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Fix Windows 10 Hangs On Update: Quick & Easy Solutions

14 min read 11-15- 2024
Fix Windows 10 Hangs On Update: Quick & Easy Solutions

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Dealing with a Windows 10 system that hangs during an update can be frustrating. When this occurs, it often leaves users feeling helpless, not knowing whether to wait, restart, or try something else entirely. Fortunately, there are several quick and easy solutions to address this common issue. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Windows 10 may hang during updates and provide practical solutions to fix it. Let’s dive in! 🚀

Understanding the Issue

Before jumping into solutions, it's essential to understand why Windows 10 hangs during updates. This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as:

  • Corrupted system files: Essential system files may be damaged, leading to update failures.
  • Insufficient disk space: If your hard drive is nearly full, Windows may struggle to complete the update.
  • Interference from third-party software: Antivirus programs and other software can disrupt the update process.
  • Network issues: A weak or unstable internet connection can halt the update process.

Quick Solutions to Fix Windows 10 Hangs on Update

1. Wait it Out ⏳

Sometimes the best solution is to simply wait a bit longer. Windows updates can take time, especially large updates. If your system appears to be stuck but shows some activity (like a spinning wheel), give it at least 30 minutes before taking further action.

2. Restart Your Computer 🔄

If you’ve waited and still see no progress, restarting your computer might help. Here’s how to safely restart your system during an update:

  • Press and hold the power button until your computer shuts down.
  • Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
  • Windows will typically recognize that the update was interrupted and may either resume or roll back the update.

Important Note: If this doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to the next solutions.

3. Free Up Disk Space 💾

As mentioned earlier, insufficient disk space can lead to update issues. Here’s how to free up disk space on your device:

  1. Use Disk Cleanup:

    • Type "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar.
    • Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
    • Check the boxes for the types of files you want to delete and click "OK".

  2. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs:

    • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
    • Uninstall programs you no longer need.

  3. Move Files to External Storage:

    • Consider transferring large files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter 🛠️

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to diagnose and fix update issues. To run it:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Click on Windows Update and then click Run the troubleshooter.

This tool will scan your system for issues and suggest possible fixes.

5. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Programs 🦠

Sometimes third-party antivirus software can interfere with the Windows update process. Temporarily disable your antivirus program and check if the update proceeds:

  1. Locate your antivirus software icon in the system tray.
  2. Right-click on the icon and select the option to disable it.
  3. Try running the update again.

Important Note: Make sure to enable your antivirus again once the update is complete.

6. Perform a System File Check (SFC) ⚙️

Corrupted system files can hinder updates. Running the System File Checker can help repair these files. Here’s how:

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
  3. Wait for the process to complete, which might take some time.

If SFC finds any issues, it will attempt to repair them. After it completes, try running the update again.

7. Use the Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) 🛡️

If SFC doesn’t resolve the problem, using DISM can help. This command-line tool repairs Windows images and can fix update issues:

  1. Open Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit Enter.
  3. Wait for the process to complete (this may take a while).

Once DISM finishes, attempt the update again.

8. Check for Active Hours ⏰

Windows 10 has an active hours feature that prevents updates from installing during your active working times. To check and modify these settings:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click on Change active hours.
  3. Set the hours when you're typically using your device.

9. Perform a Clean Boot 💤

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping eliminate software conflicts. Here’s how to perform a clean boot:

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  3. Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
  4. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  5. In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
  6. Restart your computer and attempt the update again.

10. Manually Install the Update 🔧

If all else fails, you can manually download and install the update:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
  2. Search for the update by its KB number (found in Windows Update history).
  3. Download the appropriate version for your system and install it.

11. Reset Windows Update Components 🔄

If Windows Update is still hanging, resetting its components can help. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Stop the Windows Update services by entering the following commands one by one:
    net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
  3. Then, delete the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing:
    rd /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
rd /s /q C:\Windows\System32\catroot2
  4. Restart the services by entering the following commands:
    net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Now, try checking for updates again.

12. Upgrade to the Latest Version of Windows 10 💻

If your device is compatible, consider upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10. This can often resolve persistent update issues:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click on Check for updates.

13. Consider a System Restore 🕰️

If the issue started recently, performing a system restore to a previous point may fix the problem:

  1. Search for Create a restore point in the Windows search bar.
  2. Click on System Restore and follow the prompts to restore your system to an earlier date.

14. Last Resort: Reset Your PC 🔄

If none of the above solutions work, consider resetting your PC. This will reinstall Windows but allow you to keep your personal files:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, select Get started and choose the option to keep your files.

Table of Common Solutions

<table> <tr> <th>Solution</th> <th>Steps</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Wait it Out</td> <td>Give the update time to finish.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Restart Your Computer</td> <td>Hold the power button, then turn it back on.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Free Up Disk Space</td> <td>Use Disk Cleanup, uninstall unnecessary apps.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Run Windows Update Troubleshooter</td> <td>Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Disable Antivirus Programs</td> <td>Right-click on antivirus icon, choose disable.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Run SFC</td> <td>Open Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Use DISM</td> <td>Open Command Prompt, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Check Active Hours</td> <td>Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Change active hours.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Perform Clean Boot</td> <td>msconfig > Services > Hide all Microsoft services > Disable all.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Manually Install Update</td> <td>Visit Microsoft Update Catalog, download KB update.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Reset Windows Update Components</td> <td>Stop services, delete folders, restart services.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Upgrade Windows</td> <td>Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>System Restore</td> <td>Create a restore point, follow prompts.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Reset Your PC</td> <td>Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.</td> </tr> </table>

Conclusion

Encountering issues with Windows 10 updates can be a hassle, but there are numerous solutions at your disposal. By trying out the steps outlined above, you can hopefully resolve the hanging update problem and get your system back on track. Remember to back up your data regularly, so you’re prepared for any unexpected issues. Happy updating! 🎉

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