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If Windows appears stuck on “Working on updates,” don’t assume the screen is frozen just because it has not moved quickly. Update time depends on the connection, network settings and update size, and Microsoft does not give a universal time limit for deciding that an update has stalled. Keep the PC powered, check the basics, then use the Windows Update troubleshooter if progress remains at the same percentage.
First, give the update power and check the basics
Leave the PC connected to power and make sure it has an internet connection. Microsoft says update download time primarily depends on internet connection speed, network settings and update size; its guidance does not set a universal number of minutes after which “Working on updates” means the installation is frozen. Avoid forcing the computer off solely because the percentage is slow to change.
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- Confirm the device is connected to a reliable power source.
- Check that the internet connection is working.
- Sign in with an administrator account if a troubleshooting step requires administrator access.
- Disconnect external storage, docks and other hardware that is not needed for basic operation.
Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting guidance recommends these checks and notes that an installation at 51–99% can take varying amounts of time.
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For an installation that remains at one percentage, Microsoft recommends checking for updates again or running the Windows Update troubleshooter. The route depends on your Windows version.
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| Windows version | Recommended route |
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| Windows 11 | Start with the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in Get Help. The Settings route is Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters; select Windows Update and run it. |
| Windows 10 | Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update, then run the troubleshooter. |
When the troubleshooter finishes, restart the PC and check for updates again. Microsoft documents the version-specific steps in its update troubleshooting guide and Windows Update Troubleshooter page.
Back up personal files before more involved repairs
Before trying further troubleshooting solutions, back up important personal files. Copying them to a USB drive is one option; the drive is for safeguarding files, not for repairing the update. Microsoft includes this precaution in its troubleshooting guidance.
Use any error code to narrow down the cause
A stalled update can have different causes, so the screen alone does not establish what went wrong. If Windows displays an error code, note it and use Microsoft’s troubleshooting page to choose the matching remedy. Microsoft lists possibilities including update-file or cache problems, interrupted or slow updates, incomplete downloads, insufficient disk space, permissions issues and disabled services.
Advanced repair: check Windows system files
If basic checks and the troubleshooter do not resolve the problem, Microsoft documents using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM) and System File Checker. This is a later troubleshooting step, not the first thing to try.
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- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthand let it finish. - Run
sfc /scannowand wait for the scan to complete. - Try Windows Update again.
Follow Microsoft’s full instructions for update and system-file troubleshooting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose recovery steps based on whether Windows starts
If Windows starts but behaves unexpectedly, begin with the least disruptive recovery option that fits the problem. If Windows will not start or the PC is trapped in a restart loop, use the recovery path for that situation rather than treating it as an ordinary stalled update. Some recovery options can cause data loss, so back up important files first when possible. See Microsoft’s recovery options in Windows for the choices and their consequences.
Windows 10 support context
Microsoft says free Windows 10 software updates, technical assistance and security fixes ended on October 14, 2025. That support change is important for Windows 10 users, but it does not by itself explain why a particular update screen is taking a long time. See Microsoft’s Windows Update Troubleshooter page for the version-specific troubleshooting route.
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