Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWindows can remain on Working on updates for a long time while it downloads, verifies, installs, or rolls back files. The percentage can pause even when the update is still processing. Avoid forcing the computer off while Windows is actively installing updates.
Start with the low-risk checks below. If the percentage remains unchanged or Windows returns an error code, work through the repair steps in order. The instructions differ slightly between Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Before interrupting a stuck update
- Give the update time to finish. A large feature update can take much longer than a small monthly update, and the displayed percentage is not a reliable countdown.
- Keep the PC connected to its charger or mains power.
- Make sure the internet connection is stable. If Wi-Fi is disconnected, reconnect it; if possible, try Ethernet.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB drives, external storage, docks, printers, and other hardware.
- If the computer is still responding, save your work and close applications.
Do not repeatedly power off a machine that is actively installing. If the screen has genuinely stopped progressing and the computer is unresponsive, hold the power button only as a last resort. A forced shutdown can leave an update incomplete.
Check whether Windows is really stuck
There is no universal number of minutes that proves an update has failed. Installation time depends on the update size, connection speed, network configuration, storage speed, and the work Windows is doing at that stage.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
- At 0% or 100%: restart the PC if the update has stopped progressing, then check the internet connection and available disk space.
- Between 51% and 99%: allow additional time. If the percentage remains unchanged, check for updates again or run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
If Windows eventually reaches the desktop, restart it normally before trying again. When Windows offers the options, use Start > Power > Update and restart or Update and shut down.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Microsoft provides an automated troubleshooter in Get Help. Open Get Help from the Start menu or taskbar search, search for the Windows Update problem, and run the automated Windows Update troubleshooter. It performs diagnostics and attempts to fix common problems.
Windows 11 manual path
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and select Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, then restart the PC and check for updates again at Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Windows 10 manual path
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
- Apply any suggested fix, restart Windows, and try again at Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
The Windows 10 path is not the current Windows 11 path. On Windows 11, use System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters rather than searching for the old Update & Security menu. See Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting guidance.
Check the basic update requirements
Confirm the network
In both versions, open Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Check that the connection is active and reconnect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet if necessary. A stable internet connection is important while Windows downloads and installs update files.
Correct the date and time
An incorrect clock can interfere with secure connections to Microsoft’s update servers.
- Windows 11: open Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically. Under Additional settings, select Sync now if needed.
- Windows 10: open Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time. Turn on Set time automatically. Under Synchronize your clock, select Sync now if needed.
Free disk space
Open File Explorer and check the free space on the Windows drive, normally C:. Microsoft lists minimum figures of 16 GB free for an upgrade from a 32-bit operating system and 20 GB for an upgrade from a 64-bit operating system. These figures are not a guarantee that every feature update will install; a larger safety margin is preferable. See Microsoft’s Windows update troubleshooting page.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 1TB external ssd often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 1 TB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Remove temporary files and unused applications if the drive is nearly full. Some updates also require administrator access, so sign in with an administrator account or provide administrator credentials when prompted.
Disable common sources of interference
Before retrying, disconnect recently installed hardware and check the manufacturer’s website for updated drivers. A third-party driver, particularly one added for new hardware, can block an update.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If you use a VPN, disconnect it temporarily and retry. Microsoft specifically lists disabling a VPN as a possible fix for error 0x800f0922.
Third-party antivirus or security software can also interfere with upgrading to a newer Windows 11 version. If simpler steps fail, temporarily uninstall the security product rather than merely closing its window, then update Windows and reinstall a compatible version afterward. Do this only if you know how to reinstall it and have the necessary licence key or account details.
A clean restart can help identify conflicts from startup software and drivers. It starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. If the update works after a clean restart, restore normal startup settings afterward and identify the conflicting program before leaving the system in that state.
Reset the Windows Update cache
Corrupt files in the Windows Update cache can cause downloads or installations to fail. The Services method is suitable if you prefer not to use commands.
Rank #3
- Powerful NVMe solid state performance featuring up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- A forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink to deliver higher sustained speeds in a portable drive that’s tough enough to take on any adventure.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance(4), and a handy carabiner loop. (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5) (Download and installation required.)
- Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- In the list, right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
- Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
- Delete everything inside the SoftwareDistribution folder. Do not delete the folder itself.
- Return to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
- Restart the computer and run Windows Update again.
If Windows refuses to delete a file, confirm that the Windows Update service is stopped. If another file is locked, restart Windows and repeat the process.
Reset update components from Command Prompt
Use this procedure when the cache reset through Services did not solve the problem.
- Type command prompt in the taskbar search.
- Select Run as administrator, then select Yes at the elevation prompt.
