Windows Update customarily operates with minimal user intervention. Although manual checks and installations are feasible, most Windows 11/10 systems are configured to apply crucial updates autonomously. Conversely, older versions, like Windows 8 and 7, typically implement these fixes during Patch Tuesday evenings.
However, there are instances where a patch, service pack, or update may become immobilized during a system shutdown or startup. Based on your preference, the installation might become obstructed, halted, paused, persistent, or delayed. If Windows Update consumes an interminable amount of time, action is necessary.
If you encounter the issue of a stuck Windows update, do not fret; we will guide you on how to rectify it.
Contents
Frozen Windows Update Notifications
The following messages signify that one or more Windows updates have been interrupted:
- Configuring Windows: Do not turn off your computer.
- Configuring Windows updates (x% complete) Do not turn off your computer.
- Do not turn off or unplug your machine. Installing update x of x…
- I am currently working on updates. Don’t turn off your computer.
- Keep your PC on while this is being done / Installing update x of x…
- Getting Windows ready: Don’t turn off your computer.
You might also encounter messages such as Stage 1 of 1, Stage 1 of 3, or similar notifications before the second example. Sometimes, the only thing visible on the screen is the restart button. Additionally, message variations may exist based on the Windows version being used.
Tip: If there is no visible content on the screen and you suspect the updates may have been fully deployed but are still causing issues, refer to our guide on How to Fix Problems Caused by Windows Updates.
Causes of a Stuck or Frozen Windows Update
Windows updates can become stuck due to various reasons. These issues are often the result of a software conflict or a pre-existing problem that went unnoticed until the updates began. Although rare, errors from Microsoft’s end concerning the update itself do occur.
Halting issues may manifest on specific Microsoft operating systems, such as Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Verify That Updates Are Stalled
Certain Windows updates may require an extended period to configure or install. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the updates are indeed stalled before proceeding. Attempting to fix a non-existent issue could inadvertently create a new problem.
If no activity has been on the screen for three hours, updates may be stuck. If you are still uncertain, examine the activity indicator on your hard drive. Either there will be no activity (stuck) or frequent but brief flashes of light (not trapped).
Though updates typically encounter challenges before the three-hour mark, this duration is still reasonable. It exceeds any time we can recall a Windows update taking to install successfully.
How to Fix a Stuck Windows Update Installation
By following the steps below in the specified order, you can attempt simpler solutions first:
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Del: Sometimes, the update installation may stop at a certain point; entering the Windows login page via Ctrl+Alt+Del may allow the update to resume. If so, proceed with the regular login process and let the updates install without interruption.
- Restart Your Computer: Turn your computer off and back on again, or press and hold the power button to restart. Alternatively, you can use the reset button. Windows will commence normally, and the update installations will conclude. If the Windows update installation is genuinely frozen, a hard reboot is your only option.
Tip: Depending on your Windows and BIOS/UEFI configuration, the computer may require several seconds of power button pressure before turning off. Removing the battery from a tablet or laptop might be necessary.
- Enter Safe Mode: After restarting, select Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options or Startup Settings menu; further instructions can be found in Step 3. If the restart results in the sign-in screen on Windows 11, 10, or 8, attempt to access the Update and Restart menu by selecting the power icon in the bottom-right corner. If the Windows updates are effectively installed and you are prompted to exit Safe Mode, restart Windows to return to the standard interface.
- Run System Restore: Undo the progress made thus far due to the unfinished installation of the Windows updates. If you cannot access Windows ordinarily, attempt to do so in Safe Mode. Consult the link in Step 3 for assistance with initiating Safe Mode. Ensure that the restore point created by Windows immediately before the update installation is selected during the system restore. If successful, your computer should be restored to its original condition before the updates. If this issue arises after an automatic update, like on Patch Tuesday, modify the Windows Update configuration to prevent a recurrence.
- Consider System Recovery Options: If you cannot access Safe Mode or were unable to restore from Safe Mode, consider using System Recovery Options (Windows 7 and Vista) or System Restore from Advanced Startup Options (Windows 11, 10, and 8). These tool menus are accessible from a location outside of Windows, allowing attempts even without Windows.
Tip: System Restore is not accessible from outside of Windows until Windows 11 or Vista is installed. The option is absent in Windows XP.
- Automatic Repair: A system restore is a straightforward method for undoing modifications; however, a more extensive restoration procedure may be necessary for this Windows update. For Windows 10, 11, and 8, construct a new startup. If that fails, attempt to reset the computer using the Reset This PC option (non-destructive). For Windows 7 and Vista, repair the startup procedure. For Windows XP, try the Repair Install procedure.
- Memory Test: Use a free program to determine your computer’s memory. RAM failure may cause halted installations. Fortunately, testing memory is quite simple.
- Update the BIOS: Though uncommon, an outdated BIOS could be the source of this issue. A BIOS update may resolve it if one or more updates Windows attempts to install affect how Windows interacts with your motherboard or built-in hardware.
- Clean Windows Installation: This entails completely eradicating the hard drive housing the Windows operating system and reinstalling Windows from scratch. Avoid this unless necessary, but it’s a highly probable solution if previous steps fail.
Note: Although it may seem likely that reinstalling Windows followed by these updates would result in the same issue, such a scenario rarely arises. Software conflicts, not updates, are the primary cause of shutdown issues from Microsoft updates. A clean Windows installation, followed by all available updates, generally yields a fully operational computer.
Still, Have Frozen or Stuck Windows Update Issues?
If updates become uninstallable on or shortly after Update Tuesday (the second Tuesday of every month), consult our information on the most recent Update Tuesday for further details regarding these specific patches.