Windows update not running

Question

Why won"t my windows update run, just sits there? i HAVE TRIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND NOTHING CHANGES.

Answer 1

Please run Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings app > Update & security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Let us know what it reports back.

Answer 2

Please provide some information about your current Windows 11 Build No. and the updates that are failing to install.

1

Click your Start Button, type winver and press Enter.

Please provide a screenshot of the resulting dialog.

2

Open the Settings App.

Go to Windows Updates.

Please provide a screenshot of that window.

Answer 3

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter first; if Windows Update continues spinning, repair Windows components and then use Windows 11’s built-in repair reinstall.

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Repeatedly selecting Check for updates is unlikely to change a stalled process, so use the automated diagnostic instead:

1. Open Start → Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Update and select Run.
3. Apply any recommended fixes.
4. Restart the PC, then open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Also confirm that the PC is connected to power and has a stable internet connection. Microsoft recommends at least 20 GB free space for a 64-bit upgrade.^1^

2. If it still sits there

Before retrying:

• Disconnect unnecessary USB drives, docks, and other external hardware.
• If a VPN is active, disconnect it temporarily.
• Open Settings → Time & language → Date & time, enable automatic time and time-zone settings, and select Sync now.
• Restart Windows.

Then repair the Windows component store and system files:

1. Search for Command Prompt.
2. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
3. Run these commands in order, allowing each to finish:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
sfc /scannow

Do not close the window before SFC reaches 100%. Restart afterward and try Windows Update again.^2^

3. Repair-reinstall Windows if updating remains stuck

Back up important personal files first. On supported Windows 11 systems:

1. Open Start → Settings → System → Recovery.
2. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
3. Select whether Windows may restart automatically after installation.
4. Select OK and keep the computer connected to power and the internet.
5. Restart when prompted.

This reinstalls the same Windows version, repairs system files and components, and preserves installed apps, files, and settings.^3^

If Reinstall now is absent, it may be because:

• The PC has an older Windows 11 release or lacks the required later update.
• Windows Update is managed by a workplace or school policy.
• The device uses organizational update-management services.

In that case, report the Windows version and exact update state from Settings → System → About, plus any error code shown under Settings → Windows Update → Update history. Those details determine the appropriate next repair path.

---

References

1. Windows 11
2. Using System File Checker in Windows | Microsoft Support
3. Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows