Updates are an essential part of using any operating system. This is because updates provide improvisation to the overall functioning and security of the system. You should always make sure that your computer is always updated on regular basis. But, what if when you are trying to update your pc and it gets stuck? This could be the worst case scenario. In this post, I will inform about one such case, the Windows update stuck error. I will guide you through the methods to fix it too. Just pay close attention to this article and you will be able to update your PC, in case if you are stuck.
This article will help you in cases when your Windows Update Stuck at 0 or 99 or when windows update sucks at downloading !!!
Introduction: Windows Update Stuck Error
Windows Update service is supposed to work silently in the background, but it may deny continuing if it can’t install an individual update. This scenario can happen on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 10, but it is a very common scene in Windows 10 these days. When this happens, sometimes updates will error out, or sometimes Windows Update may just get stuck “searching for updates” till infinity.
Note: Windows updates are essential. No matter what issues you’re having, we strongly recommend keeping automatic updates turned on—it is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe from ransomware and other threats. If you turn automatic updates off, you are making yourself very much prone to new attacks.
The Windows Update Stuck error could occur on any version of Windows due to different reasons. Usually, Windows 10 user are facing this Windows 10 Update Stuck error due to various reasons like corruption in Registry, installation of corrupt updates, virus & malware, or even poor internet connection. This is why I suggest you make sure you have a good internet connection before moving to fix the error.
Fix Windows Update Stuck Error
Here is a list of 5 ways that are tested, tried and proved to be working effectively against this error by the experts. You can try them one after another until you reach the other side of the river. After completing through all of these, you will surely be able to update Windows without experiencing Windows Update Stuck error.
1. Inspect Windows Update Utility to Fix Windows Update Stuck at 0
In Windows 10, you can access the Windows Update page by launching the Settings app from the Start menu and clicking on Update & Security. If there is something wrong here and Windows knows what it is, then you should check the details here. However, sometimes you’ll just see a message telling you to try the update again at a different time. Additionally, if you click on “Advanced options” and then click on “View your update history,” you can see recently installed updates that were successful, and uninstall some or all of them. Though, remember this can be a handy troubleshooting option. Windows 10 has streamlined the update process effectively, so you should be seeing fewer errors.
2. Use Troubleshooter to fix Windows 10 Update Stuck at 99
Microsoft realizes your suffering. It knows the update process may cause problems every now and then. That’s why it has developed a troubleshooter program specifically for it. Search the old Control Panel for “troubleshooting,” then choose “Fix problems with Windows Update” from the list present on your screen. The Help & Support link should be available in Windows 7 and 8 too. Just remember, if you haven’t yet upgraded to Microsoft’s latest and finest operating system then it’s probably still worth your while, as it’s more than likely to resolve your update problems at the same time.
3. Use System Restore to go back in time
Many times, Windows update stucks at 99% or many times Windows Updates stucks at installing the update. Well, Restoring the system can help you in such case.
System Restore is very helpful for solving Windows problems since their inception, but it is quite well hidden in Windows 10. Though you don’t have to worry as you have an experienced guide in me. Go to Control Panel, System, System Protection and then click on System Restore. Just go through the wizard, then select “Show more restore points” to see all your available options. Now, pick a time and date of your choosing, then complete the wizard to go back to how Windows was configured at that point. This procedure won’t affect your personal files or programs, but it might not be available to you depending on how your Windows was originally set up.
4. Use Safe Mode to fix windows update stuck at installing
This mrthod can be really helpful in fixing Windows Update Stuck at downloading problem.
Safe Mode can be seen as a restart with extras. In this mode, only the very basic apps and code that Windows requires running are loaded into memory, so there is an even less chance of a conflict or a damaged file interfering with the update. In Windows 10, press & hold down the Shift key then select Power and Restart from the Windows sign-in screen. On the resulting next screen you see, select Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, Startup Settings and then Restart. Now you should see the Safe Mode option appear. After launching Windows in Safe Mode, try running the update process again. If you are on an older version of Windows, Google will give you theSafe Mode instructions.
5. ClearWindows Update Cache
This is the ultimate solution for you if none of the methods worked out. In this one, you stop the Windows Update service, delete the temporary files it’s created, then start Windows Update again. The method is a bit longer as compared to the previous ones, so I will break it out into two parts: (i) Use Command Prompt and (ii) Use File Explorer. This will make the process very easy.
Part (i) Use Command Prompt
Firstly, you have to launch Windows into Safe Mode by using the above-mentioned procedure (Method-4). Now go to the Command prompt. You can access it by right-clicking on the Start menu, and then selecting Command Prompt (Admin). In the Command prompt box, type “net stop wuauserv” and press Enter. Next, follow that with “net stop bits” and press Enter again.
Part (ii) Use File Explorer
Now open File Explorer and navigate to the following path: C:\ Windows\ SoftwareDistribution. Next, delete everything you find in this folder. These are just temporary files Windows creates so you won’t be in any trouble by deleting them, and Windows Update will create them again. Finally, go back to the Command Prompt window and repeat the first part. Type “net start wuauserv” and hit Enter, then type “net start bits” and hit Enter. This is necessary to get Windows Update and its related background services running up again.
Conclusion
These were the 5 Effective ways to fix the dreaded Windows Update Stuck error. For any queries, doubts or suggestions, feel free to comment in the Comments section below. Hope I helped you to be able to update your Windows again and solve the Windows Update Stuck error.
