windows update hangs

Question

the windows update dialog box does not load the little circle just continues to go around

Answer 1

If the Windows Update dialog box keeps spinning - the loading circle just keeps going, and never loads, it's usually due to a stuck Windows Update service, corrupt cache, or a problem with your system files. So I will give you some recommend to troubleshoot it step by step:

- Step 1: Restart Windows Update Services

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• In the list, find and restart these services:
  • Windows Update
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Cryptographic Services

-> Right-click each service → click Restart. If it's stopped, click Start.

- Step 2: Clear Windows Update Cache

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
• Run these commands one by one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc

• Delete the update cache folder:

rd /s /q %windir%\SoftwareDistribution

• Then restart the services:

net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc

- Step 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
• Click Run next to Windows Update.
• Let it finish and follow any recommended actions.

- Step 4: Run SFC and DISM

• Open Command Prompt as Admin, then run the following commands:

sfc /scannow

• Let it finish. Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

-> This checks and repairs corrupted system files.

- Step 5: Manually Check for Updates

If the Settings app still hangs:

• Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

wuauclt /detectnow

Or open Control Panel → Security and Maintenance → Check for Updates if available.

- Finally you can use Windows Update Assistant

If all else fails:

• Go to Microsoft's official Windows 10/11 Update Assistant page (choose your version).
• Download the Update Assistant and run it — this often bypasses the stuck UI issue.

Answer 2

Please run Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings app > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. See if it helps you.