Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Sometimes when you try installing Windows Update on Windows 10, it never goes above 0%. Try these 4 simple steps I have used to fix this several times.
Step 1: Stop the Windows Update Service
Follow the steps below.
- Press Windows + R (Windows logo and R key simultaneously). Run command will open
- At the Run command, type services.msc. Then click OK. The Services console will open.
- At the services mmc, locate Windows Update service. If the service is running, right-click it. Then select Start. If the service is NOT running, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Clear the the SoftwareDistribution Folder
- Press Windows + R to open Run command.
- At Run command, type %WinDir%\SoftwareDistribution. Then press OK to open SoftwareDistribution folder.
- Select all the contents of SoftwareDistribution folder and delete them.
- Go back to Services, right-click Windows Update and select Start.
Once Windows Update start successfully, try downloading Windows 10 updates again. Your updates should progress fine.
But if you are still experiencing Windows Update stuck at 0%, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Run SFC and DISM Commands
If you are still having windows update stuck at 0%, your Operating System may be corrupt. Or better put, it may be missing essential Windows file.
Popular on Amazon
- Fresh USB Install With Key code Included
- 24/7 Tech Support from expert Technician
- Top product with Great Reviews
The steps below will replace any missing or corrupt Windows files:
- Search Command Prompt. Then right-click it and select Run as administrator.
- At the Command Prompt, type the command below. Then press Enter.
SFC /Scannow
Wait for the command to complete
- When SFC command completes, type command below. Then press enter.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
To learn more about the above DISM command, read this guide – DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth Explained. Modify a Windows image using DISM is also a very useful read.
For information on SFC, read sfc syntax, parameters from Microsoft.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
When the DISM command completes, restart your computer. Then try downloading updates. Hopefully Windows Update stuck at 0% should be resolved. If not…try this last step…
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Step 4: Run Malicious Software Removal Tool
Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) scans for an automatically removes known malicious software.
Also popular on Amazon
- Comprehensive Solution: This Windows 10 reinstall DVD provides a complete solution for resolving various system issues, including crashes, malware infections, boot failures, and performance slowdowns. Repair, Recover, Restore, and Reinstall any version of Windows.
- USB will work on any type of computer (make or model). Creates a new copy of Windows! DOES NOT INCLUDE product key.
- Windows not starting up? NT Loader missing? Repair Windows Boot Manager (BOOTMGR), NTLDR, and so much more with this DVD. Clean Installation: Allows you to perform a fresh installation of Windows 11 64-bit, effectively wiping the system and starting from a clean slate.
- Step by Step instructions on how to fix Windows 10 issues. Whether it be broken, viruses, running slow, or corrupted our disc will serve you well
- Please remember that this DVD does not come with a KEY CODE. You will need to obtain a Windows Key Code in order to use the reinstall option
If your computer is infected by a malware, it could cause windows update to get stuck at 0%.
For the steps to download, install and use this tool click – Download and Run Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT).
Conclusion
I am confident that by following the 4 steps I discussed in this guide you have been able to install Windows update. If you did, kindly let me know by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
For more Windows 10 guides visit our Windows 10 Fixes page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
![DistributedCOM DC Server Event ID 10016 DCDIAG Error [Fixed]](https://www.itechguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DistributedCOM-DC-Server-Event-ID-10016-DCDIAG-Error-Fixed-768x494.jpg)
![Attribute Editor Tab Missing in ADUC [Fixed]](https://www.itechguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Attribute-Editor-Tab-Missing-in-ADUC-Fixed-featured-image-768x512.jpg)
Not a quick fix, doesn’t work, as it won’t let me delete the contents of your file.
This doesn’t work if you are having trouble getting windows update to move past zero percent and you shouldn’t use this advice because it is incomplete and not a quick fix. This information is wholly inaccurate.
My Software Distribution folder is still filled with files, you don’t address how to get rid of them even after stopping the Windows update service. That does not make this a quick fix.