Windows Update gets stuck; takes forever to complete

Does your Windows Update takes forever and never seem to complete? We’ve rounded up tips & tricks that helped most, if not all, people.

Download the Diagnostic

There are certain situations when missing entries in your registry and registry corruption causes this problem. Try running a registry scan to identify if there are any such issues.

1. Click the button below to download and install the Diagnostic
2. Perform a Registry scan and fix any problems detected.
3. Restart your computer.

Estimated Download Time: 10 Seconds

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Use the Troubleshooter

Windows Troubleshooter identifies nature of the problem and the issue that causes your updates to stuck. Run Troubleshooter with administrative privileges, sort of permissions required for making significant changes to your PC settings.

1. Type Troubleshooting in the Search Box on your Taskbar.
2. Open the Troubleshooting from the Search Results.
3. In the new page that loads within Control Panel window, click System and Security | Windows Update.
4. Click Advanced.
5. Click Run as administrator.
6. Your wizard is re-opened. Click Next, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Ensure Smooth Internet Connection

Smooth data transmission and on-going downloading of updates are necessary during the update activity. If you’re using a slower Internet connection, upgrade to a high-speed Wi-Fi. If you are unsure, use the Network Troubleshooter to identify and resolve the issue.

1. Right-click the Network icon in the system tray area of your Taskbar.
2. Select Troubleshoot problems.
3. Let the troubleshooter detect and fix your problem.

Defer the Upgrades

The word “defer” means to postpone or hold back something for a later time. When it is activated, Windows delays new upgrades for a particular time.

1. Click Start, and then Settings.
2. Click Update & Security.
3. Click the Windows Update
4. Click Advanced options
5. Check-up the box named Defer upgrades.

Use the DISM Tool

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool restores corrupted Windows Update client files and repairs the Windows Image.

1. Press Windows Key + X.
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Execute the following command:
   • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. After finishing up the repair, type EXIT and press ENTER.

Delete Downloaded Update Files

Your Windows Update database is corrupt. Get rid of the corrupted software distribution files. Do not delete the folder itself.

1. Click the File Explorer icon on your Taskbar.
2. Open the following directory:
   • C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
3. Delete all the contents of the Download

Prevent Antivirus Conflicts

There have been reports that some non-reputed Antiviruses conflicted with the Windows Update process. The most common way for disabling an Antivirus is: Right click it’s system tray icon and select Pause protection. Specify a time interval, and click Pause protection. The procedure to disable each Antivirus may slightly vary.