windows update paused at 42%

Question

cant update windows. tried troubleshooter but didnt work

Answer 1

Hi Alan de Tourtoulon,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

Your system may have corrupt files, please scan your system by following commands using Command Prompt (Run as administrator):

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Please reboot your computer after the task has completed.

Then 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

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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Please look in the update history if an error code is reported.

• Press "Windows + I" and select "Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history".

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

If it's a specific update, please provide the KB number of the update that is exhibiting this behavior.

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Also. What is the version and "OS Build" of your Windows 10?

• Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

If you prefer, share a screenshot.

Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

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I await your reply.

Answer 3

Follow these steps in order on the Windows 10 device:

1. Run the built‑in Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings (different path than the Get Help app):
   1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security.
   2. Select Troubleshoot from the left menu, then Additional troubleshooters.
   3. Under Get up and running, select Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
   4. Apply any fixes it suggests and try the update again.
2. Verify power and internet connection:
   1. Make sure the PC is plugged into power.
   2. Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi and confirm it is connected and stable.
3. Confirm administrator access: Some updates require admin rights.
   • If the current account is not an administrator, sign in with an admin account or create one using the guidance in Create a local user or administrator account in Windows, then retry Windows Update.
4. Disconnect external hardware:
   • Unplug USB drives, docks, printers, and any non‑essential peripherals.
   • Restart the PC and run Windows Update again.
5. Clear the Windows Update cache (helps when updates hang at a fixed percentage like 42%):
   1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   2. Find Windows Update, right‑click it, and select Stop.
   3. In File Explorer, go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
   4. Delete all files and folders inside SoftwareDistribution.
   5. Go back to the Services window, right‑click Windows Update, and select Start.
   6. Restart the PC and check for updates again.
6. Restart to apply any partially installed updates:
   • Save work, then select Start > Power and choose Update and restart (or Update and shut down if shown). After restart, return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.

If the update still pauses at 42%, repeat step 5 (clearing the cache) and then run the Windows Update troubleshooter again before retrying the update.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows