Windows Update Stuck? How to Fix Update Issues on Windows 10 & 11

Windows updates are essential for security and performance, but sometimes they
get stuck at a certain percentage or fail to install completely. This can leave
your system slow, unstable, or vulnerable.

In this guide, you’ll learn simple and proven ways to fix Windows Update
stuck issues on Windows 10 and Windows 11 — no technical skills required.

Common Windows Update Stuck Symptoms

Update stuck at 0%, 20%, 50%, or 99%
Windows Update downloading but never installing
PC restarting repeatedly during update
“Preparing Windows” screen stuck for hours

Fix 1: Wait and Be Patient

Some updates take longer than expected, especially feature updates.

Wait at least 30–60 minutes
Check if the hard drive light is blinking
If nothing changes after an hour, move to the next fix

Fix 2: Restart Your Computer

Restarting can resolve temporary update glitches.

Press and hold the Power button
Turn off the PC
Wait 1–2 minutes and power it back on

Fix 3: Check Internet Connection

Slow or unstable internet can cause updates to freeze.

Switch to a stable Wi-Fi or wired connection
Pause downloads or streaming during update
Restart your router if needed

Fix 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool to detect and fix update problems.

Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot
Click Other troubleshooters
Select Windows Update → Run

Fix 5: Free Up Disk Space

Windows updates require sufficient free storage.

Open Settings → Storage
Delete temporary files
Ensure at least 10–15 GB free space

Fix 6: Pause and Resume Windows Update

Restarting the update process can clear stuck downloads.

Go to Settings → Windows Update
Click Pause updates
Wait a few minutes, then resume updates

Fix 7: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Some antivirus software may block updates.

Temporarily disable third-party antivirus
Run Windows Update again
Re-enable antivirus after update completes

Important Tips to Avoid Future Update Issues

Keep your system storage clean
Use stable internet during updates
Restart your PC regularly
Install updates when your device is plugged in

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to turn off PC when update is stuck?
Yes, if it’s stuck for a long time, restarting is generally safe.

How long should Windows updates take?
Most updates complete within 30–90 minutes.

Can failed updates damage my system?
Failed updates usually do not cause permanent damage.

Conclusion

Windows Update issues are common and usually easy to fix. By following the steps
above, you can safely resolve most stuck update problems without reinstalling
Windows.

If updates continue to fail, consider contacting Microsoft Support or checking
for hardware issues.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only.
Steps may vary depending on Windows version and system configuration.