Windows Update Stuck at 0%? Try These 8 Fixes

One of these will get you back on track

Most of the timeWindows updatesare automatic processes that require little to no intervention from users. This is especially true for Windows 10 and 11, as they’re configured todownload and install important updates automatically.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check for new updates regularly, especially since you might find your Windows update stuck at 0%. If your Windows update is taking forever, it’ll require your intervention. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to troubleshoot and fix this issue.

Why Is the Windows Update Stuck?

Windows updates can get stuck during the download or installation process, and there are different reasons behind this problem. Here’s the list of the most common reasons why your Windows update might get stuck at 0%:

The most important thing is to be patient. Some Windows updates are large and the process can take even several hours. Before starting to troubleshoot the issue, make sure the update is stuck.

If nothing has changed on your computer screen for around three hours since you started the update, it’s stuck. Your monitor might be displaying one of these messages:

Any similar message might be displayed but with different wording. Now, let’s see how you can fix this issue.

1. Wait It Out or Restart Your Computer

As explained before, Windows updates can take quite a while. Sometimes, the best action is to take no action. Waiting can be necessary when it comes to Windows updates. If the new patch or a service pack is large, it could take up to several hours for your computer to download and install all the files. So be patient and wait.

If you suspect the Windows update is taking too long due to the poor internet connection, you can try restarting your router and computer. This usually solves the issue. Typically, there will be no specific error message if an internet connection is causing problems with the update, so go ahead and restart your machine.

Related:Windows showing an error on updating? Learn totroubleshoot Windows Update error 0xc1900223.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft is aware of the various problems that can occur while Windows is updating, and that’s why it created the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Running this program takes several minutes because the troubleshooter will go through the whole operating system to find the possible problems and apply automatic repairs when possible. Follow these steps to run Windows Update Troubleshooter:

Go to theMicrosoft Support pageand download the Troubleshooter. You can select to download and install this tool for Windows 10 or Windows 11. If there’s no download option, you already have the troubleshooter installed on your device.

For Windows 10:

For Windows 11:

When you finish troubleshooting the Windows update, you should restart your PC, and see if the problem is resolved.

3. Restart the Windows Update Service

Restarting the Windows Update service can solve various problems that can happen during the update process. Here’s how to do it:

Launch the Windows Update again to see if this fixed the issue.

4. Check Disk Space

If your system runs out of space, the Windows update will stop. Check if you have at least 10GB of disk space before starting the Windows update.

If you don’t have enough disk space, you can free it up.

Here’s how on Windows 10:

Here’s how on Windows 11:

5. Turn the Windows Firewall Off Temporarily

The Windows Firewall can sometimes block Windows updates as it sees the files it downloads as foreign. If this is the case, temporarily disable the firewall. Here’s how:

Now try to update your system and see if this fixed the issue.

6. Scan Your Computer for Viruses

If the methods described above didn’t help you fix the Windows update stuck at 0% issue, try scanning your computer for malware. RunWindows Defenderor any other third-party antivirus program you can rely on, and see if there’s malware that could be interfering with the update.

7. Disable All Background Services and Non-Microsoft Programs

If there are processes running in your computer system’s background, they could be interfering with the Windows update, causing it to get stuck at 0%. Disable this process to allow the Windows update to finish.

Launch the Windows update and see if this helped your PC finish the update process.

After the update is complete, re-enable the services by heading back to the System Configuration window. UncheckHide all Microsoft services, and select theEnable allbutton. Then clickOKto apply the changes.

8. Run the Windows System File Checker

You can run the Windows System File Checker (SFC) to find any corrupt system files, drivers, or downloaded installations that may be causing Windows updates to get stuck at 0%. Follow these steps:

And there you have it, eight fixes to rescue your Windows update from the 0% limbo. From checking your internet connection to diving into more advanced troubleshooting, you’re now armed with a toolkit to tackle those stubborn update hiccups. So, here’s to seamless updates and a smoothly running system.

Nicolae is a Jack of all trades technology writer with a focus on hardware, programming languages, and AI image-processing software. Over the last five years, he has ghostwritten numerous tech how-to guides and books on a variety of topics ranging from Linux to C# programming and game development. Nicolae loves everything that has to do with technology and his goal is to share his knowledge and experience with others.Read Nicolae’s Full Bio

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