Share via

How to fix endless "Updates are underway."?

Anonymous
2024-03-29T00:41:19+00:00

After installing the latest windows 11 update and restarting, my PC does not move past the "Updates are underway. Please keep your computer on" screen. I waited 3 hours, then attempted a hard reset, but it only went back to this screen. I waited another hour, then tried to enter WinRE by hard resetting and pressing F8 like I normally would. The text that normally shows up when WinRE is about to start flashes for a second, before the PC proceeds to go back to the "Updates are underway" screen. I cannot figure out how to even enter WinRE or safemode like I normally do.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. John DeV 162.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-03-29T01:14:15+00:00

    Hi, good day! I'm John Dev a Windows user like you and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, Rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you.

    Restart your computer, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold the Power Button for 5 - 8 seconds or until it performs a Hard Shut Down

    Do this 2 - 3 times until Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment

    Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates

    Uninstall latest quality or feature update

    If this doesn't work, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore

    Select the restore point at an earlier date where everything is still working.

    Click Next then Finish.

    Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

    10 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. John DeV 162.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-03-29T09:43:35+00:00

    In my observation of this forum, I have seen that some users are having issues with the recent March update. Better to pause the updates for 1-2 weeks for now and try to update again next month.

    9 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

5 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-29T08:26:50+00:00

    My PC is new, so I have had some recent Windows updates after I set it up.

    I actually caved and restarted it again. My PC is restarting just fine, but now the windows update service keeps saying that there's an update pending and that I need to restart, no matter how many times I restart.

    So I guess I don't need to worry about a new update preventing me from starting, but instead have to worry about ever updating in the future...

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. John DeV 162.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-03-29T05:02:01+00:00

    Have you recently upgraded your device to Windows 11 or installed the recent March update? You may need to consider pausing updates for 1-2 weeks.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-29T00:58:18+00:00

    Had the same issue on my Mom's pc. If you have a backup flash drive, you'll need to do a complete wipe & reinstall!

    It took ALL DAY and a lot of back & forth between 2 pc's & 3 support people!!

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments