Windows Update screen in settings does not load and Windows Update Troubleshooter stuck on "Checking for pending restart"

Hello!

I am having a major issue with my computer. At first, I was having an issue where when I attempted to open the Minecraft Launcher, it would open the Microsoft Store and the store would be glitchy, flashing in and out and not loading properly. Through a guide from someone having similar issues, I uninstalled the Minecraft Launcher to no resolve. I then got an alert to update Java, so I did. This resolved the glitchy behavior that I was experiencing with the Microsoft Store. So now I am trying to reinstall the Minecraft Launcher, but it refuses to install. Mu assumption is that there is a Windows Update preventing this.

When I open my Windows Settings and try to go to the update screen, it is stuck on a loading screen. I've also tried to use the Windows Update Troubleshooter, however, it gets stuck on "Checking for pending restart". It will remain on this screen until I hit "Cancel", but then the troubleshooter will not reopen until I restart my PC. At this time, I am unable to check for updates nor install anything from the Microsoft Store.

My current version of Windows 11 is Version 21H2 (OS Build 22000.978).

The only other solution I can think of at this time is to factory reset my PC, but I would like to avoid that as much as possible.