Fix a Stuck Windows Update

Resolve stuck Windows updates with these proven methods. Restart services, clear cache, or use troubleshooters to get updates running again.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.