Updating the Windows operating system is the most important thing for security, performance, and access to the latest features. Along the way, Windows Update may become stuck at 100%, which is quite frustrating because you never know what to do next. Therefore, we present a comprehensive guide covering all possible troubleshooting steps. We will examine simple and advanced ways to get the Windows update process back on track.
Windows Update could hang for many reasons. This article discusses why these problems might have happened, and it presents a step-by-step guide to resolving those issues. Be it Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11, all of these solutions will enable the user to fix a Windows Update stuck at 100%.
What’s the Issue?
On some occasions, when Windows updates are turned on, the system installs the critical patches and feature updates in the background. But up to 100% completion, the update may get “stuck” on the “Working on updates” screen. Some reasons causing this situation are:
- Corrupted system files hinder installation.
- Driver conflicts and outdated/incompatible hardware drivers.
- Interference from external devices or third-party applications.
- Pending updates or rollback issues due to previous installations.
- Network-related errors while checking updates or downloading them.
Possible Causes of a Stuck Windows Update
Now, before we delve into the solutions, some of the generic possibilities that might have kept your Windows Update from being completed are:
- System corruption: Corrupt or missing system files can impede the update process.
- Driver conflicts: Conflicting drivers or incompatible external peripherals may deter the updates.
- Software interference: Some third-party applications or security applications might corrupt the Windows update operations.
- Networking issues: Network settings that are improperly configured and/or an unstable internet connection could lead to update failures.
- Caches and temporary files: Corrupted files present in the Software Distribution folder could thwart the proper installation of Windows updates.
Troubleshooting Methods
First, if you’re stuck on the update screen, start with Step 3. + The most recommended steps from the 17 methods I listed are 7, 9, 10, 14, and 15.
1. Wait for the Process to Complete
Sometimes patience is the best remedy.
- What to Do: Allow your system to remain on the “Working on updates, 100% complete” screen for 2–3 hours.
- Why: Some large updates require significant time to finalize, especially on older hardware.
Tip: If you’re not in a hurry, leave your PC on overnight to see if the update eventually completes.
2. Remove External Peripherals (Optional)
Disconnecting unnecessary devices can eliminate hardware conflicts.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 1 Disconnecting unnecessary devices can eliminate hardware conflicts.](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Disconnecting-unnecessary-devices-can-eliminate-hardware-conflicts.png)
- What to Do: Unplug any USB devices, printers, external drives, or other peripherals.
- Why: Windows may try to install drivers for these devices during the update, causing conflicts.
- Next Step: After removing the devices, wait a few minutes and check if the update progresses.
3. Force Restart Your PC
A forced restart can break a frozen update loop.
How to Do It:
- Press and hold the power button until your PC shuts down completely.
- Disconnect any external power source or remove the laptop battery (if applicable).
- Wait for about 15 seconds, then reconnect and power on the system.
- Note: Booting in this manner may clear temporary glitches causing the stuck update.
4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Run the tool built in Windows for diagnosing and fixing update-related issues.
For Windows 10/11:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Locate Windows Update and click Run.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 2 [Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image.png)
Follow the on-screen instructions to let the troubleshooter identify and fix any issues.
1. Detection Phase:
During this phase, the troubleshooter checks for common problems such as:
- Disabled or stopped Windows Update services
- Corrupted temporary update files
- Network connectivity issues affecting update downloads
- Conflicts caused by third-party software
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 3 Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-1.png)
2. After the progress bar saying “Resolving problems”, the troubleshooter attempts to automatically fix detected issues, such as restarting services, resetting update components, or repairing corrupted files.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 4 [Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-3.png)
3. In my case, I didn’t even check for updates, so I don’t have any issues here. As far as I know, it’s already fixed.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 5 [Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-4.png)
For Windows 7/8:
Access the troubleshooter via the Control Panel under “Troubleshooting” and select “Fix problems with Windows Update.”
You May Like: How To Download All Runtime Files and Software 2025
5. Disconnect Your Internet Connection (Should Try)
A temporary network disconnect may bypass problematic update checks.
- Unplug your ethernet cable or disable your Wi-Fi connection.
- Wait a few minutes to see if Windows Update resumes.
- Reconnect and try running the update again.
- Why: Sometimes Windows encounters errors during network requests that cause the update to freeze.
6. Scan for Viruses and Malware
How to Scan:
- Open Windows Security by typing it in the Start menu.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Scan options and choose Full scan.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 6 [Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-5-1024x794.png)
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow any recommendations to remove detected threats.
- Additional Tip: Consider using a reputable third-party antivirus if you suspect persistent issues.
You May Like: How to Fix Empty-Blank Windows 11/10 Security or Windows Defender in 2025?
7. Set Windows Update Services to Automatic
Ensure that Windows Update-related services start automatically.
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc
, and press Enter. - Scroll down to find Windows Update.
- Double-click to open its properties.
- Set the Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Start (if not already running), then Apply and OK.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 7 Set Windows Update Services to Automatic](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-6.png)
- Why: This guarantees that necessary services are running during the update process.
8. Restart in Safe Mode (Optional)
Safe Mode limits background processes, helping isolate the problem.
How to Boot into Safe Mode:
- Restart your computer and repeatedly press F11 (or the appropriate key for your system) to access the Advanced Startup Options.
- Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- Click Restart, then select Safe Mode (or Safe Mode with Networking if you need internet access).
- After Booting: Try running Windows Update again once you’ve rebooted normally.
9. Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder
Resetting the update cache can remove corrupted update files.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc
, and press Enter. - Find Windows Update in the services list and click Stop.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
. - Right-click the SoftwareDistribution folder and choose Rename. For example, rename it to
SoftwareDistribution.old
. - Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and click Start.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 8 Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-9.png)
- Outcome: Windows will recreate a fresh SoftwareDistribution folder when it checks for updates next.
You May Like: How to Enable Ultimate Performance Power Plan on Windows 10/11? 3 Very Easy Methods
10. Run SFC and DISM Scans
Repair corrupted system files that might be blocking updates.
Steps for SFC:
- Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Type
sfc /scannow
and press Enter. - Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 9 sfc /scannow](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/To-perform-SFC-scan-follow-these-steps.webp)
Steps for DISM:
In the same Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 10 DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DISM-Online-Cleanup-image-RestoreHealth.png)
After the scans finish, restart your computer.
- Why: These tools check for and repair system integrity issues that could be causing Windows Update errors.
11. Perform a Clean Boot (Optional)
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, eliminating third-party conflicts.
How to Perform a Clean Boot:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and press Enter. - In the System Configuration window, go to the General tab and select Selective startup.
- Uncheck Load startup items.
- Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.
- Click Apply and OK, then restart your computer.
![[Solved] How Fix Windows Update Stuck at 100% All 17 Solutions 11 Perform a Clean Boot](https://topdailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-7.png)
- After the reboot: Try running Windows Update. If it works, a third-party application may be causing the conflict. You can then enable services one by one to identify the culprit.
12. Roll Back or Uninstall Recent Updates (Optional)
Sometimes an earlier update can cause conflicts with subsequent ones.
- Open Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features.
- Click View installed updates.
- Identify the most recent update that may have caused the issue.
- Right-click on the update and select Uninstall.
- After Uninstalling: Restart your PC and try running Windows Update again.
13. Perform a System Restore via Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) (Optional)
Reverting to a previous system state can resolve persistent update issues.
How to Use System Restore:
- Restart your computer while holding the Shift key to boot into WinRE.
- Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
- Follow the prompts to select a restore point from before the update issues began.
- Warning: This will revert system settings and installed applications to a previous state, so back up any important data before proceeding.
You May Like: How to Fix Empty-Blank Windows 11/10 Security or Windows Defender in 2025?
14. Reset Windows Update Components
Manually resetting Windows Update services can clear corrupt temporary files.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Enter the following commands one by one:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start bitsnet
start wuauservnet
start appidsvcnet
start cryptsvc - After executing these commands, close Command Prompt and restart your computer.
- Outcome: Windows will recreate new, uncorrupted update folders and restart necessary services.
15. Download Updates Manually from Microsoft Update Catalog
If automated updates fail, you can manually download and install the update packages.
How to Do It:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search for the specific update by its KB number (e.g., KB3006137).
- Download the appropriate version for your system (ensure you choose the correct 32-bit or 64-bit version).
- Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen installation instructions.
- Tip: After installation, restart your computer and check if Windows Update now works correctly.
16. Use WSUS Offline Update Tool (Optional)
For advanced users, third-party tools like WSUS Offline Update can help install updates when Windows Update fails.
How It Works:
- Download the WSUS Offline Update tool from its official website.
- Extract the tool to a folder and run UpdateGenerator.exe.
- Choose the appropriate version for your system (x64 or x86) and let the tool download the updates.
- Once the download completes, navigate to the client folder and run UpdateInstaller.exe.
- Follow the prompts to install the updates.
- When to Use: This method is especially useful if your system is significantly out-of-date or if Windows Update remains stubborn after trying other fixes.
17. Clean Install Windows (Optional)
As a last resort, if none of the above methods work, you might need to perform a clean installation of Windows.
Important: This will erase all data on your system drive, so back up your important files first.
Steps:
- Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
- Create a bootable USB drive with the latest Windows ISO.
- Boot from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.
- Final Check: After installation, ensure Windows Update is configured to automatically download and install updates to avoid future issues.
You May Like: How To Flush Dns On Windows 10/11 Step By Step! (Win, Mac, Linux, Chrome)
Final Thoughts
A Windows Update hanging at 100% is one of the most frustrating scenarios; however, you should be well-equipped to fix the problem after following the troubleshooting steps provided here. Whether the problem is waiting longer, disconnecting something from the USB ports or going the whole way of system repair using SFC/DISM or resetting all Windows update components, one of these should fit the bill.
Remember:
- Always try the simplest things first (waiting, unplugging peripherals, and restarting the PC) before trying anything more advanced.
- Regularly scanning for viruses and updating drivers will help prevent future updating problems.
- Regularly create System Restore Points so that if you decide to roll back, you can easily restore those changes.
By following this guide, you are not only on your way to fixing this particular issue but also learning to troubleshoot similar Windows update problems in the future. Keeping your operating system up-to-date is the number-one way to protect it from malware and keep it in top condition, and therefore solving these issues is worth your time.
If these methods still do not work, it may be wise to call in a professional or reach out to Microsoft Support for help. Happy updating!