Today’s article is regarding how to fix a stuck Windows 10 update. If you connect your computer to the internet, you must keep it up to date. Microsoft releases critical security updates, bug fixes, and new feature releases for Windows 10 on a regular basis in order to improve the overall user experience. If you don’t keep Windows updated, you’re putting your computer (and the data it contains) at risk.
Well, Most of the time, Windows can handle the update process without the need for user intervention. However, from time to time, Windows simply refuses to install updates, leaving them in limbo. Here’s how to fix a stuck Windows 10 update.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
While Windows is fairly good at resolving issues with updates on its own, it can be useful to use the built-in Windows Troubleshooter tool to help diagnose and fix any problems with your System.
1- This tool can be found and run from the Windows Settings menu. To access this, right-click the Windows Start button and select Settings. To access the troubleshooting tool, click Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2- If Windows has any immediate recommendations for you, including tips to help improve the update experience, they’ll be listed at the top of the Troubleshoot menu under the Recommended troubleshooting section.
3- To begin the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter, click Windows Update in the Get up and running section. Next, press Run the troubleshooter to launch the tool.
4- Further, The tool will begin in a new window and will begin automatically scanning your computer for problems or issues. If it detects a problem with a stuck update, it will either fix it automatically or find you what to do next. If Windows finds no problems, it will give you feedback or close the tool.
The Windows Troubleshooter can’t fix everything, but if an obvious problem is detected, it will attempt to fix it. If it cannot, you’ll need to try one of the steps listed below.
Give It Some Time (Then Force A Restart)
It may appear to be the obvious solution, but sometimes the simplest solution, when a Windows 10 update is stuck, is simply to give it a little more time. Well, The progress bar may not be moving, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening.
Windows releases cumulative updates on a monthly basis, which combine other update releases into a single, easy-to-install download and installation. In addition, much larger feature updates will be released twice a year.
These are significant updates to the Windows operating system that include new features, changes to the overall user experience, and critical bug fixes. These updates can be substantial and time-consuming to complete.
If your Windows 10 update has been stuck for an hour or more, force a restart. Only do this if your PC is truly unresponsive, as restarting in the middle of an update cycle can cause your System to crash, forcing you to reinstall Windows to get things back up and running.
Manually Update Your Computer From Microsoft Update Catalog
Manually downloading and updating your Windows 10 PC can sometimes work around issues with Windows Update. The Microsoft Update Catalog website can be used to search for new updates.
Don’t be fooled by the dated interface; this contains all updates released by Microsoft for its desktop and server operating systems. You’ll need to know the update’s reference code, or you can search by the update name (for instance, Windows 10 cumulative update).
1- Use the search tool on the Microsoft Update Catalog website to find the update. When you’ve found the update you want, click the Download button.
2- Once your update has been downloaded, open the archive file containing it and extract it. Each update should include a setup executable file; double-click this to run the update.
3- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your update (if required). Well, Return to Windows Update (Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) after the update is complete to check for any additional updates.
Also, If a single update is causing the problem, you should be able to continue with future updates. Nevertheless, if more than one update is broken, this could be a time-consuming fix, and you may need to consider other options.
Delete Temporary Windows Update Files
Well, A broken Windows 10 update can sometimes be fixed by deleting the temporary files that Windows downloads for updates. But, unfortunately, this may force Windows to download the files again and then attempt reinstallation.
This should resolve the problem if the Windows 10 update is stuck due to broken or corrupted files.
1- To accomplish this, you must first disable some Windows services related to Windows Update. Right-click the Windows Start button and click Windows PowerShell (Admin). To begin, type net stop wuauserv and net stop bits in the PowerShell window that appears to disable these services.
2- Once these services have been deactivated, run Remove-Item -path c:WindowsSoftwareDistribution. Well, This will delete the folder containing your temporary Windows update files from your computer. To confirm, enter Y or A. You can also manually delete these files using Windows File Explorer.
3- Once this process is finished, type net start wuauserv and net start bits to restart Windows Update services.
4- Then, You can manually check for updates by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings. To access and run Windows Update, go to update > Settings > Updates > Check for Updates. Well, If an update has previously failed, this should force Windows to download and reinstall the update.
Revert Your Windows Installation Using System Restore
A broken Windows 10 update cannot always be fixed, especially if there is a problem with your Windows installation. To work around this problem, use Windows System Restore to revert Windows to a previous point in time.
1- To access your System Restore points, open the Run dialogue box by pressing Win + R. Click sysdm.cpl SystemProperties and press OK.
2- Click System Restore in the System Properties window.
3- In the System Restore window, click Next and then choose a Windows Restore point prior to your failed update. To proceed, click Next.
4- To confirm, click Finish. This will restore Windows to the last point in time you specified.
When the restore process is finished, you should be able to run Windows Update again. However, if the problem persists, you may need to consider wiping and reinstalling Windows to get your System to update properly again.
Keeping Windows Updated
Without updates, you’ll be dealing with bugs, malware infections, and missing features. Well, Windows 10 is a rolling release operating system, which means it is constantly updated and improved for a better user experience. The Windows 10 updates may take forever, but that’s no reason to disable them off.
If you are experiencing problems, you can completely avoid Microsoft’s own systems by updating Windows without using Windows Update, thanks to third-party software. In most cases, however, you’re better off leaving Windows alone and following the steps above to troubleshoot any of the most obvious issues with broken or stuck Windows 10 updates.