Do you need help with a Windows update stuck at 100%? Is Windows Update stuck in the middle and not moving forward? Most of the time, Windows updates run smoothly, without any input from the users. However, now and then, despite all the hard effort put in behind the scenes, the installation of Windows updates can hang the PC due to several reasons. These issues are because of software conflicts or an existing problem that was not discovered until Windows updates started.
But do not worry, it is simple enough to fix, and by the time you read this article and follow the steps mentioned, those delayed updates should be up and running.
Fix: Windows Update Stuck at 100%
Follow these suggestions if your Windows Update is Stuck at 100% or any percentage, or it is stuck and not moving forward.
- Wait for a longer time
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Restart Windows Update Service
- Remove external device and restart
- Boot into Safe Mode and Update
You will need a clear understanding of the technical part of the steps and an admin account to fix the problem.
1] Wait for a longer time.
Before you start taking any action to solve this issue, make sure the updates are stuck because specific Windows updates can take several minutes or more to configure or install. Solving a problem that does not exist can pave the way to much bigger problems.
So, you should only think of trying to solve the issue if nothing appears on the screen for three hours or more. If that is the case, Windows updates are likely to be stuck. You can also check the activity indicator on your hard disk. Either there will be no activity (stuck) or frequent, swift light flashes (not stuck).
2] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows Troubleshooter assists you in automatically fixing problems when you are unable to install or remove programs. While you are downloading and installing Windows updates and if you encounter an error code, the Update Troubleshooter can assist you in fixing the issue.
- Choose Settings (Win + I) > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters from the menu. Next, locate Windows Update and click on the Run button.
- Restart your computer once the troubleshooter has finished running.
- Then look for fresh updates. Go to Windows Settings > Windows Update from the menu. Install any available updates.
3] Restart Windows Update Service
The Windows Update Service is responsible for ensuring that your computer is running the most recent version of the Windows operating system. Your computer will not be able to automatically look for and download the most recent OS update if the Windows Update service is off. So if you try to restart the Windows update service, you might avoid the Windows update getting stuck.
- Press Win + R to open the Run window. Type the command services.msc and click OK to open Service Manager.
- Find Windows Update in the given list. Right-click on it and select Restart.
If there is no option to restart, you can stop the service and then choose to restart.
Now, run and see the Windows update.
4] Remove external device and restart
Open the My Computer window and find your external storage device icon. Right-click on the device name, and a pop-up window will open. Click Eject. Remove your external storage after the Safe to Remove Hardware notification appears. Ejecting any external devices might help Windows updates run smoothly.
5] Boot into Safe Mode and Update
There is a much lower possibility of a malicious or corrupted file interfering with the update process while using Safe Mode, which is essentially like a restart with additional features enabled.
The second method is using Advanced Recovery. While holding down the Shift key, select Power and Restart from the Windows sign-in screen. On the new window, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
You will see the Safe Mode option on the screen. Make sure to choose Safe Mode with networking. Try to update Windows in this mode.
What if none of these works?
After you have booted your computer in Safe Mode, disable Windows services and clear the Software distribution folder (C:\Windows\Software distribution). The method removes all temporary files from the computer, forcing it to download the updates again.
You can also download the update from the Microsoft Catalog website and manually install it. Restart again and see if the Windows update is smoother.
Conclusion
The majority of lockup issues brought on by Microsoft updates are software conflicts; thus, a fresh installation of Windows, quickly followed by the installation of all updates, usually provides a perfectly functional computer.
Security software is also known to cause delays in Windows updates. Always do thorough scanning for your computer using a good anti-virus tool. Then you can resume the updating program. I hope these tips mentioned in the article do you good!
Is it alright to Disable Automatic Windows Update?
If you turn off automatic Windows updates, your PC will update automatically. If you do not install updates manually, your Windows PC will eventually become so outdated that it will have security issues.
Remember that some automated updates include security updates or significant stability improvements that you want to apply to your PC. One should remember if one decides to deactivate automatic updates for an extended period.
Should I Turn off Windows PC While the Update Is in Progress?
Understanding the two phases of a Windows update is crucial. The two stages are downloading the update and its subsequent installation.
If you turn off your computer after the update download is in progress, there will be no harm. But there would be two outcomes in this scenario. Your computer will either back up or store the data that was acquired until the point it was permitted to run, and the download will continue from where it left off.
If you shut down your computer while the update installation is in progress, chances are that the process will come to an end. When you turn on the PC after its abrupt shutdown, the installation process can take some time, and there may be a few delays in updates. The time taken for the installation depends on your system settings, the quantity and nature of updates, and your system configuration.
So, the best thing to do is never to give your PC a chance to turn off while an update is in progress.