Windows 10 getting updates hangs. What to do if Windows installation hangs: five tips

Despite the popularity of Windows 10, after the release of new system updates, users began to massively complain that the upgrade freezes. Usually the computer stops responding to anything at different stages of the system update. The download is fast, but then the screen freezes - only the update icon continues to spin on the taskbar. Microsoft acknowledged the problem, but there is still no single way to solve it.

Reasons for freezing Windows 10 update at different stages and get out of the situation

It often happens that when preparing for installation, the update stops at certain values: 32, 71, 75, 91, 99%. This usually happens for the following reasons:

• conflict with antivirus software;
• the drivers that are installed on the computer have not been updated;
• operating system build below 100041;
• there is not enough free space on the hard drive.

Sometimes Windows 10 update freezes due to conflict with antivirus or lack of hard disk space

Sometimes the update is so slow that it looks like the computer is frozen. If the hard disk activity indicator keeps blinking, it is most likely that the update process is in progress, just very slowly. Usually, it seems to the user that "everything is gone" in the following moments:

• by 32% - as a rule, at the 30–39% stage, the system downloads dynamic updates;
• by 96% - at this time, data backups are created;
• on the message that the update will be ready soon.

Outputs for solving freeze problems

In any case, if you realized that the system is frozen at the update stage and does not respond to any actions, then there are several options for getting out of this situation:

1. Officially, Microsoft suggests trying to start the PC in safe mode and throw all the data onto one device for storing it (one disk).
2. The company also suggests rolling back to the previous version of the OS, but this will work if less than 10 days have passed since the start of the update.
3. Update the OS assembly if its version is lower than 100041.
4. Updates may hang due to disconnected connections or failures on the Microsoft server. Sometimes there is simply not enough space on the hard disk to install the update, or the computer is infected with a virus that slows down the process of upgrading the system. If the update hangs, the computer needs to be restarted through a power outage or the Reset button, then do a disk cleanup, check the PC for viruses and try to install the update again.
5. Disable all USB devices, additional monitors, and generally any external devices other than the keyboard and mouse. Remove third-party antivirus software and clean the entire $ Windows. ~ BT. It doesn't hurt to make sure that all drivers installed on your computer have received their update.
6. You can try to return the Update Center components to their original state. To do this, you either need to run the automatic diagnostics of the "Update Center" and follow the instructions, or restore everything yourself. A detailed guide is available on the official Microsoft website.
7. If that doesn't work, you can clean boot Windows. It is also advisable to remove programs and applications associated with changing the Windows splash screen, themes and user interface.
8. If all else fails, a BIOS update will probably be required. This is not a very straightforward procedure and is usually described on the motherboard manufacturer's website.

Video: Windows 10 update stuck 99%

What to do if Windows 10 update downloads get stuck

If the system freezes at the initial stage of downloading the update for Windows, then running the utility to troubleshoot the upgrade may help. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft website, and once launched, you just need to follow the instructions. Most often, the tool fixes errors by itself.

If your system is stuck downloading updates, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter may help.

You can also manually clear the update cache. To do this, you need to do the following:

What to do if preparing to install Windows updates is stuck

If the system freezes at the initial stage of preparation, then this happens either due to lack of disk space or due to a damaged distribution kit, or in the case of incorrectly set BIOS parameters. If in the first second case everything is solved quite simply (the distribution kit must be downloaded from the official website), then in the latter one should turn off the secure boot mode and, conversely, activate the compatibility mode with other systems.

To do this, you need to enter the BIOS: to enter there immediately after pressing the power button of the PC, you need to press a key or key combinations depending on the computer model - as a rule, these are Del, F2, F10, Ctrl + Alt + Esc and others (often they are indicated on the very bottom line at the beginning of the launch). In the BIOS in the top menu, you should go to the section in the problems arising in the "Update Center".

When the system is looking for updates for Windows for an infinitely long time, the problem is usually with the "Update Center"

In order not to waste a lot of time fixing errors, you can disable it and thereby fix the problem. Here you need to restart the PC, press the Win + R key combination and enter msc in the window that appears. In the window that appears, find the "Update Center", open this item by double clicking and select "Disable". Usually, when you try again, the download of updates starts without problems.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few situations when Windows freezes at different stages of the update. Fixing them takes time. The main thing is to find out the reason for the freeze and eliminate it, if possible. If all else fails, it's easier to rollback the system to a previous version and wait while Microsoft improves the update mechanism.

Windows is a mature operating system and it usually installs without surprises, but sometimes the installation process hangs. Listed below are five solutions that are relevant to.

1. Be patient

The advice is banal, but useful: if the installation hangs, do not rush to worry. Recently, I have had to deal with the fact that on completely new computers the installation program stops when it reaches. In all cases, the installation resumed by itself - sometimes after 10 minutes, sometimes after 45 minutes.

I have not yet been able to find an official explanation from Microsoft about the reasons for this freeze. But in my experience, this happens most often when installing Windows on computers with Gigabyte motherboards and AMD processors.

The desktop screensaver isn't the only sticking point for Windows Setup. Sometimes it freezes before displaying a screen asking you to select a hard drive to install the operating system. However, in this case, the installation process resumes much faster.

2. Disable the floppy disk controller

Although floppy disks have long been obsolete, some manufacturers still provide floppy disk controllers to their motherboards. Sometimes Windows cannot be installed until you disable the floppy controller in the BIOS settings.

I recently had to deal with a prolonged freeze of the Windows setup program on one of the computers. After disabling the floppy disk controller, the installation went much faster and without delays. Unfortunately, this is not a universal recipe because sometimes the Windows installation freezes even if the motherboard's floppy controller is missing.

3. Check the voltage of the memory modules

If Windows Setup hangs intermittently, it might be caused by a problem with your RAM. There are many ways to diagnose problems of this kind, and I will list some of them below, but I would like to mention one method in particular, since it is often overlooked.

Most motherboards use 1.5V memory modules. If the voltage is higher (even if only slightly), the system periodically freezes. However, this does not mean that such memory cannot be used: some motherboards allow you to adjust the voltage of the RAM.

4. Try removing or replacing memory modules

As mentioned above, most of the time Windows installation hangs due to RAM issues. If so, try removing all but one of the memory modules and see if the freeze stops. If this does not work, replace the remaining module with another that has been verified to rule out the possibility of defective memory. If this does not solve the problem, check the documentation for the motherboard: the memory may be running at an unsupported frequency. Even if the module can be installed in a motherboard slot, it is not a fact that it will work.

Check other RAM requirements as well. Some motherboards only support certain brands of modules.

5. Try using an IDE or USB DVD drive

Finally, a SATA DVD drive can be another reason for a Windows installation to hang. This does not mean that such drives cannot be used, but the problem is that many motherboards have four or six SATA ports for creating RAID arrays. If you plug a DVD drive into one of these ports and try to create a RAID array with fewer hard drives than the system board can provide, your Windows installation may hang. In this case, it is preferable to use an IDE or USB DVD drive.

Windows 10 developers strive to fix bugs, protect the system, and improve its performance - that's why updates for it are released quite often. Sometimes you may notice that updates are stuck installing on Windows 10. The reason for this phenomenon can be many factors: from a software error to incompatibility with the PC configuration. Let us dwell below on what to do in such cases.

What to do if the installation of updates in Windows 10 is stuck

Consider several options below. They can be used both individually and in a complex manner.

The application did not freeze, but just a long download of updates (do you have a good internet speed?) Or installing rf. In any case, just wait a little before starting any drastic methods. It is possible that everything will be completed successfully without additional intervention.

Using system restore points if the installation hangs

Make it a rule to create a new system restore point before each update installation. If this freezes, and you cannot start Windows 10 after restarting your computer, this restore point will come to your rescue, by rolling back to which you can return the system to a working state.

Low disk space with Windows 10 to install updates

The system disk is low on space. Be sure to check this factor before installing. Free space must be at least 15% of the total hard disk space.

Installation hangs - check your RAM

Check the correct operation of the PC's RAM using any diagnostic programs. Replace the faulty memory module if found and try installing updates again.

Can I restart my computer when the update process is stuck? If there is no other way out, then yes. However, there is a possibility that the operating system will not be able to boot. Then use the system restore points service and use the Windows 10 boot disk to roll back the changes to a working state. Do not neglect this feature - it will help you save a lot of time and money on restoring Windows to working condition.

Reading time: 42 min

At regular intervals Windows 10 freezes in the process of updating. The problem first appeared back in 2016, but in subsequent releases it was somehow fixed, now a new wave of complaints from users about downloading updates. To date, over 60 million users have already downloaded and installed Windows 10, and the number of errors is also colossal.

Why does my Windows 10 computer freeze when updating?

Windows 10 freezes, what to do? - Initially, you should find out about the true problem that provoked the hang. In this case, you will have to restart the PC by holding the power button for a long time or pressing the restart. After restarting, the update will be fixed, but the computer will work.

Among the common ailments of Windows 10, the following characteristic manifestations can be distinguished:

• in the process of updating, a hang occurs, the milestone is at 25%.
• migrating user files crashes and progress stalls at 84%.
• renewal progress is unable to cross the 44% mark.
• freezing at 32% system load.
• the "Get updates" window appears and no shifts occur.

Important! There is no need to rush and claim that the computer is frozen, since weak PCs can simply install any files for a long time that are not displayed on the scale until the moment the component is fully installed.

If Windows 10 still freezes, you will have to fix the problem with improvised means. Hanging on the indicated lines indicates a problem, other problems are extremely rare.

When hovering at 25% and 84%

When a Windows 10 update gets stuck, you have to look for a solution to the problem in a short time. Here the problem may lie either in the hardware or in the software. Mostly this malfunction is characterized by the appearance of errors with the code 0xC1900101 - 0x20004. You can also determine the problem by stopping the flashing of the diode lamp.

Experts have found that the listed problems are directly related to conflicts of the system update with individual components on the PC. Sometimes the incompatibility is provoked by a peripheral device. When installing more than 1 HDD or SSD in the system, the risk of an error increases several times.

For the reasons described, it is worth proposing fairly simple and effective solutions:

• Disconnect all peripherals from the PC, you can leave only the necessary: ​​a mouse (if there is no touchpad), a keyboard, a monitor. To prevent incorrect interaction with various devices, you just need to disconnect them, and at the end of the update, reconnect everything together. If you have problems, you will have to download the appropriate drivers.
• In a stationary device, it is recommended to turn off the drives, or at least leave only 1, follow the same procedure with drives and hard drives. The essence of the method is to keep the connection with only the most important elements, and everything else is disconnected. To disable the listed elements, it is enough to get one side of the SATA cable.
• You can download the update to a removable drive from your current or another PC, so the risk of error is reduced. The main drawback of this technique is that the system after installation may become unlicensed.

Update stuck at 44%

This problem is typical for the Windows 10 build released in November. The update process stops at 44% and stops responding to anything else.

2 responses were sent from the representatives of the developers:

• in part, the problem occurs on computers with a card reader connected and a card inserted into it. That is, it is enough to get the card or turn off the card reader.
• it was confirmed that the problem occurs precisely because of the SD-drive, but not all users can disconnect the device from the system, since it contains most of the free memory needed to install the system. A solution to the problem is to clear enough space on your hard disk or SSD (3 GB for download and 20 GB for installation) or connect a USB drive to the system.

Crash at 32%

This problem is directly related to the Windows software. The occurrence of a malfunction is typical after an attempt to update through the Update Center. In this case, it is possible to maintain the situation throughout the day without any shifts.

To fix the problem, you must first download all previously released system service packs. You also need to install optional updates, for this it is worth ticking the corresponding item. Typically, a full update will install Windows 10 without any problems.

An auxiliary method is to diagnose the Update Center using a special utility built into the system. To start this function, press Win + R together and enter the msdt / id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic command in the window that opens. Then press Enter and select "Advanced" in the window that appears. In the lines that open, you can enter "Automatically fix" to launch with higher rights.

By the end of the procedure, various errors will be eliminated, and the system is ready for further updating to the modern version of the system.

Hangs when "receiving updates"

The situation when the freeze occurs even before the start of the download / installation is also not uncommon. The process of searching for updates does not budge, no matter how long you wait for it.

The easiest way to solve the problem is by eliminating the processes from this service, since it was it that hung. We'll have to postpone the update for a while. To disable the service you need:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and go to the "Services" tab;
2. Find the item "Windows Update";
3. RMB on a component and "Stop";
4. If that doesn't work, you can select Go to Process and then close it from this tab.

The eternal confrontation between viruses and antiviruses can interfere with the update, in which case you need to try to scan the system. If everything is in order, but the procedure is still not progressing, it is worth turning off the antivirus, or you can delete it, since it will still not be transferred to the new system.

If you still have questions on the topic "What to do if Windows 10 freezes during the update?", You can ask them in the comment

Windows 10 is now the new operating system for users. But despite its capabilities, it still needs to be improved, like any other system, for convenient use. If errors occur and updates freeze, do not solve the problems yourself. In order not to aggravate the situation, it is better to use proven methods. Let's take a look at how to deal with computer freezes during Windows 10 updates.

Why Windows 10 freezes when downloading updates

This problem can be due to various reasons:

• work with various programs that reduce PC performance;
• a large number of applications running in the background;
• the update conflicts with the antivirus;
• lack of free disk space;
• faulty RAM.

How to fix update freezes by 32%

Some computers have very poor internet connection or poor performance.

Updating on older devices takes a very long time, so users with weak PCs can only wait patiently for the process to finish. The hard disk indicator will flash as a signal that the updates are not yet complete.

Typically, the PC freezes at 32% when you try to update the system using Windows Update.

If the Windows update has stopped at 32%, do not rush to interrupt the process - the computer may load the necessary files

The device may slow down for a long time without responding to anything and showing no signs of the end of updates. This error can be easily fixed. You need to download or install old service packs so that the new system then works stably and without problems. It is necessary to diagnose "Windows Update":

1. Press the Win + R buttons.
2. Enter the msdt / id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic command in the Run window. Click OK.
3. Click Advanced.
4. Check the box "Apply fixes automatically" and select "Run as administrator".
5. Click "Next". When the steps are complete, you can safely upgrade the OS to Windows 10.

When a black screen appears and a mouse pointer with a blue circle appears, you might think that the updates have stopped and the computer just froze. It actually downloads dynamic updates for Windows 10.

The black screen is caused by downloading dynamic updates

The process really seems to be very slow with little performance. To speed up your downloads, check to see if you have plugged in USB devices. Disable them. Then the PC will work faster.

Reasons why the computer does not update after 99% (also suitable for 91%)

After booting up to 99%, the computer freezes completely, and the installation may take a long time. This is due to the fact that you have downloaded an unwanted program to your PC. The problem will be solved if the user performs a clean boot, which will start the Windows system using a minimal set of drivers and various programs, and thus reduce the chances of a conflict with the system software. Clean Boot can help you get rid of unnecessary background applications that slow down your operating system:

1. Press the Win + R keys.
2. Enter the msconfig command. Click OK.
3. Click the Services tab.
4. Check the "Don't show Microsoft services" checkbox.
5. Click on "Disable All".

How to deal with 71% freezes of update installation

The computer stops at 71% of downloading updates due to a large number of programs running in the background. Be sure to look at which programs you no longer need and turn them off in the Startup menu:

1. Go to the start menu. Add the msconfig command. Wait for System Configuration to open.
2. Click the "Open Task Manager" button.
3. Go to the Startup tab in the Task Manager. Right-click on any program and click Disable. Click "Apply" and "OK".
4. Turn off the "Task Manager" and restart your PC.

Video: how to disable autoplay programs in Windows 10

Computer slows down by 75% when updating Windows

If your computer has more than one hard drive, then disconnect everything (including an external hard drive, USB key), except for the target hard drive, on which Windows 10 will be installed. Very often, when 75% freezes, the problem changes the system locale to English language. And the update is successful only in a non-English version of the OS. The system locale should be changed to Russian. To do this, do the following:

1. Go to the start menu. Select the "Control panel" item.
2. Click on the "Clock, Language, and Region" section.
3. Select "Add a language" under "Language".
4. Click on "Add a language".
5. Find the required language in the list and click on it.
6. Click on "Options".
7. Wait for the end of the language availability check.
8. Click Download and install language pack.
9. Wait for the end of the boot process.
10. Go to language options (button "Options").
11. In the window that opens, click on the "Make this the primary language" button.
12. Restart your computer after changing the system locale.

Video: how to change the locale in Windows 10

A universal way to fix errors when updates freeze

You need to use the Windows Update troubleshooter to help you deal with update errors:

1. Press Win + X and go to Control Panel.
2. Click on the "Troubleshoot" section.
3. Under System and Security, click on Troubleshoot with Windows Update.

   Click on fix problems with "Update Center"

4. Wait for the wizard to complete the check and find out if the error is resolved.

If none of the above solutions helps you fix your Windows 10 upgrade issue, try deleting the Software Distribution folder:

1. Go to the path "C" - "Windows" - "SoftwareDistribution" - "Download folder" and delete all files from the last folder.
2. Go to the "Start" menu and select "Command Prompt" ("Administrator").
3. Type exe / update now and press Enter.
4. Go to Windows Update and check if the error is resolved.

Preparing to install updates freezes

Most often, preparation for installing updates hangs because of a software conflict or a preexisting issue that simply didn't get noticed until Windows updates started installing. Do the following:

Video: How to Enter Windows 10 Safe Mode

Updates download hangs

Freezes occur due to a damaged OS distribution, which does not have enough space on the hard disk, or due to incorrectly set parameters in the BIOS settings. To correct the parameters, do the following:

Get Updates searches endlessly

Sometimes it happens that loading a new version of the OS starts to slow down when updates are just coming. This process can go on an endless search without any results.

The reason for this freeze may be the incorrect operation of the "Windows Update Service", because it is she who causes the slowdown in loading. To disable it, do the following:

Almost any problem or error related to the computer can be solved nowadays. Developers are constantly trying to improve the performance of the new operating system for the user, but many problems have to be dealt with alone. The most important thing is to use trusted sources so that the system updates without problems.