How to Fix Windows Updates That Get Stuck and Won’t Finish

You finally sit down to use your PC and Windows decides it is “update time.” Then it sticks at 7%, 23%, 98%, pick your number. You stare at it, scared a shutdown will wreck something, but you also cannot lose your evening to a spinning circle. The good news is you have a couple of safe moves before you go full panic-button. First, take the internet away and give it a few minutes. If it is waiting on a download or a server response, finishing offline can actually let it move on. If that does not work, use Safe Mode and the built-in Windows tools to un-jam the process, then pause updates for a week so you can get back to work and deal with it on your schedule.

Step 1. Don’t hard-shutdown first. Take the internet away.

When an update “hangs,” it is often not frozen. It is waiting on something online. A slow or flaky connection can make the progress meter look stuck for ages.

What to do

Unplug Ethernet, or click the Wi-Fi icon and turn Wi‑Fi Off, or switch on Airplane mode. Then wait 10 minutes.

If the update suddenly moves, you just confirmed the hang was network-related. That is also a sign your connection may be wobbling more than you think. If you regularly see stalled downloads or buffering, see How to Fix Slow Wi-Fi On Your Laptop Without Buying a New Router for a few no-drama fixes that often stabilize things.

What not to do (yet)

Try to avoid holding the power button right away. If Windows is mid-write to system files, that is when you can end up with a messy boot problem later.

Step 2. If it’s still stuck, reboot into Safe Mode

If 10 minutes offline changes nothing, it is time to stop waiting and start troubleshooting. Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers and background services, which helps Windows Update tools do their job without interference.

How to get into Safe Mode (Windows 10 or 11)

1. If you can still see a Windows login screen, hold Shift and choose Restart.
2. If you are stuck on the update screen and nothing responds, you may need to do a controlled “hard” restart. Hold the power button until the PC turns off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it on. If Windows tries to resume the update and gets stuck again, repeat once more. Windows should offer Automatic Repair after a couple of interrupted boots.
3. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
4. Press 4 for Safe Mode (or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking if you need internet to grab fixes).

Step 3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

This tool clears a bunch of common update problems automatically, like stuck components and broken update cache settings.

Windows 11

Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run

Windows 10

Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run the troubleshooter

When it finishes, restart normally and try Windows Update again. If it starts behaving, great. If it still loops or stalls, at least you have ruled out the easy stuff.

Step 4. Pause updates for 7 days (so you can actually use your PC)

This is the part that gives you your week back. You are not skipping updates forever. You are telling Windows, “Not right now.”

How to pause

Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates → choose Pause for 7 days (or extend it if you need more time).

Now you can work first, then come back when you have time to troubleshoot deeper, like checking disk space, running a system file check, or installing updates in smaller chunks.

At a Glance: Comparison

Feature/Aspect	Details	Verdict
Disconnecting internet first	Wi‑Fi off or unplug Ethernet, wait 10 minutes	Safest first move. Often fixes “stuck” updates caused by network delays.
Safe Mode + Update Troubleshooter	Boot minimal Windows, run built-in repair tool	Best next step if it is truly jammed. Low risk, high payoff.
Pause updates for 7 days	Stops surprise update interruptions temporarily	Gives control back. Do it after you regain access so you can plan the fix.

Conclusion

When Windows Update looks frozen, the worst feeling is being stuck between “I can’t wait forever” and “I’m afraid to break my PC.” Taking the internet away first, then using Safe Mode and the Windows Update Troubleshooter, gets you out of the endless update screen without jumping straight to risky power moves. And pausing updates for a week is the secret weapon. It puts you back in charge, helps avoid corrupting Windows, and cuts down on surprise interruptions while you get through your workday.