Windows Update is taking forever, and it’s clear something needs to be done.
How to Fix a Stuck Windows Update Installation
PressCtrl+Alt+Del.
If so, log on as you normally would and let the updates continue to install successfully.
If your rig restarts after Ctrl+Alt+Del, read the secondNotein Step 2 below.
Windows will start normally and finish installing the updates.
If the Windows update installation is truly frozen, you have no other choice but to hard-reboot.
On a tablet or laptop, removing the battery may be necessary.
Start Windows in Safe Mode.
Complete a System Restoreto undo the changes made so far by the incomplete installation of the Windows updates.
Since you’re free to’t access Windows normally, try doing this from Safe Mode.
See the link in Step 3 if you’re not sure how to start in Safe Mode.
During the System Restore, be sure to choose therestore pointcreated by Windows just prior to the update installation.
System Restore is only available from outside of Windows if you’re using Windows 11 through Vista.
This option is not available in Windows XP.
Start your machine’s “automatic” repair process.
Test your setup’s memory with a free program.
It’s possible that failing RAM could be causing the patch installations to freeze.
Fortunately, memory is really easy to test.
An outdated BIOS isn’t a common cause for this problem, but it’s possible.
Do a clean install of Windows.
Still Having Stuck/Freezing Issues Related to Windows Update?
SometimesRestartingis all you’ll see on the screen.
There might also be some wording differences depending on which version of Windows you’re using.
There are several reasons why the installation or finalization of one or more Windows updates can hang.
If your system fits that description,install Windows Vista SP1 or laterto solve the problem.
check that the updates are actually stuck.
Trying to fix a problem that doesn’t really exist might justcreatea problem.
If there’s any wonder after that long, take a look at yourhard drive activity light.
