Fix: Windows Update Stuck at 100%

Recently many people have reported the issue of Windows updates stuck at 100%. If you are one of them, then don’t worry! We have the solution for you. It is undoubtedly frustrating, but you can quickly fix it within a few minutes after following this post. This post will guide you on how you can fix the problem where Windows Update is stuck at 100%.

Windows Update Stuck at 100 percent

Fix: Windows Update Stuck at 100%

Now the question is, why is the Windows update stuck at 100%? The answers can be different! It may be because of hardware changes, corruption errors, malware, or maybe for any third-party program interference.

Here we have listed the five most effective solutions to this error, so follow the post till the end to resolve this issue.

  1. Wait for a longer time.
  2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
  3. Restart Windows Update Service
  4. Clear SoftwareDistribution folder
  5. Remove external device and restart
  6. Boot into Safe Mode, and Update

You may need admin permission to perform some of these methods.

1] Wait for a Longer Time

Sometimes Windows update installation takes a long time, so before you go for any other solution or troubleshooting, ensure that the update is stuck and not in between operations. In such circumstances, the best way to do this is by waiting for the process to complete automatically.

If possible, you should give the update process at least 3-4 hours before proceeding with the troubleshooting methods. You can also leave your PC overnight to install the updates properly.

2] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter 

Windows Update Troubleshooter method is another most effective process to resolve the issue. It is an in-built utility specially designed by Microsoft to fix issues regarding Windows updates. To know the complete process, follow the below steps.

  • Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings. Go to System > Troubleshoot and click on Other trouble-shooters.
  • In the following window, look for the Windows Update and click on the Run button.
  • Now the Windows Update troubleshooter will start scanning the system for possible errors. If it finds issues, it will recommend fixes. In that case, click on Apply this fix.

If not, then click the troubleshooter and try other methods given below.

3] Restart Windows Update Service

Usually, the Windows update service handles the download, installation, and removal of updates on your PC. If this service is disabled or not working correctly, you will likely face issues while updating your operating system and associated applications. In such cases, you need to restart the Windows update service to resolve the issue. Follow the complete process below to perform this method.

  • Press Win+R simultaneously or right-click the Windows button and click on Run to open the Run window.
  • Now type services.msc in the Run window and press the Enter key.
  • In the following window, search for the Windows Update service
  • Once you find it, right-click it and choose Properties from the context menu.
  • In the Properties dialog, click on the Stop button. Now, wait for a few seconds before hitting the Start button again.
  • Expand the dropdown for Startup type and choose Automatic from the list; now click on Apply and Ok to save changes.

4] Clear SoftwareDistribution Folder

  • To clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, click on the Start button and type Command Prompt in the search bar. Right-click on the listing and select Run as Administrator.
  • Type the net stop wuauserv command to stop the Windows Update Service and press Enter.
  • Next, type the net stop bits command to stop the background intelligent transfer service and press Enter.
  • Use File explorer to navigate to the following path, and delete all the content inside it.
 C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  • Back to the command prompt, restart the Windows update, and Background Intelligent Transfer Services.
net start wuauserv

net start bits
  • Restart your PC and check for Windows update downloads.

5] Remove External Device and Restart

Sometimes when any external devices are connected, your PC takes it as a change in the default hardware settings, which can lead to an issue. In such cases, you must remove all the external devices and peripherals, wait for a few minutes, and see if it makes any difference. If not, then you can force restart the PC. To force a restart of the PC, follow the below steps.

  • Press and hold the power button of your PC to shut it down. Once it shuts down, remove the power supply and battery.
  • Now, wait a few minutes before inserting it back and restarting your PC to check if the issue still exists.

6] Boot Into Safe Mode and Update

Boot into safe mode, and update can resolve the Windows update stuck issue. To perform this method, follow the below-given steps properly.

  • Click on the Start menu and type Settings on the search bar. Once it appears in the list, select it with your keyboard arrow buttons, and then press Enter.
  • Go to System > Recovery option.
  • Locate the Advanced startup option and click on the Restart now button. It will open a notification window with the message—We’ll restart your device, so save your work with a Restart now option. Click on the restart now button from the notification window. System Recovery Windows
  • The computer will boot into Advanced Recovery. Click on Troubleshoot and then on Advanced options.
  • Advanced options will reveal more options. Click on the Startup Settings option to open a window with a restart button. Click on the Restart button.Advanced recovery startup settings
  • After the restart, you will get multiple Startup Settings, having different options. Use F5 to select the Enable Safe Mode with Networking.Safe mode with networking
  • It will enable your PC to run in Safe Mode successfully. Once in Safe mode, check for Windows updates, and install. Let the installation complete.

The primary idea to boot into safe mode is to block any third-party service that could be interfering with Windows Update.

What if none of these works?

You can also download the update from Microsoft and manually install it. Microsoft update catalog offer updates for the latest version of the Windows operating system. Before you download updates, you need to check the system type of your Windows operating system. Follow the guide below to know the process.

  • Open the Run prompt using Win + R, type msinfo32, and press the Enter key to open System Information Windows.system information pc architecture
  • Check for System Type and note it.

System Type tells if Windows is 64-bit or 32-bit and if it is ARM-based. Windows Update for AMR is listed separately, like 64-bit and 32-bit.

Now let’s know how you can download missing Windows updates manually.

  • Left-click the Windows button, type Settings in the search bar, and press the Enter key.
  • Now click on the Windows update from the left panel of the Settings window.
  • Now from the right-side panel of the Windows Update window, click on View update history to check the updates you failed to install. For example, if you fail to install the update KB5017383, you must download and install it manually.Windows Update History Failed Updates
  • Now visit the Microsoft update catalog.   
  • Type the update number that you want to download. As per the example, you must type KB5017383 on the Microsoft Update catalog page’s search box and click the Search button.Download Update from Microsoft Catalouge
  • Select the correct update for your operating system in the search results list and click Download.
  • Click the link in the new pop-up window to start downloading the updates.
  • Now Double-click the download file and follow the further instructions to install the update. After installing, restart your PC and check whether your issue is resolved.

You can also use the WSUS Offline Update tool to download the updates offline.

Conclusion

This post has given all possible fixes to resolve the Windows update stuck at 100%. Hopefully, you will resolve your issues by following our guides. If you have any doubt, feel free to ask us in the comment section.

What Happens if You Turn Off Your Computer While Configuring Updates?

If you turn off your computer while configuring updates, there is a chance of windows operating system corruption, or you may lose data and slowness to your PC. While you may recover it using System Restore and other processes, the best time to update is when your battery is full and you are sure there is a minimum chance of a power cut.

Can You Cancel a Windows Update?

You cannot cancel an update once it has already started downloading. If you do not want to install an update, make sure not to click on the Install button. Make sure not to delete anything once you have downloaded the updates manually. Windows update configures a few things before and after the update.

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