(Stuck, Failing, or Not Downloading)
Page Purpose
This page provides instructions for resolving Windows Update problems where updates fail to download, fail to install, become stuck during installation, or display error messages. These instructions apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Symptoms
- Updates stuck at a certain percentage
- Updates failing with an error code
- Updates not downloading
- Updates repeatedly retrying
- Windows Update showing “Retry” or “Failed”
Root Cause (Plain Language)
Windows Update requires specific services, temporary files, and network communication to function. When these components malfunction, updates cannot download or install.
Update failures occur due to:
This guide addresses software-related update failures. Network hardware issues require different procedures.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Restart Computer
If updates download and install normally, proceed to Verification Steps. If the issue continues, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically fixes common update problems.
After troubleshooter completes:
If updates download and install normally, proceed to Verification Steps. If the issue continues, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Check Available Disk Space
Windows updates require free disk space to download and install. Insufficient space causes update failures.
If free space is less than 10 GB:
After freeing disk space:
If updates download and install normally, proceed to Verification Steps. If the issue continues, proceed to Step 4.
Step 4: Clear Windows Update Cache
WARNING: This will delete temporary update files. Any partially downloaded updates will need to download again from the beginning.
After clearing cache:
If updates download and install normally, proceed to Verification Steps. If the issue continues, proceed to Step 5.
Step 5: Reset Windows Update Components
This resets all Windows Update services and components to default settings.
WARNING: This will stop Windows Update services temporarily and reset update settings. Any partially downloaded updates will need to download again from the beginning.
