Internet connection lost during windows update installation

Letian 20 Reputation points
2026-03-03T02:45:02.44+00:00

Windows update is being automatically installed. During the installation process, the internet connection is “lost” even though the wifi is connected. Restarting does not help. And the automatic windows update cannot be stopped.

how can I complete this update? Or how can I stop or skip this update? Thank you!image

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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Answer accepted by question author
Estrella721 45,810 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-03-03T03:21:41.8833333+00:00

Hi,

I understand that your computer is stuck on a black screen with the message “Check your internet connection” while updating.

If your computer can connect via an Ethernet cable, I suggest doing that and then waiting for about an hour to allow the update to proceed.

If the issue persists after an hour, please try accessing WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment). From there, you can either uninstall the recent update or perform a System Restore to revert your computer to a previous working state. This should help resolve the issue without affecting your personal files.

Quick note: Before starting this process, please remove all unnecessary external devices connected to your PC to avoid interference.

  1. If your PC is on, turn it off by holding and pressing the power button for 5-10 seconds.
  2. Turn on your PC normally. When you see the spinning circle, hold down the power button for about 10 seconds.
  3. Repeat this process three times. This will take you to the recovery menu.
  • From the 'Choose an option' screen, select troubleshoot, then Advanced.

Uninstall Recently Installed Updates.

  • Click Troubleshoot, then System Restore.

Select a restore point from before the issue occurred.

Let the process finish and check.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-03T02:45:23.62+00:00

    Windows Update cannot be permanently stopped or skipped, but the installation can be completed by ensuring a stable network connection and then letting the update resume.

    Use these steps once Windows finishes any current attempt and you can sign in again:

    1. Verify power and internet
      • Plug the PC into AC power.
      • Confirm the device is actually online: select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi and make sure it shows Connected. If not, reconnect to Wi‑Fi or use a wired Ethernet cable.
    2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
      • Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Windows Update and select Run, then follow the on‑screen steps.
      • This detects and fixes common issues that can cause updates to stall when connectivity drops.
    3. Check that updates can download again
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update (or Update & Security > Windows Update on some builds).
      • Select Check for updates and allow Windows to re‑download and continue the update. Keep the PC powered and connected until it finishes; it may restart several times.
    4. If updates are stuck or failing repeatedly
      • Ensure the internet connection is stable using the Wi‑Fi troubleshooting guidance in Fix Wi‑Fi connection issues in Windows, for example by turning Wi‑Fi off and on again, renewing IP, or checking proxy settings.
      • If the update remains stuck at a certain percentage, restart the PC and then run Check for updates again or run the Windows Update troubleshooter as above.
    5. Temporarily pause future automatic installs (cannot skip forever)
      • To avoid immediate re‑tries while troubleshooting, open Settings > Windows Update.
      • Use Pause updates for 7 days or choose a date under Advanced options > Pause updates. After the pause period, Windows will require installing the latest updates before pausing again.

    These steps allow the current update to complete once a stable connection is restored and give temporary control over when future updates install.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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