Windows updates will not work. Internet is connected at 500mbps.

Question

Everytime I try to download windows updates it has the spinning wheel of death for 1 second, then says 'downloading 0%', then immediately stops and says it'll try again when connected to the internet. It is connected to the internet. Troubleshooter does not work and told me to come here. Pls help.

Answer 1

Hi Celeste,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

You may follow this article to troubleshoot the Windows update: Windows Update Troubleshooter - Microsoft Support.

Alternatively, you may manually download the update package to install through Microsoft Update Catalog. Just enter the KB you need to Search form then choose the package right for your system.

I hope that above information is helpful to you.

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Answer 2

Are you receiving any error message? kindly go to Settings > Windows Update and provide a screenshot of that page.

May I know your Windows version, please? To check, press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. Provide the screenshot.

Answer 3

Follow these steps in order on Windows 11:

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter again
   1. Select Start > Settings > System.
   2. Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Under Most frequent, find Windows Update and select Run.
   4. Let it finish, then restart the PC.
   5. After restart, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and try again.
2. Confirm Windows sees the internet connection
   1. Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi (or Ethernet if wired).
   2. Verify status shows Connected.
   3. If it does not, reconnect to your network. For Wi‑Fi help, see Fix Wi‑Fi connection issues in Windows.
3. Make sure Windows Update service is enabled and running
   1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
   2. Find Windows Update in the list and double‑click it.
   3. Set Startup type to Automatic.
   4. If Service status is Stopped, click Start.
   5. Click Apply > OK.
   6. Restart the PC and try Check for updates again.
4. Clear the Windows Update cache (fixes stuck “0%” states)
   1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
   2. Right‑click Windows Update and select Stop.
   3. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
   4. Delete all files and folders inside SoftwareDistribution (not the folder itself).
   5. Go back to Services, right‑click Windows Update, select Start.
   6. Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and try again.
5. Check for common error codes (if any appear) If an error code shows up after these steps (for example 0x80070422, 0x8007000d, 0x80240034, etc.), use the specific guidance under Most common Windows Update problems in Troubleshoot problems updating Windows, such as:
   • Ensuring the Windows Update service is enabled (for 0x80070422).
   • Clearing the update cache again (for 0x8007000d).
   • Verifying services and rerunning the troubleshooter (for 0x80240034).
6. Restart to apply any partially installed updates If updates finally download and install but still show pending, select Start > Power > Update and restart (or Update and shut down) to complete installation.

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References:

• Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows