updates stuck at 50% and can't 'stop installation'

I have a portable which I turned on at 6pm and it said it needed to restart to update the system.

It is now 10pm and the screen says it is still loading update 2 of 15

It can't take 4 hours to do one update, can it ?? ? ? ?

What now ? ? ? ?

Hi,

It depends on the size of the update. Have you followed the instructions in my previous post to resolve the issue?

If the issue is still not resolved, try the below methods:

Method 1: Temporarily disable security software and firewall settings

Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Method 2: Follow the instructions in the link:

Unable to install updates in Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2509997

Note 1: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756/ )

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

Note 2: Data available on bad sectors might be lost when chkdsk tries to repair your hard disc.

Note 3: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Method 3: Put the computer in clean boot state to check the conflicting application. Try to install the updates:

You can install the update (KB numbers) manually by downloading from Microsoft download center.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/default.aspx

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: After installation of windows update, follow Steps in the  link to return your computer to Normal startup mode.

Please post back with the result.

Hi Debbie,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft community. We will be glad to assist you with your concern.

As per the description provided, it looks like you are having issues installing Windows update as they are stuck at 50% and you are unable to stop them.

1. How are you trying to install the update? Does it install automatically or you are trying to install manually?
2. Do you get any error message/code that the update has failed to install?

Please follow the methods to resolve the issue. I have given steps to reset Windows component files and install the updates. If it doesn’t work, follow the steps in method 2 to resolve incomplete installation of Windows update.

Method 1:

Step 1: Run the fixit available in the link below to reset windows update components.

How do I reset Windows Update components?

**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058**

Step 2: Now, you may try to install the unsuccessful update manually from the Download center link below

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/default.aspx

Method 2: Follow the instruction in the link:

Temporary connection-related errors may occur when you use Windows Update or Microsoft Update

**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836941**

Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Please post back with the result. If the issue is still not resolved, I’ll be glad to assist you with additional options.