 0” issue.

6. Disable All Non-Microsoft Programs

If a software conflict is causing the “Windows updates stuck at 0” problem, you can resolve it by disabling all non-Microsoft programs using the instructions below.

  • Press the Windows Key + R keyboard shortcut, then type “MSConfig” and hit Enter.
MSConfig
  • The selective startup should be checked under the General tab.
  • Under selective startup, uncheck Load startup elements.
selective startup
  • Hide all Microsoft services is checked on the Service tab.
Hide all Microsoft services
  • Now press the Disable all option to turn off all extra services that could cause a conflict.
  • Click Open Task Manager on the Startup tab.
Open Task Manager on the Startup tab
  • Disable any startup items that are activated in the Startup tab (within Task Manager).
  • Restart after clicking OK. Try updating Windows again, and hopefully, this time, you will be able to do it successfully.
  • Press the Windows key + R button once more, then type “MSConfig” and press Enter.
  • Select the Normal Startup option on the General page, then click OK.
  • When the computer asks you to restart it, select Restart. This will undoubtedly assist you in resolving the issue of Windows Updates Stuck at 0 %.

7. Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall Temporarily

  • Press R while holding the Windows key. The run dialog box appears as a result of this action.
  • Enter “firewall.cpl” into the command prompt. Alternatively, go to “Control Panel” and select “Windows Firewall.”
  • The Windows Defender Firewall window will now appear.
  • In the Windows Defender Firewall wizard, go to the left-hand panel and choose the “Turn Windows Firewall on or off” option.
  • Check the “Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)” option in both the Public and Private Network settings sections, then click OK.
  • Return to “Windows Update” and choose “Check for updates.”
  • Check if “Windows updates stuck at 0” is resolved or not.

8. Restart Windows Update Services

Most Windows update issues, including the Windows updates stuck at 0, can be resolved by restarting the Windows update service. You can do so by following the measures below.

  • In the Run box, press ” Windows + R ” and type “services.msc“. Then, to open the Services window, press the Enter key.
services.msc
  • To find the Windows Update service, scroll down. Then right-click on it and select Stop from the menu.
Windows Update service
  • Navigate to C:/Windows/Software/Distribution in File Explorer. Then, delete everything in this directory. It is the location of the installation files that were downloaded.
  • Check for updates after restarting the Windows Update service to determine whether the problem has been resolved.
  • Check if “Windows updates stuck at 0” is resolved or not.

9. Run Antivirus Program

If none of those mentioned above approaches works, you should run antivirus software to see if the problem is caused by malware. You can use Windows Defender Tool or any third-party antivirus/ malware program to protect yourself.

10. Turn Off Automatic Updates

Disabling automatic updates in Windows permanently may result in security and stability issues. You might wish to “pause” them and install them at a later time.

This is how you do it. Ensure you’re logged in as administrator access for all of these steps.

  • By pressing the Start button and picking the gear symbol, you can access the Settings app in Windows 10. Click Update & security when the Settings box appears.
  • In the left-hand menu, choose Windows Update. Click the Pause upgrades for seven days option to switch off automatic updates for a week.
  • The date that updates will resume will be displayed in Windows 10. Before then, click Resume updates to switch them back on manually.
  • If you believe that seven days is insufficient to suspend automatic updates, go to Advanced settings instead.
  • Scroll down to Pause updates and use the Pause till drop-down menu to choose a date. This date can be anything from one to 35 days in the future.
  • You’ll need to apply the newest Windows updates before you may halt them again once you reach that date.
  • Check if “Windows updates stuck at 0” is resolved or not.

Conclusion

Windows 11 will be available for download and installation on practically all Windows 10 systems soon. There’s a chance you’ll run into the problem of “Windows updates stuck at 0” for a variety of reasons. To fix the “Windows updates stuck at 0” issue, try all methods.