Windows Update Stuck? Here is How to Fix It
We are sure this has happened to many of us using a Windows computer. You are in the middle of updating your Windows when all of a sudden, it gets stuck. It does not go forward, nor are you able to skip it. This is a very common and frustrating issue that makes you feel your computer has become useless, and you may even feel like throwing it away. However, this is a solvable problem. Is your Windows update stuck too? Then read this post to learn the causes behind it and how you can fix it.
Is Windows 10 Update Stuck? These Can Be the Causes
Some of the common causes for your Windows update getting stuck are:
Bugs in the System
In some cases, a bug in the system can hinder the system’s performance and halt an update mid-way.
Windows Update Interrupted
If your Windows update gets interrupted for some reason, that can result in the update getting stuck. In this case, you could not exit from this update screen or do much else.
Malware or Virus
If your Windows 10 computer has any malware or virus present in it, it can cause a problem in many system functions. This included Windows updates. If your system has malware, it can likely cause your Windows update to be stuck.
How to Fix Windows 7 Stuck on Checking for Updates
In this section, we will share some methods you can follow to fix the Windows update stuck issue. Let’s check them out.
Restart Your PC
The first step is rather basic. Try to restart your computer to see if that helps. Once the PC restarts, you can try and update the Windows again. Here are the steps to do it.
- First, click on the Windows button and then click on Power.
- Next, you will see the option of Restart. Click on that.
- Once the computer reboots completely, try to rerun the update and see if this time it works properly.
Search the Error Code
When your Windows update is stuck, you generally get a dialogue box showing an error code on your screen. That error code can help you figure out precisely what the issue is and provide guidance on how to resolve it. You should copy that error code and search for it online to get information about it.
Scan for Viruses
As mentioned in the section above, malware or any virus’s presence in the system can be a significant reason your Windows 10 update is stuck. So, it is best to use antivirus software to scan your PC for any malware. Most of these software have a premium version that lets you remove any threats once they have been identified. A little investment in your PC’s security can go a long way in protecting your expensive device.
Use Microsoft’s Troubleshooter
Windows has its troubleshooter that it offers users. You can use it whenever your system has an issue to troubleshoot the problem. This program can locate the errors and then try to resolve them automatically. Here are the steps to run the troubleshooter program –
- Click on the Windows button, and then you will see the Settings option, click on that.
- A window will appear. In it, you will see the option of Update & Security.
- Once you click on that, another window will open with the option of Troubleshoot.
- Click on that and then click on the option of Additional Troubleshooters.
- In the next window, you will get the option of Windows Update. Click on that.
- Now, the troubleshooter will check for all possible errors causing the Windows update to get stuck. Follow the instructions on the screen to resolve this issue.
Delete Temporary Update Files
Another possible fix is to delete all the temporary update files and then try to update Windows again. Below are the steps needed to do that –
- Right-click on the Windows button. Then click on Windows Powershell (Admin).
- Next, type “net stop wuauserv” and press the enter key.
- After that, type “net stop bits.”
- Then, press the enter key and type “Remove –Item –path C:\Windows\SoftwareDistributon” and press the enter key. After that, press Y to confirm.
- Finally, type “net start wuauserv” and press enter, and after that, type “net start bits.” Then press the enter key.
Launch in Safe Mode
The next step in resolving the Windows update stuck issue is to launch the Windows in safe mode. This mode allows you to launch Windows only with the basic and essential features. So, by launching Windows in safe mode, you may be able to fix this issue.
Here are the steps to launch your PC in safe mode –
- Type the Windows+R keys on the keyboard, and then in the search box, type ‘msconfig.’
- This will open the system configuration window. Here, you will have to select the Boot option.
- Click on the Safe Boot option and then click on Apply. Then click on OK.
- Now, you need to Restart your PC to boot it in safe mode.
Now, when the PC will boot, it will boot in safe mode. Then, you can update your windows in this mode.
Try the System Restore Option
Windows come with a System Restore option. This option can be used to restore your windows to their previous configurations. Generally, this option is used if the system is stuck or unresponsive. Any new error can be removed by restoring the system to its previous position. Then, the Windows update can be tried again.
Full Windows Reset
If all else fails, the last thing you can do to fix the Windows update stuck issue is a complete Windows reset. This resets the windows to their default mode, removing all-new customizations and settings you made.
Check out these steps for resetting your windows –
- Open the settings option and click on “update & security.”
- Select the recovery option, and then from the list of other available options, click on Restart Now under the label of an advanced startup.
- Then, your PC will restart. Upon restarting, it will allow you to click on advanced options. Click on that.
- After that, click on the command prompt.
- Next, you have to type the following command in the command prompt:
You can also reset the PC from the settings without using the command prompt. Here is how:
- Click on the Windows button and then click on the settings option.
- Then, click on update & security.
- Next, click on recovery, and under the heading of restart this PC, click on Get Started.
That is it. After this, your PC will reset its factory settings with all the old configurations removed.
Conclusion
If your Windows update is stuck, these steps will help immensely. We are confident that at least one of these troubleshooting methods will work for you. If your system is still stuck, we suggest you contact professionals that can assist you better.