Windows 10 Update stuck on Initializing?

Hi Katie. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Most Updates will sort themselves out in a few days so I'd wait to see. If not then here are steps you can take:

1. There is a new guided walk-through from Microsoft for repairing Windows Update that leads up to resetting components if necessary: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10164/.... Try running that first.
2. If that fails try manually resetting Windows Update Service:

Open administrative Command Prompt and type following commands one-by-one followed by Enter key.

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Close Command Prompt and see if Windows Updates works then

3. You can also install the Updates manually that fail to install which are logged at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Installed Update History, and then search for those to download and install from this Catalog: http://test.catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/sit...
4. If they continue to fail and interfere, then you can block them using one of these methods: https://www.howtogeek.com/224471/how-to-prevent...
5. What I'd do at this point if you haven't yet is install latest Version 1809 by installing Media Creation Tool from this link and choose Upgrade This PC Now: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

This is the most stable way to change to the newer version and because it reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files and programs in place, fixes most problems. It also brings all Windows Updates to date.

If there are any hurdles during install then these steps can overcome them: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hi Katie

First, try upgrading using the Windows Update Assistant:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-downlo...

If that does not work, upgrade offline using the ISO file, it is more reliable.

Please be advised some users are reporting issues with the Windows 10 1809 update. Make sure you backup before attempting to upgrade:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

What is the make and model of your computer?

Have you checked the manufacturers website to determine compatibility?

Check this List to Determine if Your Computer is Compatible with the Windows 10 1809

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wik...

perform the following tasks:

12 Things You Should Do Before Installing Windows 10 

[https://www.groovypost.com/howto/prepare-comput...](https://www.groovypost.com/howto/prepare-computer-windows-10-creators-update-version-1703/)

Download the Media Creation Tool Now

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

Right click the MediaCreationTool.exe file then click Run as administrator.

Accept the End User License Agreement:

Select the option Create installation media for another PC if you want to download a ISO image or create a bootable DVD or USB thumb drive,

Click Next

If you want to download a particular edition or both architectures, uncheck the Use the recommended option for this PC.

Click in the Edition list box, choose your edition then click Next.

Windows 10 - contains Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro.

Windows 10 Home Single Language - only select this edition if you are running Windows 10 Single Language, Windows 8 Single Language or Windows 8.1 with Bing.

Windows 10 N - only select this edition if you reside in Europe, it does not contain Windows Media Player. It contains Windows 10 Home N, Windows 10 Pro N.

Please read the following: Fix Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Defaulting to Home Instead of Pro

Downloading the ISO file

An ISO file is a digital or virtual replica of a physical disc. In order to use an ISO you must burn it to a optical disc. In the case of Windows 10, a blank Dual Layer DVD or an empty USB thumb drive. If you are using Windows 7, you can create the .ISO then burn it using the built in Disc Image utility. If you are running Windows XP or Windows Vista, you can using a third party burning tool such as ImgBurn or Roxio/Nero.

Creating a .ISO file

For the purposes of this exercise, we are gonna use the .ISO option.

Select ISO file, then click Save, Select your location then click Save.

Wait while the .ISO image is created.

Performing the upgrade:

Once you have the Windows 10 ISO, you can double click it to mount it then start the upgrade. If you are installing from a DVD or USB thumb drive, insert or connect it, then click the on screen notification. If setup does not start automatically, click Start > File Explorer > This PC > open the drive containing the Windows 10 setup files, then double click Setup.exe.

Click Run setup.exe

Wait while setup is initialized.

You can select download and install any important updates before upgrading. This is recommended since it can help to ensure a smooth upgrade. If you are not connected to the Internet, select the Not right now radio box instead. Click Next.

Wait while Windows 10 setup checks your system for compatibility issues.

Accept the End User License Agreement.

Wait while Windows 10 setup does one final check to ensure your system is ready.

Windows 10 setup will check if you have enough disk space. If you don't, review the following article for instructions how to upgrade to Windows 10 Spring Creators Update on a system with limited space:

How to Upgrade to Windows 10 on a Drive with Limited Space

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wik...

Please note, you have the option of choosing what you would like to keep, which includes personal files, apps and settings.

This will be your screen for a little while. During the installation, your computer will restart several times.

After the first restart, Windows 10 setup will resume. You will notice the setup experience has once again been refined from the previous animated circle. This will be your screen for a while. When complete, Windows 10 setup will restart automatically.

Sign into your account.

Wait while Windows 10 completes application updates and post setup tasks.

Thats it, the Windows 10 1809 is installed.You can check Windows Update for latest updates, click Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Check for Updates.

How to prepare your computer before upgrading?

Although updating to Windows 10 version 1809 is a relatively simple process, similar to a repair upgrade; users should perform some basic pre-requisites before initiating the upgrade.

If you are finding it difficult to carry out some of the steps described below, please review detailed instructions how to perform them:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/prepare-comput...

Information in the above link is sourced from a trusted Microsoft MVP Blog.

Hi Katie,

I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 2-Year Windows Insider MVP here to help.

Updating to the latest feature update 1809, should resolve this.

The fastest way to get the upgrade is through Media creation tool or ISO file.

Please download Media Creation Tool from the link below and select Upgrade this PC at the first screen.

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

All steps, including upgrading using ISO file and Media creation tool, are covered here:

https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2018/10/update...

Disclaimer:

This is a non-Microsoft website which would provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site which are frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers as they do more harm than good sometimes.