Windows Update typically functions with minimal or no involvement from users.
Although it is possible to check and install updates on occasion manually, the majority of Windows 11/10 computers are set up to apply critical updates automatically. In contrast, older versions, such as Windows 8 and 7, typically use these corrections on Patch Tuesday evenings.
However, the installation of a patch, service pack, or update may occasionally become stalled during a system shutdown or startup. The update installation may block, lock, stop, persist, or clock, depending on your preference. Windows Update is consuming an interminable amount of time; something obviously needs to be done.
If you are experiencing the issue of Stuck Window in Update, then don’t worry; we will tell you how to fix it:
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Frozen Windows Update Messages
Any of the following messages indicate that one or more Windows updates have been stopped or halted:
- 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
Stage 1 of 1, Stage 1 of 3, or a comparable message may also appear before the second example. There are times when the only thing that appears on the screen is the restart button. Furthermore, wording variations may exist depending on the version of Windows being utilized.
Tip: If there is no visible content on the screen, and particularly if you suspect that the updates may have been fully deployed but are still contributing to the issue at hand, please refer to our tutorial on How to Fix Problems Caused by Windows Updates. |
Reason for a Stuck or Frozen Windows Update
One or more Windows updates can become stuck for a variety of reasons.
These issues are frequently the result of a software conflict or a preexisting problem that went undetected until the installation of the updates began. Although infrequent, errors originating from Microsoft’s end concerning the update itself do transpire. Such incidents do occur.
Halting issues may potentially manifest on select Microsoft operating systems, such as Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Verify that the updates are, in fact, loaded.
Certain Windows updates may require an extended period to configure or install. Therefore, it is imperative to verify that the updates are indeed stalled prior to proceeding. Fixing an issue that does not exist may inadvertently lead to the emergence of a new problem.
There will be a stuck window in Updates if no activity has been on the screen for three hours. If you are still uncertain after that extended period, examine the activity indicator on your hard drive. Either there will be no activity (stuck), or there will be very frequent but brief flashes of light (not trapped).
Although the updates will probably encounter a challenge prior to the three-hour threshold, this duration of time is still tolerable. It surpasses any time we can recall a Windows update installed successfully.
How to Fix a Stuck Window in Update Installation
By following the given steps in the specified order, one can attempt the simpler solutions initially.
Hold down Ctrl+Alt+Del. In some cases, the update installation may become stopped at a specific juncture; upon entering the Windows login page via the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut, the update may resume.
If so, proceed with the regular login process and allow the updates to install without interruption.
Turn your computer off and back on again, or press and hold the power button to restart it. Alternatively, you can use the reset button. Windows will commence normally, and the update installations will conclude.
If the installation of the Windows update is genuinely frozen, a hard reboot is your only option.
Tip: According to the configuration of Windows and BIOS/UEFI, the computer may require several seconds of power button depressure before turning off. It might be necessary to remove the battery from a tablet or laptop. |
After restarting, select Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options or Startup Settings menu; further instructions can be found in Step 3.
Note: If the restart results in the sign-in screen on Windows 11, 10, or 8, attempt to access the Update and Restart menu by tapping or 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 a system restore in order to undo the progress made thus far due to the unfinished installation of the Windows updates.
Since you are unable to access Windows ordinarily, attempt to do so in Safe Mode. Consult the link in Step 3 for assistance with initiating Safe Mode.
Note: Ensure that the restore point created by Windows immediately prior to the update installation is selected during the System Restore. |
If System Restore is executed successfully and a restore point is created, your computer should be restored to its condition prior to the installation of the updates. In the event that this issue arises following an automatic update, such as that which transpires on Patch Tuesday, modify the Windows Update configuration to prevent an independent recurrence of this problem.
Consider System Recovery Options (Windows 7 and Vista) or System Restore from Advanced Startup Options (Windows 11, 10, and 8) if you cannot access Safe Mode or if you were unable to restore from Safe Mode.
Given that these tool menus are accessible from a location “outside” of Windows, it is possible to attempt this even in the absence of Windows.
Tip: System Restore is not accessible from outside of Windows until Windows 11 or Vista is installed. The previously mentioned option is absent in Windows XP. |
Start the “automatic” repair process on your computer. A system restore is a straightforward method for undoing modifications; however, in the context of this Windows update, a more extensive restoration procedure may be necessary on occasion.
- Windows 10, 11, and 8: Construct a new startup. If that fails, attempt to reset the computer using the Reset This PC option (which is, of course, non-destructive).
- Repair the startup procedure in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
- Try the Repair Install procedure on Windows XP.
Determine the memory of your computer using a free program. Failure of the RAM may be the cause of the halted fix installations. Fortunately, testing memory is quite simple.
Update the BIOS. Though uncommon, an obsolete BIOS could be the source of this issue.
A BIOS update may resolve the issue if one or more of the updates Windows is attempting to install affect the way Windows interacts with your motherboard or other built-in hardware.
Complete a restart of Windows. A clean Windows installation entails completely eradicating the hard drive that houses the Windows operating system and then installing Windows from scratch on the same hard drive.
It’s preferable to avoid doing this if it’s not necessary, but it’s a highly probable solution if the preceding steps are futile.
Note: Although it may appear probable that reinstalling Windows followed by these specific updates would result in the same issue, such a scenario rarely arises. Due to the fact that software conflicts rather than updates are the primary cause of shutdown issues resulting from Microsoft updates, a clean installation of Windows, followed expeditiously by the installation of all available updates, generally yields a fully operational computer. |
Do you 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 particular patches.