Windows Update can appear frozen for a long time, especially during a major update or on an older computer. A slow update is not always a failed one. Start by checking whether it is still working, then try the least disruptive fixes before moving to advanced repairs.
1. Check Whether the Update Is Really Stuck
If the screen says updates are being installed, give Windows time to finish. Large updates can take an hour or longer, depending on the computer, connection, and update size. If the percentage has not changed for several hours and there are no signs of activity, the process may be stuck.
- Keep the computer connected to power, especially a laptop.
- Avoid forcing a shutdown while the update appears to be progressing.
- If Windows has clearly stopped responding for an extended period, follow the recovery guidance later in this article rather than repeatedly powering the computer off.
2. Restart and Check the Basics
If you can still open Windows, restart the computer normally. A pending restart can prevent another update from completing. After Windows starts again, open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Also check your internet connection. If the download keeps failing, try a more stable network if one is available. Disconnect unnecessary USB storage devices and other external hardware during troubleshooting, but leave essential devices connected.
3. Free Up Disk Space Safely
Windows needs enough free space to download, unpack, and install updates. If the system drive is nearly full, an update may fail even when the download itself appears to work.
- Open Settings > System > Storage to review how disk space is being used.
- Open Temporary files and review the categories before removing anything.
- Use Storage Sense, if available, to help remove eligible temporary files automatically.
- Move personal files you recognize, such as large videos, to another drive or trusted storage location if needed.
Review the selection carefully before deleting files. Do not select Downloads or other personal folders unless you have checked their contents. Avoid deleting Windows system folders manually. Once you have freed sufficient space, restart the computer and try Windows Update again.
4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and search for the Windows Update troubleshooter. Follow the diagnostic steps it provides, then restart and check for updates again. The exact troubleshooting options can differ by Windows version.
5. Check the Error Code
If Windows Update displays an error, write down the full code and message. The code can narrow down the cause, but the same code may have more than one explanation depending on the update and system.
- 0x800f0922: can be associated with problems reaching required update services or insufficient space in a system-reserved partition. Check Microsoft's guidance for the specific update before changing partitions or system settings.
- 0x80240034: can indicate that an update failed to download or install. Check the connection, retry the update, and consult Microsoft's documentation for the exact code.
Look up the exact error on Microsoft's official support site. Avoid applying a fix intended for a different code or changing partition settings based on a guess.
6. Repair Windows System Files
If basic fixes and the troubleshooter do not help, damaged Windows system files may be contributing to the failure. This step is more advanced than the checks above.
Open Command Prompt as administrator. Run the following commands one at a time, allowing each to finish before starting the next:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthsfc /scannow
DISM repairs the Windows component image that System File Checker uses, while SFC scans and repairs protected system files. The process may take several minutes and can pause temporarily at a percentage. Let each command finish, restart the computer, and try Windows Update again.
7. Reset the Windows Update Cache
Use this step only if the update still fails after the earlier checks. Corrupted downloaded update files can sometimes prevent installation. Resetting the cache makes Windows download update files again, but it requires administrator access.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
net stop wuauserv. - Run
net stop bits. - Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. - Rename the folder to
SoftwareDistribution.old. If Windows says the folder is in use, do not force the change; check that the services stopped successfully. - Return to Command Prompt and run
net start wuauserv, followed bynet start bits. - Restart the computer and check for updates again.
If the rename fails or you are not comfortable with these steps, stop here and use Microsoft's current troubleshooting instructions. Do not delete unrelated Windows folders.
8. If Windows Will Not Start After an Update
If the computer repeatedly restarts, opens a recovery screen, or cannot reach the desktop, use the recovery options displayed by Windows. Depending on what is available, these may include Startup Repair or uninstalling the latest update.
Back up important files before attempting a major reset or reinstall whenever possible. Reset this PC or reinstalling Windows should be a last resort, not the first response to a failed update. Even the option to keep personal files removes installed applications and can still carry risk, so read the recovery prompts carefully.
9. A Note for Windows 10 Users
Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Eligible users may have access to Extended Security Updates, depending on their circumstances and enrollment. If Windows 10 says it is up to date or no longer offers the update you expected, check Microsoft's current Windows 10 support and ESU information before treating this as an update failure. If your computer supports Windows 11, upgrading may be the longer-term option.
What to Do Next
Start by allowing enough time for the update, restarting normally, checking the connection, and freeing disk space safely. Then run the troubleshooter and investigate the exact error code. Use system repair commands or reset the update cache only if simpler steps fail. If Windows cannot start, prioritize recovery and backing up your files over repeated forced restarts.