Windows Stuck on “Updates Are Underway”? 8 Fixes to Try

Windows 11’s “Updates are underway” process shouldn’t take too long to finish. If your PC continues to display this message for a long period, Windows Update or your Windows system might have an issue. You have a few ways to get around this problem, and we’ll show you how to apply those fixes to your computer.

Some reasons your PC is stuck on the “Updates are underway” screen are that your downloaded update files are corrupted, your drive has a file system error, Windows system files are damaged, and more.

1.Wait It Out

Unless it’s been a long time since the “Updates are underway” process started, wait until the process finishes. Thisallows your PC to install the available updatesand make the system ready for your use.

The process should finish in several minutes. If it takes an hour or longer, use the troubleshooting tips below.

2.Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Since the above error is related to Windows updates, use your PC’s built-in Windows Update troubleshooter to find and fix the issue. This toolscans your system for any update-related problemsand helps fix those issues.

3.Reset Windows 11 Updates

If your issue remains,reset Windows 11’s update componentsto resolve any update-related problems. You’ll run a batch script to reset the components.

4.Manually Download and Install a Specific Windows Update

If your issue has occurred due to problems with installing a specific update, manually download and install that update on your PC. Microsoft has an online update catalog where you candownload any Windows update for your PC.

5.Check Your Drive for Errors

If your drive has file system errors, that can cause an update to fail to install. In this case, use Windows’ built-in drive checker tofind and fix your drive’s problems.

The tool runs from both File Explorer and Command Prompt. Here are both methods.

6.Fix Windows’ Corrupted Core Files

If Windows system files are damaged, that might be why you’re facing an “Updates are underway” loop. In this case,use Windows’ SFC (System File Checker) toolto detect and replace all the faulty system files on your computer.

7.Use System Restore

If a change you made to your PC has caused the issue, you can roll back that change to fix your problem.Use Windows’ System Restoreto automatically undo your changes.

8.Reset Your Windows 11 PC

If you still have an “Updates are underway” error,reset your Windows 11 PC to the factory settings. This is because your current PC configuration might be faulty, causing the issue. Resetting the PC brings all the setting options to their default values.

You have the option tokeep your filesand not delete them while resetting your PC’s settings.

Eliminating an “Updates are underway” Error on Windows 11

Your Windows 11 PC gets stuck on an update screen for various reasons. Luckily, you have multiple tools to deal with the error and get rid of the problem. Use the methods outlined above, and your issue will be resolved as well as your PC updated. Enjoy!

Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio

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