Ultimate Fix: Easily Solve Windows Update Stuck Issues in Windows 10/11 [2025 Guide]

Introduction

Windows Update Stuck is a problem that almost every Windows user faces at some point in time, and it is very frustrating. Sometimes the update gets stuck while downloading, sometimes while installing, and sometimes on the restarting screen. This not only wastes time but also delays the system’s security patches.

In this guide, we will provide you solutions to every situation of Windows Update stuck on Windows 10/11 step-by-step with short summaries and images.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Windows Update Stuck

1. Restart Your PC and Try Again

Sometimes Windows gets stuck while updating due to a temporary glitch. Restarting resets the background process, and this is a very simple process that every user knows how to do.

Steps: –

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Click Restart
• Run the update again

Summary: Restart and try the update again.

2. Check Internet Connection

Sometimes Windows Update gets stuck on downloading due to slow or unstable internet. Whenever we go to update Windows, before that we have to check whether the internet connectivity is correct or not.

Steps: –

• By restarting the router
• By disabling VPN
• Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Summary: Check your internet connection and disable VPN.

3. Free up disk space (create space on C drive)

Sometimes the storage in our C drive gets full or is less. If there is less storage in the C drive, then the Windows update not installing issue comes.

Steps: –

• Open Settings → System → Storage
• Delete temp files using Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense.
• Shift large files to D drive.

Summary: Keep at least 10GB free in the C drive.

4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows’ inbuilt Update Troubleshooter automatically fixes common problems.

Steps: –

• Win + I → Update & Security → Troubleshoot
• Windows Update → Run troubleshooter.

Summary: Let Windows fix the problem automatically by running the troubleshooter.

5. Restart Windows Update Services

If the Windows Update service stops while updating Windows, the update gets stuck.
Steps: –

• Win + R → type services.msc
• Restart: Windows Update, BITS, and Cryptographic Services.

Summary: Go to services.msc and restart the update services.

6. Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder (Reset Update Cache)

Note that Windows Update may also get stuck if there is a corrupt cache.

Steps: –

•  Open CMD as Admin
• Run:
• net stop wuauserv
• net stop bits
• C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution → delete all files
• Then restart the services:
• net start wuauserv
• net start bits

Summary: Update the cache, delete it, and start.

7. Run SFC & DISM Scan

The Windows update not installing error also occurs due to corrupt system files.

Steps: –

• Open CMD (Admin) and run:
• sfc /scannow
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

Summary: Fix system file errors with SFC and DISM scans.

8. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers (network, chipset) sometimes create a Windows update stuck installing problem.

Steps: –

• Open Device Manager
• Yellow warning by updating drivers.

Summary: Update drivers, especially network and chipset.

9. Disable Antivirus & Firewall Temporarily

Even heavy antivirus has started downloading virus updates.

Steps: –

• By temporarily disabling Antivirus
• By running Update
• Enable antivirus after update.

Summary: Disable antivirus temporarily and try updating.

10. Use Windows Update Assistant / Media Creation Tool

If the normal update fails, the Windows Update stuck problem can be easily fixed using Microsoft’s official tools.

Steps: –

• Download Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft site.
• Or install the update using Media Creation Tool.

Summary: Update directly from Microsoft Update Assistant.

Advanced Fixes

1. Clean Boot—Boot the PC with minimum services and run the update.
2. Reset Windows Update Components—Run the full reset script.
3. Repair Install / Reset This PC—If nothing works, this is the last option.
4. Use Windows Update Catalog—Manually download and install the stuck update from the Microsoft Catalog.
5. Disable Startup Programs—Go to Task Manager and disable extra startup apps.
6. Run CHKDSK Command—Fix hard disk errors using chkdsk C: /f /r.
7. Analyze Update Logs—Run Get-WindowsUpdateLog and trace the error code.
8. Change DNS Settings—Update fast by setting Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4).
9. Disable Metered Connection—Set Wi-Fi to be unmetered and allow updates.
10. Uninstall Problematic Updates—Remove faulty KB updates and try fresh updates.
11. Check System Partition Space — The EFI/Recovery partition is full to clean/resize.
12. Enable Windows Modules Installer—Enable TrustedInstaller service from services.msc.
13. Perform System Restore—Rollback the system using the restore point before the issue started.

Bonus Tips

1. Always keep 10GB free in C drive
2. Use strong Wi-Fi or LAN
3. Do Disk Cleanup monthly
4. Avoid heavy antivirus
5. Do not shut down during update
6. Always update Windows to the latest version
7. Keep device drivers updated regularly
8. Keep power settings in Balanced mode
9. Close unnecessary apps in the background
10. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
11. Always keep time & date correct
12. Keep metered connection disabled
13. Create a System Restore point
14. Remove external devices (USB, HDD) during update
15. Use original genuine license with Windows.

❓ FAQs – Windows Update Stuck

Q1. What should I do if Windows Update is stuck at 100%?

Restart, delete the cache and try the update again.

Q2. How long should I wait for the update to get stuck?

1–2 hours are normal, if it takes more than 3 hours then apply the fixes.

Q3. What should I do if I get a Windows Update error code (0x800f0922, etc.)?

Use SFC, DISM and Update Assistant.

Q4. How to fix Windows Update stuck on restarting?

 Force restart and go into Safe Mode and rollback the update.

Q5. What should I do if my PC becomes slow after the update?

Disk Cleanup, disable Startup apps and install the latest drivers.

Q6. Windows Update stuck downloading at 0% / 99%?

Check the Internet, disable metered connection and change DNS.

Q7. Can Windows Update be manually installed?

 Yes, download KB file from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it.

Q8. If the update fails, is rollback possible?

  Yes, you can roll back the latest update using “Uninstall Updates” option.

Q9. Windows 10 to Windows 11 update is getting stuck, what to do?

 Run PC Health Check tool and try with Update Assistant.

Q10. Does antivirus block Windows Update?

Yes, heavy antivirus sometimes blocks you—temporarily disable it and then update it.

 Conclusion

If your Windows Update is stuck in Windows 10/11, then you don’t need to worry. Just follow these steps—Restart → Internet check → Cache clear → SFC/DISM scan → Update Assistant—and your PC will start updating smoothly again.

By following these steps, you can permanently fix the Windows Update Stuck problem and keep your Windows 10/11 secure and updated.

If you are still facing issues while updating, then your best option would be to take help from Microsoft’s official website.

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