Problem with updating Windows 10

Варвара Сотникова 20 Reputation points
2026-04-17T12:01:15.19+00:00

I needed to update Windows (currently on version 1909).

The Windows Update Center didn't work because the update process was stuck at 96%. I decided to update through the update assistant from the official website. The update finally downloaded, I clicked "restart now," and everything started to follow the same pattern.

Restart -> Update progress reaches 30% -> Restart -> Update progress reaches 60% - Screen turns on and off a couple of times -> Restart again -> System changes are discarded -> Restart and everything returns to its previous state, as if the update had never happened.

I haven't touched anything whole time while it was updating, so I have no idea what could be causing the update to be interrupted. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 929K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-04-17T12:36:33.7833333+00:00

Your version (1909) of Windows 10 is over 5 years out of date, all normal methods to upgrade to version 22H2 will fail.

If using the Upgrade Assistant also fails, try using this process with the Windows 10 ISO to perform the upgrade, if this also fails, then really the only option would be to backup your files, create a bootable Windows 10 USB and use that to clean install the latest version of Windows 10.

You will need at least 40B of free space on your C drive for the upgrade.

Please ensure you download the ISO in the same language as you use for the Windows UI, follow the steps, this is then not like re-installing Windows, it is just like an update and your personal files, settings and installed software will not be affected.

Click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

to download the Media Creation Tool (Click on Download Tool Now), with that you can download the latest Windows 10 ISO (Select Create Installation Media for Another PC), then choose ISO, not USB

When the ISO file completes downloading

Disconnect from the Internet

Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard.

Temporarily disable any 3rd party Anti-virus you may have installed

Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the Install option.

Very Important - ensure you select the option to keep your files and apps.

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.