How to Fix a Windows Update That's Stuck at 0% or 100%
Is your Windows update frozen and not making any progress? This guide provides clear, step-by-step solutions to fix a stuck update on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and get your system back on track.
A Windows update can get stuck for various reasons, ranging from software conflicts to corrupted update files. When an update freezes at 0%, it usually means there's an issue starting the download or preparing the files. When it's stuck at 100%, it often points to a problem with finalizing the installation.
Common Causes:
- Software Conflicts: Antivirus programs or other third-party software can interfere with the update process.
- Corrupted System Files: Essential Windows files required for the update might be damaged.
- Insufficient Disk Space: Not enough free space on your system drive (usually C:) to download and install the update.
- Bugs in the Update: Occasionally, the update itself might have a bug that causes it to hang on certain hardware configurations.
- Interrupted Download: A poor internet connection can corrupt the downloaded update files.
1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool designed to diagnose and fix update problems automatically.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security (Windows 10) or System (Windows 11).
- Click on Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters (or Other troubleshooters).
- Select Windows Update and click "Run the troubleshooter". Follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Clear the Windows Update Cache
Deleting the old, possibly corrupted update files forces Windows to download fresh ones.
- Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find Windows Update service, right-click it, and select Stop.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution.
- Delete all files and folders inside the SoftwareDistribution folder. (This is safe, Windows will recreate them).
- Go back to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start. Then, try updating again.
3. Run SFC and DISM Scans
These command-line tools can find and repair corrupted system files.
- Search for "Command Prompt" in the Start Menu, right-click it, and select "Run as administrator".
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete. - After it finishes, type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter. - Once both scans are complete, restart your computer and try updating again.
4. Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Your security software might be mistakenly blocking the update.
- Open your antivirus program and look for an option to temporarily disable protection.
- Attempt to run the Windows Update again.
- Important: Remember to re-enable your antivirus software after the update is complete (or if the fix doesn't work).
Do not perform a hard shutdown (holding the power button) unless the update has been stuck for several hours and you've tried other fixes. Interrupting the update process can potentially corrupt your Windows installation. Also, avoid third-party "PC cleaner" or "registry fixer" tools, as they often cause more problems than they solve.