When you open Windows Update, do you ever find yourself at a loss because the installation or download just stays "pending" or "downloading" and doesn't proceed, or the installation just stops at a few percent?
While this issue can sometimes be resolved with relatively simple methods, it is often caused by serious internal system issues, such as a corrupted update cache or a malfunctioning related service. If there is a problem with the system, the update may fail with an error. If left unchecked, your PC may continue to be exposed to security threats.
In this article, I've compiled a list of specific solutions I've personally tried and found effective on Windows 11 and Windows 10. I've also included a "homemade repair tool" that eliminates the need for complex command input, so even those who aren't very good with computers can rest assured. Let's start by looking at the easiest and safest solution: "restarting your PC."
8 Solutions to Try When Windows Update Doesn't Progress or Finish
Solution 1: Try restarting your PC (not shutting it down)
Most basic of all, choosing "Restart" instead of shutting down your PC to refresh your system can sometimes fix temporary glitches.
In Windows 10/11, "高速スタートアップ" is enabled by default, and selecting "Shutdown" does not shut down the computer completely.
- Start buttonRight-click > Shut down or sign out > Restart.
- Once your PC has restarted, Windows Update Make sure.
[This is important!] Is that invisible "waiting for restart" message getting in the way?
Even if nothing is displayed on the screen, the "pending restart" flag is often set in the Windows internal system (registry). If this flag remains, the system will think that the previous task has not yet been completed, and the next update will be blocked and may never start.
First, try restarting the device and clearing the flag. If you want to check if the flag has really disappeared, you can visualize the invisible flag with the following command:
▼ Command to check for hidden "reboot pending"
1. Right-click the Start button > Click "Terminal (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
2. Paste the following code and press Enter. *You can paste by right-clicking on the terminal (PowerShell).
if (-not ([Security.Principal.WindowsPrincipal][Security.Principal.WindowsIdentity]::GetCurrent()).IsInRole([Security.Principal.WindowsBuiltInRole] "Administrator")) { Write-Host "【エラー】このコマンドは管理者権限で実行する必要があります。" -ForegroundColor Red } else { $r=$false; if (Test-Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\RebootPending") { $r=$true }; if (Test-Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update\RebootRequired") { $r=$true }; $sm = Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager" -Name "PendingFileRenameOperations" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; if ($sm -and $sm.PendingFileRenameOperations) { $r=$true }; if ($r) { Write-Host "【要確認】システムは再起動待ちの状態です。" -ForegroundColor Red } else { Write-Host "【正常】保留中の再起動はありません。" -ForegroundColor Green } }
- Red wordIf the message "System waiting to restart" appears, you will need to restart the system again.
- Green lettersIf you see the message "No restarts pending," proceed to the next step.
*You can also perform this check automatically with just one button by using the "homemade repair tool" introduced later in this article.
Solution 2: Check your Internet connection and free space on C drive
Often, the "pending" status is due to basic environmental issues.
- Internet connectionIf you are using a wired LAN connection, make sure the cable is securely inserted. If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure the router is working properly. If possible, try temporarily switching to a wired LAN connection.
- If you're currently connected to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network, switching to a 2.4GHz network and then running Windows Update may help.
- Free space on C driveregion: Check the properties of the C: drive in File Explorer and make sure you have at least 20GB of free space. If you don't have enough, delete unnecessary files and apps to free up more space. Once you have enough free space, try running Windows Update.
Is your C drive running low on free space?
Windows Update requires a lot of "working space" beyond the size of the updates it downloads.
As a guideline,Free space at least 2-3 times the size of the updates to be downloadedFor example, if you are installing a 3.7GB update, you will need approximately 7.4GB to 11.1GB of free space.
Therefore, to ensure that you can run the program safely no matter what updates are released, you should always keep the following on your C drive:At least 20GB or moreIt is recommended to keep free space.
Solution 3: Correct the time difference and reset the network settings
1. Forced time synchronization
Starts the Windows Time service and immediately forces it to synchronize with the correct time on the Internet.
[Explanation] Why is it necessary to adjust the time?
Windows Update uses a "digital certificate" to communicate securely with Microsoft servers (SSL/TLS). If your PC's clock is off by even a few minutes, the certificate expiration date cannot be determined.It will be judged as a "security risk" and communication will be blocked. This command will force a synchronization with an accurate time server on the Internet to eliminate any discrepancies.
1.Start buttonRight-click > Click "Terminal (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Copy the command below, paste it into PowerShell, and press Enter. (You can paste by right-clicking on the PowerShell screen.)
net start w32time ; w32tm.exe /resync /force
2. Reset your network proxy
[Explanation] Why is a proxy reset necessary?
Even if you can normally browse the internet using a browser (Edge or Chrome), the communication system (WinHTTP) used by Windows Update in the backgroundUnnecessary proxy settings that were previously setor malwareIncorrect forwarding settingsThis may remain and cause problems in many cases where you are unable to reach the update server, so use this command to return the setting to "initial state (direct connection)".
1.Start buttonRight-click > Click "Terminal (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Copy the command below, paste it into PowerShell, and press Enter. (You can paste by right-clicking on the PowerShell screen.)
netsh winhttp reset proxy
Solution 4: Check the "power plan" that is often overlooked
If you've tried various solutions but Windows Update won't finish, the cause may be your PC's power plan settings. This is a surprising pitfall that laptop users in particular are prone to.
[Verified] "Power Saving" Plans are the Enemy of Updates
I personally tried to verify this relationship, and the conclusion was clear. When I run Windows Update with the power plan set to "Power Saver,"The CPU clock frequency is limited, which negatively impacts all processes, such as downloading updates, writing to disk, and the most CPU-intensive installation, making them take significantly longer than usual.I was able to confirm that.
Windows Update is a very intensive process that runs in the background, and the "Power Saver" plan throttles the CPU's performance for such heavy processes, resulting in a slowdown in overall speed.
[Solution] Set to "Balanced" or "High Performance" during updates
If you are experiencing issues with Windows Update not completing or progressing, first check your power plan and try temporarily changing it to "Balanced" or "High Performance." Be especially careful if you are using a laptop without an AC adapter, as it's often unintentionally set to the "Power Saver" plan.
- [Windows 11] Guide to Creating a Custom Power Plan | Optimize your PC with High Performance and Sleep Disabled
- [Windows 11] Dramatically improve the efficiency of power plan management! Optimize your PC environment with a resident tool that can switch and delete power plans
- What is the difference between "power modes" and "power plans" in Windows 11? How to set them up to maximize your PC's performance
Solution 5: Manually Install from the Microsoft Update Catalog
If the above solutions do not resolve the issue, try searching for the problematic update in the Microsoft Update Catalog, downloading it manually, and installing it. Even if Windows Update is stuck or fails, the manual installation may complete successfully.
How to download updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog
1. Open the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Microsoft Update Catalog(Microsoft official)
2. Enter the name of the update (e.g. KB5065426) in the search box and click the "Search" button.
3.Multiple search results will be displayed, so click the "Download" button to the right of the update you want to download.
*Please refer to the table below to select the update program that is appropriate for your PC.
| English | Japanese | Target OS |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 11, version 25H2 for arm64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26200.6584) | 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 25H2 for ARM64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26200.6584) | Windows 11 |
| 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 11, version 25H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26200.6584) | 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 25H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26200.6584) | Windows 11 |
| 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Microsoft server operating system version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26100.6584) | 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Microsoft Server Operating System Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26100.6584) | Microsoft Server Operating Systems – 24H2 |
| 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for arm64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26100.6584) | 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for ARM64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26100.6584) | Windows 11 |
| 2025-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26100.6584) | "2025-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5065426) (26100.6584)" | Windows 11 |
If you don't know exactly whether your PC is running Windows 10 or 11, and whether it's x64 or ARM64, the installation will fail. You can check this instantly by using the following command.
①. Right-click the Start button > "Terminal"Or"Windows PowerShell"Click.
②. Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell and press Enter.
*You can paste by right-clicking on PowerShell.
Get-CimInstance Win32_OperatingSystem | Select-Object Caption, OSArchitecture③. The results (Caption と OS Architecture) and select the file that corresponds to the table below.
| Your screen display | Filenames to choose from in the catalog |
| 64-bit (Or 64-bit) | x64 Base System |
| ARM64 | ARM64 Base System |
4. When you click the "Download" button, the following page will open, so click the link that displays the name of the update program.
5.Then,extensionYou can download the ".msu" file.
6. Double-click the downloaded ".msu" file to proceed with the installation.
Solution 6: Clear Update Cache and Reset Components
If manual installation fails, try clearing the update cache and resetting the components.
If a cache file from an update becomes corrupted or conflicts during download, it can prevent the installation from completing no matter how many times you try. Resetting (rebuilding) this cache is the most effective way to resolve the issue.
If you have difficulty entering commands
For those who find it difficult to enter commands, we have created a repair tool that will automatically perform the following steps.
This tool isThis is a program that faithfully programs the "cache reset procedure" explained in this section so that it can be executed with just one button.If you would like to know what changes will be made before using it, please take a look at the explanation. Once you understand how it works, you will be able to use it with more peace of mind.
1.Start buttonRight-click > Click "Terminal (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Copy the following command, paste it into PowerShell, and press Enter. This will automatically stop all four services at once. (Right-click on the PowerShell screen to paste.)
net stop wuauserv /y; net stop bits /y; net stop msiserver /y; net stop cryptSvc /y
[Supplementary information] Meaning of each command
These commands temporarily stop the services required for the Windows Update process.
| Command | Service name | role |
net stop wuauserv | Windows Update | The core service that manages the detection, download, and installation of Windows Updates. Updates will not work without it. |
net stop cryptSvc | Cryptographic Services | A service that verifies the digital signature of updates and checks their safety. This is related to the legitimacy of the files. |
net stop bits | Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) | A service for transferring files in the background. Responsible for downloading Update files. |
net stop msiserver | Windows Installer | A service for installing and uninstalling applications, and also involved in applying updates. |
/y | (Automatic acceptance of confirmation message) | In response to the question "Do you want to stop dependent services as well?"Automatically answer "Yes"This is an option to enable the process to run smoothly without stopping midway. |
[Key point] Why is a pause necessary?
Stopping these services will reset any internal stuck processes or corrupted information, and then restarting them will allow them to restart in a clean state, which can solve many problems.
4. After the service has been stopped, rename and invalidate the existing cache folder by running the following two commands in order:
① Reset SoftwareDistribution
First, reset the folder where update download data is stored.
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old* The next time you run Windows Update, Windows will install a new, normal version.SoftwareDistributionCreate the folder automatically.
② Reset catroot2 (important)
Next, reset the folder that manages update signatures, etc. This is where errors tend to occur, soThe following command will stop the service and rename it at once:Please use.
net stop cryptSvc ; ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old*When you restart your PC, Windows will be a new, healthy version.catroot2Create the folder automatically.
[Trivia] Why does ② use a special command?
If you try to do it the normal way (stop → rename), you will often get an error message in red saying "Access Denied."
this is,Cryptographic Services The service is,Even if I stop it, it restarts automaticallyBecause it has a nature.
So, in the above command ;The "stop" and "rename" commands are linked using a semicolon, completing the process instantly without giving the service a chance to recover.
If you get the message "Cannot create a file that already exists"
In red letters ren : 既に存在するファイルを作成することはできません。 If you get this error, it means that an old backup file you created previously is interfering with the process.
In that case, run the following command:Delete old backupsThen try the steps again.
Command to delete old backups
Remove-Item C:\Windows\System32\catroot2.old -Recurse -ForceOnce the deletion is complete, run the previous "concatenate command" again and it will be successful.
If you get the message "The item 'C:\Windows\System32\catroot2' does not exist..."
If you see this error,The folder no longer exists (has been reset) There is nothing you need to do, soIgnore this error and proceed directly to the next step, "Restarting the service."
5. Once the reset is complete, restart any services that were stopped.
Copy and paste each command below into PowerShell and press Enter. This will automatically start all four services at once. (Right-click on the PowerShell screen to paste.)
net start wuauserv; net start bits; net start msiserver; net start cryptSvc
6. Once all commands have been executed, close the window and restart your PC. After restarting, check whether Windows Update starts downloading and installation normally.
[Supplementary Information] Roles of the "SoftwareDistribution" and "catroot2" folders
renThese folders that you rename with commands each play a different important role in the Windows Update process.
C:\Windows\System32\catroot2What is a folder? This is the folder that stores the "digital signature (security catalog)" information that certifies that downloaded updates and Windows system files are genuine. If this information is corrupted, Windows will not be able to verify the safety of the update and will stop the installation, assuming it may be fake. Therefore, this folder is also subject to reset.
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistributionWhat is a folder? Windows Update downloadedThe update file itselfThis is where the download history, update logs, etc. are temporarily stored. If the files in this folder become corrupted, this is the main cause of update installation not progressing or failing.
Solution 7: Repair System Files
If clearing the update cache and resetting components doesn't resolve the issue, try repairing your system files. Corruption in the Windows system files themselves can sometimes prevent updates from being applied.
1. Repair the Windows image
First, repair the Windows image.
1.Start buttonRight-click and open Terminal (Admin).
2. When the "User Account Control" message appears, click "Yes."
3. Type the following command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. The Windows image will begin to be repaired, so wait until the repair is complete (this may take a while).
When you see the message "The restore operation completed successfully," exit Windows PowerShell and run the System File Checker.
2. System File Checker
Run the System File Checker after the Windows image repair is complete.
1. Run Command Prompt as administrator, type the following command and press Enter:
Learn how to open a command prompt
1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.
2. Type "cmd".
3.Shift + Ctrl + Enter Please press.
