FixPC Troubleshooting

Windows Update stuck or failing: how to fix it

Windows Update is stuck at a percentage, will not install or shows an error code. Work through Microsoft's fixes in order, from the troubleshooter to a reset.

  • Updated
  • 25 min
  • Intermediate
Applies to
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10

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When Windows Update sits at the same percentage, fails again and again, or shows an error code, there is nearly always a fix you can do yourself. Follow the order Microsoft recommends, from quick checks to repairing the update system.

Windows 10 no longer gets free updates

Free updates for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. A Windows 10 PC can only receive security fixes if you enrolled in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program. See Windows 10 end of support: what to do.

Before you start

Large updates can take a long time, and the percentage may sit still for a while. Do not switch the PC off while it says it is working on updates. If nothing has changed for several hours, the update is stuck and you can use the fixes below.

Microsoft advises backing up your personal files before you start. See how to back up your files and create a restore point. Keep a laptop plugged in. Allow about 25 minutes in total, plus the time the updates need.

Update fixes, in orderA top-to-bottom flow chart with 9 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Update fixes, in orderNoNo1Restart the PC2Check internet, date andfree space3Do updates install now?Yes: You are done4Run the Windows Updatetroubleshooter5Unplug extra devices andtry again6Works now?Yes: You are done7Reset the updatecomponents8Repair system files withDISM and SFCStill failing? ReinstallWindows 11 in place, or askthe PC maker.
Check for updates again after each fix.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Restart the PC
  2. Step 2: Check internet, date and free space
  3. Question 3: Do updates install now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  4. Step 4: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
  5. Step 5: Unplug extra devices and try again
  6. Question 6: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  7. Step 7: Reset the update components
  8. Step 8: Repair system files with DISM and SFC
  9. If nothing worked: Still failing? Reinstall Windows 11 in place, or ask the PC maker.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Restart and check the basics

  1. Restart the PC, then open Windows Update again. On Windows 11, open Settings then Windows Update. On Windows 10, open Settings then Update & Security then Windows Update.
  2. Select Check for updates.
  3. Check that the PC is online. Open a web page. If it will not load, see Wi-Fi connected but no internet.
  4. Unplug external drives, docks and other devices you do not need. Leave the keyboard and mouse.
  5. Check the date and time. Open Settings then Time & language then Date & time and turn on automatic time and time zone. Wrong settings can stop updates.

Fix 2: Free up disk space

Updates need room to download and unpack. Microsoft says a Windows 10 upgrade needs at least 20 GB free on a 64-bit PC, and regular updates also need free room, so more is safer. Open Settings then System then Storage to see how much is free. See how to free up disk space for safe ways to clear space.

Fix 3: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

This tool finds and fixes common problems automatically. It takes a few minutes. Microsoft suggests trying the automatic troubleshooter in the Get Help app first: search for it on the taskbar, open it and describe the problem. If that does not help, use Settings as below.

  1. On Windows 11, open Settings then System then Troubleshoot then Other troubleshooters. On Windows 10, open Settings then Update & Security then Troubleshoot then Additional troubleshooters.
  2. On Windows 11, under Most frequent, select Run next to Windows Update. On Windows 10, select Windows Update, then Run the troubleshooter.
  3. Follow any prompts, then restart the PC when it finishes.
  4. Open Windows Update and select Check for updates.

Fix 4: Look up your error code

If Windows Update shows a code beginning 0x, find it here. The meanings come from Microsoft's troubleshooting page. The suggested first steps are common practice and are not all stated there.

Common Windows Update error codes, what they usually mean and a first step
CodeWhat it usually meansWhat to try
0x800f0922Not enough disk space, or a problem with .NET Framework or another componentFree up disk space. If you use a VPN, try turning it off while you update.
0x80070422The Windows Update service is disabled or stoppedRun the troubleshooter. If that fails, open services.msc and set the Windows Update service startup type to Automatic.
0x80070005Access denied, or not enough permission to installMake sure you are signed in to an administrator account.
0x800f081f, 0x80073712Corrupted or missing system filesRepair system files with the DISM and SFC commands in Fix 6.
0x80070002The update failed to installRestart, run the troubleshooter and check free disk space.

Other codes are listed on Microsoft's page Troubleshoot problems updating Windows at support.microsoft.com.

Fix 5: Reset the update components

Damaged files in the update cache can block updates. This step renames the cache folders so Windows builds fresh ones. It does not delete your documents. It takes about 5 minutes.

  1. Select the search box on the taskbar and type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Approve the prompt.
  3. Type each command below, one at a time, and press Enter. Wait for each one to finish before the next.
What the reset does3 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.What the reset does1Stop servicesPause the update and transferservices2Rename foldersKeep the old cache as abackup copy3Start servicesWindows builds a fresh cache
The commands below carry out these three moves.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Stop services: Pause the update and transfer services
  2. Rename folders: Keep the old cache as a backup copy
  3. Start services: Windows builds a fresh cache
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Restart the PC, then open Windows Update and select Check for updates. The first check can take longer than usual.

Fix 6: Repair system files

Run these in an administrator Command Prompt, as in Fix 5. Microsoft says to run DISM first. It needs an internet connection and can take several minutes.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

When it reports success, run the second command. Do not close the window until the check is complete.

sfc /scannow

Restart, then try Windows Update again.

Fix 7: Reinstall Windows 11 in place

This repairs Windows itself and keeps your apps, files and settings. Microsoft offers it on Windows 11 only, and it may be missing on a work or school PC.

  1. Plug in the PC and stay connected to the internet.
  2. Open Settings then System then Recovery.
  3. Next to Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.

Back up first

Microsoft says this keeps your files, but any repair of Windows carries some risk. Copy your important files elsewhere before you start, and do not switch the PC off while it works.

If it still does not work

  • Note the exact error code and search for it on support.microsoft.com.
  • If updates install but the PC then crashes, see blue screen errors and fix driver problems with Device Manager.
  • On a work or school PC, updates may be controlled by your organization. Ask whoever manages the PC.
  • Use the support page on your PC maker's website for your model.

Only Windows offers real updates

Windows Update never asks you to call a number or pay. A pop-up or email saying your PC needs an update right now, with a link or number, is a scam. Never call it.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to turn the PC off when an update is stuck?

Try to avoid it, because switching off during an install can leave Windows needing repair. Wait as described above first. If it has clearly stopped for hours, holding the power button is a last resort. Afterward, work through the fixes above.

Will clearing the update cache delete my files?

No. The cache holds only downloaded update files. Fix 5 renames the folders, so a copy remains if you need to undo it.

Should I download updates from another website?

No. Get updates only from Windows Update or Microsoft's own site. Third-party download sites can carry malware.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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