How to fix a stuck Windows 10 update?

When a Windows 10 update gets stuck, it can be frustrating, but there are several methods you can try to resolve the issue. Here’s a detailed guide on how to fix a stuck Windows 10 update:

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, simply restarting your computer can help if the update process is temporarily hung up.

1. Save any open work and restart your PC.
2. After restarting, check if Windows automatically resumes and completes the update.

Method 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common problems with Windows Update.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Update, then click Run the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the prompts to let the troubleshooter attempt to identify and fix issues.

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If the troubleshooter doesn’t work, you may need to manually reset the Windows Update components.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

• Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

1. Stop the Windows Update services by entering these commands one by one:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits

3. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all its contents.
4. Restart the Windows Update services:

   net start wuauserv
   net start bits

Method 4: Use the DISM Tool

The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can repair system files that might be causing update issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Wait for the process to complete, which may take some time.
4. After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow to scan and repair corrupted system files.

Method 5: Perform an In-Place Upgrade

An in-place upgrade can often resolve update issues without deleting your personal files or settings.

1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
2. Run the tool and choose Upgrade this PC now.
3. Follow the instructions to perform an in-place upgrade. This will reinstall Windows while keeping your files and settings intact.

Method 6: Check Disk Space

Ensure that your system drive has enough free space for the update.

1. Go to This PC, right-click on your system drive (usually C:), and select Properties.
2. Make sure you have at least 20GB of free space. If not, consider deleting unnecessary files or moving them to another drive.

Method 7: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Sometimes third-party antivirus software can interfere with Windows Update.

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
2. Try updating Windows again.
3. If the update succeeds, re-enable your antivirus software and configure exceptions for Windows Update.

Method 8: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Corrupted files in the SoftwareDistribution folder can cause updates to fail.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Enter the following commands:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits
   cd %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
   del /f /s /q *
   net start wuauserv
   net start bits

Final Step: Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above methods work, it might be best to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues related to stuck Windows 10 updates. Remember, patience is key when dealing with system updates, as they can sometimes take longer than expected depending on various factors such as internet speed and system performance.