- Run each command separately. Wait for one command to finish before entering the next:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv
- Close Command Prompt after all six commands complete.
- Restart the computer.
- Open Windows Update and check for updates again.
The two ren commands rename the existing update folders rather than permanently deleting them. Windows creates fresh folders when the update services run again.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Repair Windows system files
If the update cache is not the cause, repair the Windows image and protected system files. Open Command Prompt with Run as administrator.
1. Run DISM
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait for the command to finish. A successful run reports The restore operation completed successfully or The operation completed successfully.
Rank #4
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
2. Run System File Checker
sfc /scannow
Wait until verification reaches 100%. Close Command Prompt, restart the PC, and run Windows Update again.
3. Check the Windows drive
If you suspect storage errors, run:
chkdsk /f C:
Windows will ask to schedule the check for the next restart. Accept the prompt and restart. Allow the disk check to complete; interrupting it can make storage problems worse.
Use the error code to choose the next step
| Error code | Likely area to check |
|---|---|
| 0x8007000d | Corrupt Windows Update files or update-cache corruption. |
| 0x800705b4 | The update took too long or was interrupted. |
| 0x80240034 | An incomplete update or connection problem. |
| 0x800f0922 | Insufficient disk space or a problem with .NET Framework or another component; disconnect a VPN and retry. |
| 0x80070057 or 0x80080005 | Corrupt files, permissions, or incorrect system configuration. |
| 0xC1900101 | An incompatible driver; check recently installed hardware and the manufacturer’s driver page. |
| 0x80248014 | A Windows Update database problem or a stopped Windows Update service. |
| 0x80070005 | Access denied or insufficient permissions. |
| 0x80070002 | The update failed to install; retry after the cache and system-file repairs. |
These error-code descriptions are from Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check whether the Windows version is still supported
A PC may report that it is up to date because its version has reached the end of servicing, not because it has received every current Windows release.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. A standard Windows 10 installation no longer receives Microsoft’s free Windows Update security fixes, software updates, or technical assistance after that date. If the machine is still running Windows 10, check whether it meets Windows 11 requirements or review Microsoft’s available support options.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 Home and Pro lifecycle table lists these version dates:
PC 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 & 11Crashes, 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 minuteBest Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
| Version | Support period or status |
|---|---|
| 26H1 | February 10, 2026 to March 15, 2028 |
| 25H2 | September 30, 2025 to October 13, 2027 |
| 24H2 | October 1, 2024 to October 14, 2026 |
| 23H2 | Support ended November 12, 2025 |
| 22H2 | Support ended October 9, 2024 |
| 21H2 | Support ended October 11, 2023 |
This lifecycle entry covers Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE. Windows 11 SE’s last supported version was 24H2. See Microsoft’s Windows 11 Home and Pro lifecycle table for the source of the version dates and edition details.
When to stop troubleshooting
Stop and seek manufacturer or Microsoft support if Windows repeatedly rolls back the same update, the computer cannot reach the desktop, the drive reports hardware errors, or the update fails after DISM, SFC, and the component reset. Keep the exact error code, Windows version, recent driver changes, and the time at which the percentage stopped. That information is more useful than simply reporting that the update was slow.
FAQ
How long should Windows stay on “Working on updates”?
There is no fixed safe time limit. Update size, connection speed, network settings, storage speed, and the update stage all affect the duration. If the percentage has not changed for an unusually long period, restart only when the system is clearly stuck, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Can I turn off my computer while it says “Working on updates”?
Avoid forcing it off while Windows is actively installing. Save work and use Start > Power > Update and restart or Update and shut down when those options appear. Hold the power button only as a last resort if the computer is completely unresponsive.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Why is Windows Update stuck at 100%?
The percentage is not a precise remaining-time indicator. Restart the PC, verify the internet connection, and check free disk space. If the problem returns, run the Windows Update troubleshooter and reset the update cache.
What is the current Windows 11 troubleshooter path?
Use Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, find Windows Update, and select Run. You can also open Get Help and run Microsoft’s automated Windows Update troubleshooter.
Will Windows 10 continue receiving free updates after October 14, 2025?
No. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Normal Windows 10 installations no longer receive Microsoft’s free software updates, security fixes, or technical assistance through the supported service.
The Bottom Line
Keep the computer powered and connected, check the network, clock, storage, hardware, VPN, and security software, then run the correct Windows Update troubleshooter. If that fails, reset the update cache and run DISM, SFC, and—when storage errors are suspected—CHKDSK. Use the exact error code and Windows version to narrow the cause instead of repeatedly forcing the PC to restart.
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.
