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If Windows 11 shows an update as Pending install, it does not necessarily mean the update has failed. Windows may be waiting for a restart, finishing background processing, or dealing with damaged update files, stopped services, low storage, or corrupted system components.
Start with a normal restart, then work through these four fixes in order. Keep the computer connected to power and a reliable internet connection. Disconnect unnecessary USB drives, docks, and other external hardware while troubleshooting.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 no longer receives free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes through Windows Update.
Before trying the fixes: restart Windows once
Many Windows updates cannot complete until the system restarts. Save your work and select Start > Power > Restart. If Windows offers Update and restart or Update and shut down, choose one of those options instead.
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After Windows starts again, open Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. If the update is still pending, continue with the steps below.
1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Windows 11’s recommended automated troubleshooting flow uses the Get Help app. It checks common Windows Update problems and can apply repairs without requiring you to change system files manually.
You can also run the troubleshooter from Settings:
- Open Start > Settings > System.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Select Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and select Run.
- Follow the instructions in the troubleshooter.
- Restart the PC when it finishes.
- Return to Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Check the basic blockers too
- Internet connection: Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and confirm that the PC is connected.
- Date and time: Open Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically. If shown, select Sync now.
- Administrator access: Some updates need an administrator account or approval.
- Free storage: Remove unnecessary files if the system drive is nearly full. Microsoft’s 16 GB minimum for 32-bit upgrades and 20 GB minimum for 64-bit upgrades applies to upgrading Windows, not as a universal requirement for every routine update.
2. Clear the Windows Update cache
Windows stores downloaded update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder. An incomplete or corrupted download can leave an update at Pending install. Stopping the Windows Update service and clearing this folder forces Windows to create a fresh update cache.
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
services.mscand press Enter. - Find Windows Update in the Services list.
- Right-click it and select Stop.
- Open File Explorer and enter this path in the address bar:
C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution - Delete everything inside the
SoftwareDistributionfolder. Do not delete the folder itself. - Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
- Restart the computer.
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Important: Do not delete the cache while the Windows Update service is running. If Windows says a file is in use, the service may not have stopped fully. Restart the PC, repeat the process, and confirm that the service shows Start before deleting the files. Third-party antivirus or security software can also keep update files open.
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3. Reset the Windows Update components
If clearing SoftwareDistribution does not help, reset the related update components. This procedure stops BITS and Windows Update, renames the update folders, and lets Windows recreate them.
- Type command prompt in the taskbar search box.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes when User Account Control appears.
- Run each command below separately. Press Enter after each one and wait for it to finish:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
ren %systemroot%softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren %systemroot%system32catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv- Close Command Prompt.
- Restart the PC.
- Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
These commands use an elevated Command Prompt. Running them in a normal Command Prompt can produce “Access is denied” errors. If a net stop command says the service is not started, that service is already stopped and you can continue.
Do not rename catroot2 while the relevant services are active. Also note that a work or school computer may receive updates through WSUS, Microsoft Intune, Configuration Manager, or another organizational policy. A local cache reset will not fix a blocked deployment or a problem on the organization’s update server.
4. Repair Windows with DISM and SFC
Windows Update can remain pending when the Windows component store or protected system files are damaged. Microsoft’s repair sequence is DISM first, then System File Checker.
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- Type command prompt in the taskbar search box.
- Select Run as administrator, then select Yes.
- Run this command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth- Wait for DISM to finish successfully. This can take several minutes.
- Run System File Checker:
sfc /scannow- Wait until verification reaches 100 percent.
- Restart the computer.
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
DISM repairs the Windows component store that SFC uses as a repair source. Running sfc /scannow by itself may find damaged files but be unable to repair them if the component store is also corrupted.
This repair is particularly relevant to errors such as 0x800F081F, 0x80073712, 0x80073701, 0x8007371B, and 0x80070570.
If the update is still pending: use Windows 11’s repair reinstall
Windows 11 includes Fix problems using Windows Update. It reinstalls the same version of Windows while preserving your apps, files, and settings. Use it after trying the four fixes above.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
- Choose whether Windows should restart automatically 15 minutes after installation completes.
- Select OK.
- Keep the PC connected to power and the internet while the repair version downloads and installs.
- Restart manually if you did not enable automatic restarting.
This option is available only on Windows 11 and requires the February 2024 optional update or a later update. It may be unavailable on PCs managed by an organization through WSUS, Intune, Autopatch, or certain Windows Update policies.
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Check the update history for a failure code
Pending install is a status, not a detailed diagnosis. If Windows later reports a failure, record the code before trying more changes. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history and find the failed update.
| Error code | Common documented indication |
|---|---|
0x80070422 |
Windows Update is disabled or stopped. |
0x80070020 |
Another process, often a third-party filter or security driver, is blocking the update. |
0x80070005 |
Access denied or insufficient permissions. |
0x800F0922 |
Connectivity, reserved-partition, or component-related installation problem. |
0xC1900101 |
Incompatible driver. |
0xC1900107 |
Cleanup from an earlier installation is pending; a restart may be required. |
0x80073712 |
A Windows Update file is damaged or missing. |
What not to try first
- Do not use the Windows 10 path: “Update & Security > Troubleshoot” is not the current Windows 11 interface. Use Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters or Get Help.
- Do not treat metered-connection settings as a universal fix: turning on downloads over metered connections is an outdated community workaround, not Microsoft’s general solution for Pending install.
- Do not immediately delete
catroot2: stop the relevant services first and rename the folder using the documented commands. - Do not assume SFC alone is enough: run DISM before SFC when system corruption is suspected.
- Do not assume Pending install means failure: the update may simply be waiting for a restart or still processing.
FAQ
How long should a Windows update stay on Pending install?
There is no fixed time. Update size, internet speed, storage, device performance, and network settings all affect installation. Restart once, then check Windows Update again. If the status remains unchanged, work through the four fixes in order.
Will clearing SoftwareDistribution delete my personal files?
No. Clearing the contents of C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution removes Windows Update’s downloaded cache and history data, not your documents, photos, installed applications, or personal files. Stop the Windows Update service before deleting the contents.
Should I delete the catroot2 folder?
Do not delete it manually as a first step. Use an elevated Command Prompt to stop BITS and Windows Update, rename catroot2 to catroot2.bak, restart the services, and then restart Windows.
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Why should DISM run before SFC?
DISM repairs the Windows component store. SFC uses that store as a source when replacing damaged protected system files, so repairing the store first gives SFC a better chance of completing its repair.
What if Fix problems using Windows Update is missing?
The option is available only on Windows 11 and requires the February 2024 optional update or a later update. It can also be hidden on work or school PCs managed by WSUS, Intune, Autopatch, or other Windows Update policies.
The Bottom Line
For a Windows 11 update stuck on Pending install, restart first. Then run the Windows Update troubleshooter, clear the SoftwareDistribution cache, reset the update components, and repair Windows with DISM followed by SFC. If none of those works, use Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update > Reinstall now, provided the option is available.
If Windows produces an error code, check Update history and use that code to narrow the cause rather than repeatedly clearing caches.
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