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If Windows Update stays at 0%, restart your PC, check that it is connected to the internet, and make sure there is enough free disk space. Microsoft says download time varies with connection speed, network settings, and update size; it does not set a universal wait time for this symptom. If the percentage still does not move after those checks, work through the less-invasive steps below before trying advanced repairs. Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting guidance covers the 0% case.
1. Restart and check the basics
- Restart the PC. After it starts again, open Windows Update and check whether the download progresses.
- Check the internet connection. Confirm the PC is online. If the connection is unreliable, restore a stable connection before checking for updates again.
- Check available disk space. Make sure the drive has free space for the update. The exact space required depends on the update; Microsoft’s guidance for this symptom does not specify a single amount.
A 0% display by itself does not establish that the update has failed. Microsoft says download and installation time can depend on connection speed, network settings, and update size, and gives no fixed threshold for how long to wait in this situation.
2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Use the route for your installed Windows version. Settings labels can vary slightly by version.
Windows 11
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and select Run. Microsoft also directs Windows 11 users to start with the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in Get Help.
- Follow the prompts. When the troubleshooter finishes, restart the PC, then return to Windows Update and check again.
Windows 10
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Update, then choose Run the troubleshooter or Run, depending on the displayed label.
- Follow the prompts. Restart when the troubleshooter finishes, then check Windows Update again.
See Microsoft’s Windows Update Troubleshooter instructions if the route differs on your PC.
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3. Reset the Windows Update download cache
If the basic checks and troubleshooter do not help, Microsoft’s next option is to stop the Windows Update service, clear the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder, and start the service again. This removes the cached update download files; it does not mean deleting other Windows folders. You need administrator access.
- Open the Start menu, type
services, and open the Services app. - Find Windows Update in the service list. Right-click it and select Stop.
- In File Explorer, open
C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution. - Delete the contents inside SoftwareDistribution, not the folder itself. If Windows says a file is in use, confirm Windows Update has stopped before continuing.
- Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
- Restart the PC, then open Windows Update and check again.
Use only this folder for the cache reset. Microsoft’s instructions for clearing the update cache are part of its Windows Update troubleshooting guidance.
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4. Use command-line repairs only if you are comfortable with them
Microsoft also documents more advanced steps: renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders from an administrator Command Prompt, then repairing system files with DISM and System File Checker. These steps require administrator permissions; Microsoft intends them for people comfortable working at the command line. If that does not describe you, stop here and use Microsoft support or a trusted technician rather than improvising commands.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Follow Microsoft’s current instructions to rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders. Do not substitute other folders or commands.
- In the elevated Command Prompt, run
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthand allow it to finish. - Then run
sfc /scannowand allow the scan to complete. - Restart Windows and check for updates again.
For the exact folder-renaming procedure and any additional details, use Microsoft’s advanced Windows Update repair steps.
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What these steps do—and do not—tell you
A 0% download is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The guidance above does not establish that every stalled update is caused by a damaged cache, a disabled service, malware protection, a driver, or low storage. Follow the steps in order, and use separate error-code guidance only if Windows displays a specific code or message.
If this PC runs Windows 10, note that Microsoft ended free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. Fixing a stalled download does not restore that ended support lifecycle.
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