Namely, your Windows 10 Update got stuck. Let’s talk about the reasons why, and what you can do to fix them.

Windows 10 Update Stuck Inside Windows

The Windows 10 Update can sometimes get stuck while you’re using your computer. To most people, this isn’t an issue since it generally fixes itself after a certain period of time has elapsed. Unfortunately, when it does happen, it may block key system functions, such as restarting, and result in high disk or memory usage. This is when it becomes a problem. We’ll be covering the two best solutions for this scenario: the easiest and the hardest. Either should work, but try the easiest one first.

Easy Way: Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Click here to download the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

  2. Now, run the program when it finishes downloading. You should get a screen that looks like this:

  3. Highlight “Windows Update” and click Next. The program will now automatically run diagnostics on your version of Windows. If you’re using a more recent version of Windows 10, it will also direct you to a new version of the troubleshooter – it’s fine to follow this link.

  4. From here, the troubleshooter will do the work for you automatically. This process may take a little while, so don’t be impatient. If, however, it doesn’t identify a problem, you’ll need to continue to the harder fix.

Hard Way: A CMD File

For this one, we’ll be providing a download to a CMD file that you can execute. Once you’ve done this, you may need to restart the Windows Update process, but now you should be in the clear.

  1. Download the CMD File For those who are concerned about downloading and running a cmd file, here’s the content of the file: What it does is basically stop the current Update services, remove the old files, and restart the Update service again. Once you’ve downloaded the file, you’ll need to open your Downloads folder. (Don’t execute it from Chrome; it won’t work properly there.) Right-click the file, then select “Run as administrator.”

Now all you need to do is let the CMD file do its work. Once you’re done, you can restart the Windows 10 update process.

Windows 10 Update Stuck After Restarting

Stuck on a screen that looks something like this?

Now, it’s important to advise: you’re warned to wait for a reason. This will take a while, regardless of whether or not it’s working properly. If this screen hangs at a certain percentage for multiple hours, however, that typically means the update process has started to “hang.” A great way to verify this is to take a look at any HDD activity lights your computer may have. If you can hear the disk actively spinning, or see the HDD light blinking regularly, that means you aren’t hanging. It’s just taking a while, and you’re just gonna need to hang on until it’s over. If it is hanging, however, here’s what to do.

  1. First, let’s determine where we are in the hanging process. Start by pressing “Ctrl + Alt + Delete.” If you’re lucky, you’re at the point in the update process where you can safely return to Windows. Now you can just log back in and let the update complete from within the operating system.
  2. Unfortunately, this may not always work. If that’s the case, you’ll need to give your computer a hard reset. Note: this can be dangerous. Head back up to verify that your update is “hanging” before you perform this option.
  3. You’re going to need to perform a hard reset of your computer. To do this, press and hold the power button until your computer has completely shut off. Now you’ll need to restart your machine.
  4. While restarting, rapidly press the F8 key while Windows is booting. This will take you into “Boot Options.” From Boot Options, go to “Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Startup Settings.” Then, click Restart.

Upon Restart, you will now be able to access Safe Mode. Boot into Windows using Safe Mode. Windows will try to finish updating while you’re doing this and should be successful since any programs or drivers interfering with the installation will be disabled.

Prevent Future Issues

If your Windows 10 update was stuck, we hope that this article helped you fix that issue. However, this issue may be a symptom of other problems with your computer! Hardware-wise, a faulty hard drive or memory may be responsible. Software-wise, be sure to run a Disk Defrag and other maintenance once you’re back into your OS, as well as a Malwarebytes scan if you think that may be at fault here. Anything we missed? Any issue you’re having? Comment below, let us know!