If you’re connecting your PC to the internet, you’ll need to keep it up-to-date. Microsoft regularly issues important security updates, bug fixes, and new feature releases for Windows 10 to improve the overall user experience. If you don’t keep Windows updated, you’ll be putting your PC (and the data held on it) at risk. Show
Most of the time, Windows can handle the update process without any user input. From time to time, however, Windows just won’t install updates, leaving them stuck in limbo. If you want to fix when a Windows 10 update is stuck, here’s what you’ll need to do. Table of Contents Give It Time (Then Force A Restart)It might seem like the obvious answer to the problem, but sometimes the easiest solution when a Windows 10 update is stuck is just to give it a bit of extra time. The progress bar might not be moving, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that nothing is happening. Windows releases monthly cumulative updates that bundle together other update releases into a single, easy-to-install download and installation. You’ll also see much larger feature updates released on a twice-yearly basis. These are big updates to the Windows operating system that include new features and changes to the overall user experience, as well as important bug fixes. These updates can be big and can take time to complete. If your Windows 10 update is stuck for an hour or longer, then force a restart. Only do this if your PC really isn’t responding, as restarting in the middle of an update cycle can break your system, forcing you to reinstall Windows to get things running again. Run Windows Update TroubleshooterWhile Windows is pretty good at resolving issues with updates on its own, it can be useful to turn to the built-in Windows Troubleshooter tool to help diagnose and fix any problems with your system.
The Windows Troubleshooter can’t fix every problem, but if an obvious issue is detected, it will attempt to resolve it. If it can’t, you’ll need to try one of the steps below instead. Delete Temporary Windows Update FilesA broken Windows 10 update can sometimes be fixed by deleting the temporary files that Windows downloads for updates. This can force Windows to download the files again, then attempt a reinstallation. If the Windows 10 update is stuck because of broken or corrupted files, this should resolve the problem.
Manually Update Your PC From Microsoft Update CatalogDownloading and manually updating your Windows 10 PC can sometimes get around issues with Windows Update. You can look for new updates using the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Don’t let the outdated interface confuse you, as this contains all updates released by Windows for its desktop and server operating systems. You’ll need to know the reference code for the update you’re looking for, or you can search by the update name (for instance, Windows 10 cumulative update).
If a single update is causing the problem, then this should allow you to proceed with further updates. If more than one update is broken, however, then this could be a time-consuming fix, and you may need to look at other options. Revert Your Windows Installation Using System RestoreA broken Windows 10 update can’t always be fixed, especially if there’s a problem with your Windows installation. To get around this problem, you can use Windows System Restore to revert Windows back to an early point in time.
Once the restore process is complete, you should be able to run Windows Update again afresh. If the problem isn’t resolved, however, you may need to look at wiping and reinstalling Windows to get your system updating correctly again. Keeping Windows UpdatedWithout updates, you’ll be left dealing with bugs, malware infections, and missing features. Windows 10 is a rolling release operating system, meaning it continues to be updated and developed for an improved user experience. Your Windows 10 updates may take forever, but that’s no reason to disable them. If you are having problems, then you can bypass Microsoft’s own systems entirely by updating Windows without Windows Update, thanks to third-party software. In most cases, however, you’re best leaving Windows to do its thing, and following the steps above to troubleshoot any of the most common issues with broken or stuck Windows 10 updates. How can you tell if Windows Update is stuck?You can tell if Windows updates are stuck if nothing happens on screen for 3 hours or more.
How do I fix a stuck Windows 10 update?Run Windows Troubleshooter. Go to Start – Settings – Updates & Security.. Select Troubleshoot – Additional troubleshooters.. Under Get up and running, click Windows Update – Run the troubleshooter.. Restart your PC once the troubleshooting is completed.. Install the new update after restarting.. |