stuck on update

Question

stuck on update

Beth Seif 0

microsoft update is stuck - i can't get into my computer until this update is complete

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2 answers

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Answer 1

John Jefferson Doyon 89,445 Independent Advisor

Hi, @Beth Seif

How long has the update been stuck on the same screen or percentage?

Also, what exactly does the screen say, and are the spinning dots still moving?

If it has only been a short time, I would leave the computer connected to power and give the update more time. Some Windows updates can appear stuck while they are still working.

For now, avoid repeatedly forcing the computer off. Interrupting an update can sometimes leave Windows unable to start properly.

Please let me know how long it has been stuck and what percentage or message you see.

Thanks!

Beth Seif 0 Reputation points

2026-08-11T10:40:52.88+00:00

It has been stuck for 12 hours twice over the last 2 days.
The screen says 'Working on updates, 37% complete, don't turn off your computer.'
The dots stop spinning almost right away so I think it stops updating at that time & gets stuck.
John Jefferson Doyon 89,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-11T17:43:48.62+00:00

Hi, Beth!

Thanks for confirming. If it has stayed at 37% for about 12 hours twice and the spinning dots also stop, the update does appear to be frozen.

At this point, press and hold the computer's power button for about 10 seconds until it completely shuts down. Disconnect any unnecessary USB devices, then turn the computer back on.

There is some risk when interrupting an update, but after being frozen this long, waiting longer is unlikely to help. Windows may automatically undo the update or enter recovery when it starts again.

When you turn it back on, does Windows eventually reach the desktop, go back to the same 37% update screen, or show an Automatic Repair/recovery message?

Please let me know exactly what happens after the restart.

Thanks!
Beth Seif 0 Reputation points

2026-08-11T22:48:54.3166667+00:00

I did the shutdown a number of times over the past 4 days. It always comes back to the 37% screen & never lets me reach anywhere where i can type anything.
John Jefferson Doyon 89,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-11T23:15:50.5833333+00:00
Thanks for getting back to me.

Since you have already forced it off several times and it always returns to 37%, I would not keep repeating that.

The next step is to try to enter Windows Recovery:

Turn the computer on.

As soon as you see the Windows logo or spinning dots, hold the power button until it shuts off.

Do this twice.

Turn it on a third time. Windows should hopefully show "Preparing Automatic Repair" or a recovery screen.

If you reach recovery, select:

"Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Uninstall Updates" > "Uninstall latest quality update"

Do not choose "Reset this PC" at this stage.

You may also be asked for your BitLocker recovery key, so do not continue past that screen unless you have the key.

If it still goes directly back to the 37% screen and never gives you the recovery options, do you have access to another Windows computer and an empty USB drive? A Windows installation USB can be used to access the repair options.

Thanks!
John Jefferson Doyon 89,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-11T23:17:28.1533333+00:00

If you're not comfortable doing these recovery steps yourself, that's okay. You can ask a family member, friend, or colleague nearby who is familiar with computers to help you go through them.

Just make sure they follow the recovery steps carefully and do not choose "Reset this PC" unless it becomes necessary later.
Beth Seif 0 Reputation points

2026-08-12T10:00:02.7533333+00:00

I've done the Windows Recovery steps multiple times and always back to the 37% screen.

I have given up & have ordered a new computer.

Thank you - much appreciate you taking your time to help me.
John Jefferson Doyon 89,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-12T17:32:16.71+00:00

Glad to assist! Given everything you've tried, I understand your decision.

I hope the new computer works well for you.

Thanks!

Answer 2

If the update is stuck and Windows will not finish loading, try these steps in order:

Wait a little longer first.
- Windows can appear stuck during Working on updates.
- If it stays at the same percentage for a long time, continue with the next steps.
Restart the PC.
- If possible, let the restart finish.
- Many update issues are resolved by restarting and then trying the update again.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter after getting back into Windows.
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and select Run.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
Check basic requirements.
- Make sure the PC is connected to power.
- Check the internet connection at Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
- Make sure there is enough free disk space: at least 16 GB for 32-bit Windows or 20 GB for 64-bit Windows upgrades.
- Disconnect external drives, docks, and other unnecessary hardware.
Clear the Windows Update cache.
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Stop the Windows Update service.
- Open C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete the files and folders inside.
- Go back to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
If the update still keeps hanging, reset the update folders from an elevated Command Prompt.
- Search for Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, then run these commands one at a time:

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Restart the computer after the commands complete.

If the PC reaches the update screen, but later says updates were undone after restart:
- This can happen when the Trusted Installer service does not finish within the default timeout.
- A documented workaround is to change the registry value HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\TrustedInstaller\BlockTimeIncrement to 2a30 (Hexadecimal), which sets the timeout to three hours.
- Warning: registry changes are risky and can affect system stability if done incorrectly.