How to Fix Windows 10 Getting Stuck While Downloading or Installing Updates

Windows updates are crucial for keeping your system secure and up to date, but sometimes the process can get stuck, causing frustration and delays. If you find that Windows 10 is getting stuck while downloading or installing updates, there are several potential solutions you can try to resolve the issue. Here’s a comprehensive guide to fixing this problem.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is essential for downloading updates. If your connection is unstable or slow, it can cause issues with downloading updates.

• Check Connection: Ensure you are connected to the internet. Try browsing other websites or streaming content to verify your connection.
• Restart Router/Modem: Power cycle your router or modem by unplugging it for about 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
• Switch Networks: If possible, try connecting to a different network to see if the issue persists.

2. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes a simple restart can resolve issues with stuck updates.

• Restart Your PC:
  • Click on the Start menu, select "Power," and choose "Restart."
• Retry Update:
  • After your computer restarts, go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" and check for updates again.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix issues related to Windows Update.

• Open Settings:
  • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Update & Security:
  • Click on "Update & Security" and then "Troubleshoot" from the left-hand menu.
• Run the Troubleshooter:
  • Click on "Additional troubleshooters" and select "Windows Update."
  • Click "Run the troubleshooter" and follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix problems.

4. Check for Disk Space

Insufficient disk space can prevent updates from downloading or installing properly. Ensure you have enough free space on your system drive.

• Check Disk Space:
  • Open "File Explorer" and check the available space on your C: drive.
• Free Up Space:
  • If space is low, delete unnecessary files, uninstall unused applications, or use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool:
    • Press Windows + S, type "Disk Cleanup," and select it.
    • Choose the drive you want to clean, then select the file types you want to delete and click "OK."

5. Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted or misconfigured Windows Update components can cause issues with downloading or installing updates. Resetting these components can help.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
• Stop Windows Update Services:
  • Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
    

• Delete Update Files:
  • Type the following command and press Enter to delete the software distribution folder:

    del %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\*.* /s /q
    

• Restart Windows Update Services:
  • Enter the following commands to restart the services:

    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver
    

6. Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can interfere with the update process. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can help repair these files.

• Run SFC Scan:
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Type the following command and press Enter:

    sfc /scannow
    

  • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided.
• Run DISM Tool:
  • After SFC completes, run the following command:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    

  • Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

7. Disable or Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus

Sometimes third-party antivirus software can interfere with the update process. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling it can help.

• Disable Antivirus Temporarily:
  • Open your antivirus software and look for an option to temporarily disable it. Refer to the software’s documentation for instructions.
• Uninstall Antivirus (If Necessary):
  • Go to "Settings" > "Apps," find the antivirus software in the list, and select "Uninstall."
• Retry Update:
  • After disabling or uninstalling the antivirus, try running the update again. Remember to re-enable or reinstall your antivirus after the update is complete.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if background processes are causing the issue.

• Open System Configuration:
  • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Configure Clean Boot:
  • In the "General" tab, select "Selective startup" and uncheck "Load startup items."
  • Go to the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," and click "Disable all."
  • Click "Apply" and "OK," then restart your computer.
• Test the Update:
  • With a clean boot, try downloading and installing the update again.

9. Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can sometimes interfere with updates. Ensure your drivers are up to date.

• Open Device Manager:
  • Press Windows + X and select "Device Manager."
• Update Drivers:
  • Right-click on hardware components such as graphics cards, network adapters, and storage controllers, and select "Update driver."
  • Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the prompts.

10. Manually Download and Install Updates

If automatic updates are not working, you can manually download and install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

• Visit Microsoft Update Catalog:
  • Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
• Search for the Update:
  • Enter the update code or keyword in the search bar.
• Download and Install:
  • Download the update file and follow the instructions to manually install it.

11. Check for Known Issues

Sometimes, specific updates may have known issues that are documented by Microsoft. Checking for known issues related to the update can provide additional troubleshooting steps or workarounds.

• Visit Microsoft Support:
  • Check the Microsoft Support website or the Windows release information page for any known issues with the update.

12. Perform a System Restore

If the update issue started recently and none of the above solutions work, you can use System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state.

• Open System Restore:
  • Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose a Restore Point:
  • Follow the prompts to select a restore point from before the update issue began and restore your system.

Conclusion

Encountering issues with Windows 10 getting stuck while downloading or installing updates can be frustrating, but there are various solutions to try. From checking your internet connection and restarting services to running troubleshooting tools and performing clean boots, these steps should help resolve the problem. If the issue persists despite trying these methods, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. Regular maintenance and keeping your system updated will help prevent such issues in the future.