Fix a Stuck Windows Update

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Check the current update status in Settings

   Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Navigate to System > About or System > Windows Update depending on your version. Look for the update progress percentage and any error codes displayed. Note any error numbers—they guide troubleshooting direction.

   Note: If the update is truly stuck (no progress for 30+ minutes), proceed to the next step.
2. 2 min

   Stop Windows Update services via Task Manager

   Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click the Services tab. Locate WuAuServ (Windows Update). Right-click it and select Stop. Also stop TrustedInstaller if visible. This halts any hung update processes and clears temporary locks.

   Note: Do not close Task Manager yet—you'll need it for the next step.
3. 3 min

   Delete the Windows Update cache folder

   Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as Administrator. Run this command: rmdir /S /Q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. This removes cached update files. Press Y if prompted to confirm deletion. The folder will rebuild automatically when updates resume.

   Note: If you see an access denied error, restart your computer and try again in Safe Mode.
4. 2 min

   Restart Windows Update services

   Return to Task Manager Services tab. Right-click WuAuServ and select Start. Do the same for TrustedInstaller if you stopped it. Close Task Manager. These services will now attempt to download and install updates with a clean cache.

   Note: Services may take 10–15 seconds to start. Do not close or restart your computer during this time.
5. 2 min

   Check for updates again in Settings

   Open Settings > System > Windows Update. Click Check for updates. Windows will scan for updates and begin downloading with the cleared cache. Monitor the progress. In most cases, the update will now proceed without hanging.

   Note: Allow at least 15–20 minutes for the update to download and install before deciding it is stuck again.
6. 5 min

   Run the Windows Update troubleshooter if update still fails

   Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Scroll to Windows Update and click Run. Follow the on-screen prompts. The troubleshooter will detect and repair common update issues, including corrupted files and service misconfigurations.

   Note: The troubleshooter may require a restart. Save your work before running it.
7. 2 min

   Manually trigger Windows Update from command line if needed

   If the update still does not proceed, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: USOCLIENT.EXE /STARTINSTALL. This forces Windows to check for and install pending updates immediately. Restart your computer when prompted.

   Note: This command bypasses the normal Settings interface and directly initiates the update engine.
8. 1 min

   Restart your computer and monitor the update

   Allow Windows to restart fully. The update may continue during startup. Do not force shutdown or restart during this phase. Once Windows boots, return to Settings > System > About to confirm the update installed successfully and your version number has changed.

   Note: If your computer restarts multiple times, this is normal. Updates sometimes require multiple restarts to fully apply.