How to Resolve a Stuck Windows Update

(Image credit-YouTube) Most of the time, we pay little to no attention to Windows Update while it completes its task. While we may occasionally check for and install updates manually, most Windows 11 and 10 computers are set up to automatically apply critical updates, while Windows 8 and 7 typically apply these fixes on the eve of Patch Tuesday. However, occasionally the update installation gets stuck—freezes locks up, stops, hangs, clocks, whatever you want to call it—while it is being installed during shutdown or startup. It's obvious that something needs to be done because Windows Update is taking so long. If you observe one of the following warnings persist for a long period, the installation of one or more Windows updates is likely stalled or frozen:

• Getting ready to configure Windows. Keep your PC running.
• Windows update configuration is x% complete; do not shut down your PC.
• Do not turn off or unplug your computer. / installing x of x's update...
• Updates being worked on; x% complete; Do not shut down your PC.
• Keep your computer on while you complete this. installing x of x's update...
• Windows preparation Do not shut down your PC.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Image credit- How-to-Geek[/caption] See our How to Fix Problems Caused by Windows Updates instruction if you don't see anything at all on the screen, especially if you believe the updates may have been fully installed but may be the root of the issue you're having. Frozen or stuck Windows Update: What Causes It The installation or completion of one or more Windows updates may hang for a number of reasons. These kinds of issues are typically brought on by a software clash or a previous problem that wasn't discovered until the updates began to be installed. They are much less common, but they do happen, when Microsoft makes a mistake with the update itself. Any Microsoft operating system, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and others, may encounter freezing problems during Windows updates. Although it only applies to Windows Vista and only if SP1 hasn't yet been installed, there is a real Windows bug that can cause Windows Update installations to freeze in this manner. Install Windows Vista SP1 or later on your PC if that applies to it to remedy the issue. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image credit- Lifewire[/caption] Check to see if the updates are truly stuck. Before continuing, make sure the updates are actually stuck because certain Windows updates can take several minutes or more to configure or install. Making an issue worse by attempting to solve one that doesn't truly exist. If nothing appears on the screen for three hours or longer, Windows updates are likely stuck. Take a look at the activity light on your hard drive if you're still wondering after all that time. Either there will be no activity at all (stuck) or there will be frequent but brief flashes of light (not stuck). Also read: How to Modify the Windows Refresh Rate Setting for a Monitor Low activity on a Windows computer This is a decent amount of time to wait and longer than we've ever seen a Windows update take to install successfully. It's likely that the updates are stalled before the three-hour mark. What to Do If Windows Update Installation Gets Stuck? Try the easier options first by following these steps in the precise order they are listed.

•  If you press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut while the update is installing, you might find that it hangs at a specific point and your Windows login screen appears.
• If so, simply log on as usual and wait for the updates to finish installing.
• Use the reset button to restart your computer, or use the power button to turn it off and back on. Windows will boot normally and complete the update installation.