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FIX: Working on updates stuck on Windows 10/11, 7
8 min. read
Updated onMarch 25, 2024
updated onMarch 25, 2024
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Key notes
Microsoftregularly rolls out patchesto address various issues affecting its products.
These updates are very important because they allow users to enhance Windows 10’s security, and address annoying bugs that may limit the overall user experience.
In a world where cybercriminals are constantly lurking in the dark, prevention is better than cure. Installing the latest Windows 10 updates helps you tomitigate the risk of becoming the victim of hacking attacks.
Let us not forget that the minute you connect to the internet, you become vulnerable.
There are many users who are often reluctant to install the latest updates, fearing they will break the OS. While updates may occasionally cause minor issues, the benefits they bring outweigh the risk.
Also,running antivirusis not enough to secure your system. There arezero-day vulnerabilitiesthat only Microsoft can patch.
Going back to update-related issues, many Windows 10 users report that their computers often get stuck on working on updates.
In some cases, patience alone is not a solution as the update process remains stuck even after two hours. Here’s how one user describes this issue:
I restarted my lappy when it prompted to restart to complete update.But now it’s stuck on 32% working onupdatesfrom about an hour or so.what should I do now ? Will showing patience eventually end up in successfulupdate??.I even disabled the antivirus before upgrade.
How to fix Working on updates message on Windows 10?
This can be a big problem, and speaking of issues, users reported the following problems:
1. Disconnect USB peripherals
According to users, sometimes USB devices can cause this issue to appear.
If you have any storage devices, such as an external hard drive or USB flash drive connected, be sure to disconnect them and check if that solves the problem.
Other devices such as a printer, or even your USB mouse and keyboard can cause this problem to appear.
Users confirm that disconnecting USB peripherals successfully fixes update issues. Try removing your USB peripherals and wait for a few minutes for the update process to complete.
2. Repair corrupted system files
According to users, sometimes corrupted system files can interfere with your system and cause your PC to get stuck during the update process.
However, you might be able to fix this problem by running SFC or DISM scans. To do that, enter Safe Mode and follow these steps:
If SFC didn’t fix the problem, you might want to try using aDISM scaninstead. To do that, start Command Prompt and runDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthcommand. DISM scan will now start. Keep in mind that this scan can take more than 20 minutes, so don’t interfere with it.
Once the DISM scan is finished, check if the problem is resolved.
If the issue is still present, or if you were unable to run the SFC scan before, try running the SFC scan again. Once the SFC scan is finished, check if the problem still persists.
This solution might be a bit complicated, but a few users reported that it worked for them, so you might want to try it out.
However, if the issue persists, we recommend usingprofessional third-party softwarethat will repair and resolve the issue on your behalf.
It’s also worth mentioning that PC health software can help you resolve corrupted files in an effective way, and restore your system accordingly.
3. Turn off your computer
In some cases, the simplest solution is usually the best, and several users reported that turning off their PC fixed the issue for them.
By turning off your PC, you’ll forceWindows Updateto restart the update installation process, and hopefully, the update won’t get stuck while installing this time.
4.Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Sometimes there might be a bug with your system that causes your PC to get stuck on theWorking on updatesscreen.
According to users, sometimes you might be able to fix this problem by running Windows Update Troubleshooter.
In case you’re not familiar, this is a simple tool made by Microsoft that will fix common Windows Update problems. To fix the problem, simply download Windows Update Troubleshooter and run it on your PC.
If you can’t boot to Windows due to this message, run this tool in Safe Mode or on a different user profile.
5. Reset Windows Update Components
In some cases, Working on an update screen can appear if you have problems with Windows Update components.
To fix the issue, you’ll have to reset the components manually. For a step-by-step guide, check outMicrosoft’s Support page.
6.Launch a full system scan
Malware can often modify your system files and prevent your PC from installing updates. This can sometimes cause your PC to get stuck onWorking on updatesmessage.
To fix the problem, it’s advised to perform a full system scan before trying to install an update. If you’re already stuck with this error message, you might want to try scanning your system from Safe Mode.
Although Windows Defender offers great protection, sometimes it might miss certain malware.
If you want to ensure that your system is properly protected, you might be interested in one of many third-party antivirus tools.
There is a variety of tools available, and if you want the best protection for your PC, it’s advised to have a comprehensive antivirus, so you might want to use thebest antivirus for Windows 10.
After scanning your PC with one of these tools, all malware will be removed and you should be able to install updates without any issues.
7. Use System Restore
If your PC is stuck Working on the updates screen, you might be able to solve the problem simply by performing aSystem Restore.
In case you’re not familiar, System Restore is a useful feature that allows you to revert recent changes and restore your PC to a working state. To use System Restore, you need to do the following:
After your PC is restored, the update will be removed, and you can try to install it again.
8. Reinstall Windows
If the problem still persists, your only option might be to reinstall Windows. Before you do that, try to access your files and back them up. To reinstall Windows 10, you’ll needWindows installation media.
To create one, you’ll need to useMedia Creation Toolon a working PC.
After creating an installation media, follow these steps:
After everything is done, you’ll have a fresh installation of Windows 10 and everything should work without problems.
If you’ve come across other workarounds to fix this issue, you can list the troubleshooting steps in the comment section below.
More about the topics:error,windows updates
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
