For the most part, Windows updates happen silently in the background, only installing after a prompt or when you shut down your PC. However, there are occasions when the update system needs a helping hand. If your Windows update runs into an error, you aren’t alone. This setback has been a widespread issue for the OS since Microsoft dropped their quality assurance team and relied on users through preview builds, feedback, and more. Show
Perhaps your Windows 10 downloaded half of the update before deciding it doesn’t want to stay connected to the server. Other times, the OS fancies doing its own thing for a while, slowing your eagerly awaited update to a crawl. Other than those two situations, the OS may run into an installation bug or data problem that stops it in its tracks. If Windows Update freezes or gets stuck, there are several steps to try. Here’s the process—in order of importance. #1: Run Windows Update TroubleshooterThe first step is the safest way to resolve Windows 10 Update issues. The process will automatically scan for and detect problems within your system, which can take a few minutes to complete.
The troubleshooter should hopefully clear up the problems causing Windows Update to get stuck. #2: Delete Files in Software DistributionIf the troubleshooter does not resolve the update problem, it’s time to interact with your computer’s system settings. It shouldn’t cause any damage to your PC. You’ll only delete temporary Windows Update files, but it is recommended that you set up a System Restore point before going any further.
3. Next, you’ll need to delete the files in the “C:/WindowsSoftwareDistribution” folder. Select all files, then press “Delete.” If you can’t delete the files because they’re in use, you’ll need to restart your PC. Turn off the two Windows Update services and then try to delete the files
again. 4. Once the folder has been emptied, restart your computer or manually turn on the Windows Update services. To do this, bring up the command prompt (admin) and type:
5. Now, run “Windows
Update,” and you’ll find that your PC needs to download several updates, which can take up to a few hours, depending on your system and
connection. Once the updates have been installed, Windows will schedule a restart time, although you can always restart immediately. #3: Make a Quick-Fix Batch FileThe following fix is a convenient way to execute several commands in one swoop. The script’s success level is subject to Windows changes through previous updates and the current condition of your OS. It may or may not work for you. Use it at your own risk! The batch file (shown below) does the following, in exact order:
To run the batch file, copy the following script into notepad and save it to the Windows Desktop as “UpdateFix.bat”to make it easy to find and to delete it when done. Right-click the batch file and select “Run as Administrator.” Restart Windows after the script completes successfully.
The script above allows Windows to create new update folders and data to eliminate file corruption or incompatibilities. #4: Identify Windows 10 Update Error Codes and Fix The Reported IssuesIf none of the above options fixed your Windows Update problem, it is time to decipher the codes to discover the cause of failure—hopefully! Most update issues return an error code that identifies what caused the update to fail. The following table below provides the most common Windows 10 Update error codes and the possible solutions to fix them.
#5: Use System RestoreIf your computer still isn’t responding when installing updates, you can run a System Restore. This action will revert your PC to an earlier point in time.
Once you’ve returned to an earlier restore point, try installing the updates again as usual. #6: Use the Windows 10 Recovery ToolIf your Windows 10 device still isn’t updating or is still frozen on updating, then you’ll want to boot into the Windows 10 Recovery Tool and fix the drive or roll back to a previous restore point. If your device isn’t responding, then you’ll need to download this using another.
Take AwayIn closing, Windows 10 can sometimes run into problems when updating. Luckily, you know what to do now if that scenario happens. Start with the least complicated and permanent issue before resorting to previous restore points and more drastic solutions. Do you know of any other ways to fix a Windows 10 update that’s stuck or frozen? Feel free to share it in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way. Send To SomeoneMissing DeviceWhat to do if computer is stuck on Windows Update?How to Fix Windows Update When It Gets Stuck. Make sure the update is stuck. This might sound extra, but some older devices will actually take several hours for Windows to update. ... . Restart the computer. ... . Launch Windows with Safe Mode. ... . Run Windows Troubleshooter.. Try System Restore.. Prevent stuck Windows updates.. Why does Windows 10 update get stuck?System Bugs: Sometimes any bug or error in the system does not allow the Windows to update and might hinder the process. Presence of Malware: Malware interrupts the normal working of the system, therefore, there are chances that the malware can be responsible for this issue.
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