How to Fix Windows 10 Update If It Freezes or Becomes Stuck
For the most part, Windows updates happen silently in the background, only installing after a prompt or when you shut down your PC. However, there are occasions when the update system needs a helping hand. If your Windows update runs into an error, you aren’t alone. This setback has been a widespread issue for the OS since Microsoft dropped their quality assurance team and relied on users through preview builds, feedback, and more.
Perhaps your Windows 10 downloaded half of the update before deciding it doesn’t want to stay connected to the server. Other times, the OS fancies doing its own thing for a while, slowing your eagerly awaited update to a crawl. Other than those two situations, the OS may run into an installation bug or data problem that stops it in its tracks.
If Windows Update freezes or gets stuck, there are several steps to try. Here’s the process–in order of importance.
Step 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
The first step is the safest way to resolve Windows 10 Update issues. The process will automatically scan for and detect problems within your system, which can take a few minutes to complete. Download the troubleshooter here, then click Advanced Settings, and you’ll find an “Apply repairs Automatically” option.
Run the troubleshooter, and it should hopefully clear up the problems causing Windows Update to get stuck.
Step 2: Delete Files in Software Distribution
If the troubleshooter does not resolve the update problem, it’s time to interact with your computer’s system settings. It shouldn’t cause any damage to your PC/ You’ll only delete temporary Windows Update files, but it is recommended that you set up a System Restore point before going any further.
First, stop Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Type “cmd” in the Cortana Search box, then right-click “Command Prompt” and choose “Run as Administrator.” There are two commands you’ll need to type:
Press Enter after you type each one. This will turn off the Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
Next, you’ll need to delete the files in the “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\” folder. Select all files, then press “Delete.” If the files can’t be deleted because they’re in use, you’ll need to restart your PC. Turn off the two Windows Update services and then try to delete the files again.
Once the folder has been emptied, either restart your computer or manually turn on the Windows Update services. To do this, bring up the command prompt (admin) and type:
Now run Windows Update and you’ll find that your PC needs to download a number of updates, which can take up to a few hours, depending on your system and connection.
Once the updates have all been installed, Windows will schedule a restart time, although you can always restart immediately.
Step 3: Make a Quick-Fix Batch File
The following fix is a convenient way to execute several commands in one swoop. The script’s success level is subject to Windows changes through previous updates and the current condition of your OS. It may or may not work for you. Use it at your own risk!
The batch file shown below does the following, in exact order:
- Changes the attributes of “system 32\catroot” folder and the files within it
- Stops the Windows Update Service (wuauserv), Cryptographic services (CryptServ), and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
- Renames the “system 32\catroot” folder to “system32\catroot.old”
- Renames the temporary Windows Update files folder “Windows\SoftwareDistribution” to “Windows\SoftwareDistribution.old”
- Renames the “All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader” folder to “All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader.old”
- Restarts BITS
- Restarts CryptSvc
- Restarts wuauserv
To run the batch file, copy the following script into notepad and save it to the Desktop as “UpdateFix.bat” so that it is easy to find. Right-click the batch file and select “Run as Administrator.” Restart Windows after the script completes successfully.
The script above allows Windows to create fresh update folders and data within them to eliminate any file corruption or incompatibilities.
Step 4: Identify Windows 10 Update Error Codes and Fix The Reported Issues
If none of the above options fixed your Windows Update problem, it is time to decipher the codes to discover the cause of failure—hopefully! Most update issues return an error code that identifies what caused the update to fail. The following table below provides the most common Windows 10 Update error codes and the possible solutions to fix them.
Step 5: Use System Restore
If your computer still isn’t responding when installing updates, you can run a System Restore. This will revert your PC to an earlier point in time.
To access System Restore, simply type System Restore into the search bar and select “Create a restore point”, which will take you to System Protection in the System Properties window. From System Restore you can pick an appropriate point to revert to.
Once you’ve returned to an earlier restore point, try installing the updates again as normal.
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