4. When the "User Account Control" message appears, click "Yes".
sfc /scannow2. The system scan will begin, please wait a moment.
3. Once the scan is complete, you will see the following:
*In the image above, corrupted files were found, so the message "Corrupted files were found but were successfully repaired" is displayed.
4. Once the scan is complete, restart your PC Windows UpdateOpen it and run "Check for updates".
Solution 8:[Windows 11] Repair installation and initialization (last resort)
If the above repair steps do not resolve the issue, the core of Windows may be damaged in a complex way. However, there is no need to give up yet. Windows 11 has the following features:Without erasing your personal data or installed appsIt has the ability to cleanly overwrite and repair only the system.
Recommendation 1: Fix the problem with Windows Update
This feature allows you to re-download and repair system files from the Windows 11 settings screen. This is the easiest and least risky method, as it leaves your apps and personal files intact.
- New feature in Win11: "Fix problems with Windows Update"(Reinstall via Windows Update)
Recommendation 2: Repair installation (overwrite installation)
If the above function doesn't work or you get an error, try this method: Use an ISO file to overwrite and repair the system while preserving the current environment.
What is a "Pending Windows Update"?
Let's understand exactly what the "pending" status means. "Pending" in Windows Update has two main meanings:
1. "Normal pending" waiting for user action or system preparation
This is a harmless "pending".
- Waiting for reboot: The download and installation has already been completed and the PC is waiting to be restarted. The changes will be applied once the PC is restarted.
- Waiting for other processes to finish: In the case of a large-scale update, the device may be temporarily waiting for other system tasks or pending app installations to finish.
- Waiting for user approval: A state where certain optional or driver updates are waiting for the user to press the "Download and Install" button.
These "normal holds" will resolve naturally by restarting your PC or waiting a while.
2. "Abnormal hold" - something is stopping your transaction
The update process that should have proceeded normally may have been interrupted due to an internal error, conflict, or file corruption.A state in which something is stopped and not movingRefers to.
Is Windows Update really stuck? It might actually be processing
[Column] Is it a malfunction? Or is it a feature? Why does it take so long to update?
"It's stuck at a few percent and won't work..." This is not a malfunction, but is often caused by the complex mechanism of Windows Update.
- Download (Connection Issues)
- It depends on the server congestion and internet environment.
- Installation (PC specs issue)
- This is the biggest bottleneck. New system files areCompressed in ".wim" or ".cab" formatIt will arrive pre-assembled.
- The PC calls this "Unzip (unzip)" and place tens of thousands of files in the correct locations,RegistryBehind the scenes, we are doing a huge amount of work to rewrite the following.
Key points: It's not uncommon for this "decompression and placement" process to take several hours, especially on PCs with a hard disk drive (HDD) or limited free space. If you see the access light flashing or the fan running, it's a sign that your PC is hard at work.Don't force quit, just wait patiently.
1. Switching display screens (is it actually progressing?)
In particular, there is a bug in the Windows 11 settings screen that prevents the display from updating.
If the update does not proceed after a while after running Windows Update,Windows Update screen) to another settings screen, or close and reopen the Windows Update screen. If it's just a display issue, the update should be progressing.
2. Is "Windows Modules Installer Worker" running?
While Windows Update is running, a process called "Windows Modules Installer Worker" is running.
1.Task managerand go to the Processes tab.
2.Click once on the "CPU" section at the top.
If the arrow is pointing down, it's OK. (The items are sorted in descending order of CPU usage.)
*If it is not pointing down, try clicking it several times.
3. If the update is progressing at this time, a process called "Windows Modules Installer Worker" will be displayed at the top, and you will be able to see that "CPU," "Memory," and "Disk" are being used.
If you confirm that "Windows Modules Installer Worker" is running, please wait for a while.
3. If the update does not progress after several hours
If you have confirmed that "Windows Modules Installer Worker" is running but the update does not progress after several hours, try ending "Windows Modules Installer Worker" from the Task Manager.
Some people force shut down their PC at this point, but this is not recommended as it may damage the system. If the PC has progressed even a little, we recommend that you wait.
1.Task managerand go to the Processes tab.
2. Right-click on "Windows Modules Installer Worker" and click "End task".
3. When the task is completedWindows Update screen(If it is already open, close it and then reopen it.)
4. You will then be prompted that the update has failed, so try updating again.
If there are no other issues, the update should be successful.
Summary
Problems like Windows Update not progressing or failing due to errors can be very frustrating and troublesome. However, if you calmly try the steps explained in this article one by one, you will definitely find a solution.
First, try Solution 1. Windows Update is an essential process for keeping your PC safe. If you encounter any problems, please use this article as a talisman and revisit it.
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