How to Fix ‘Updates are underway’ Stuck Error in Windows?

A Windows Update Stuck error occurs when the updating process of your Windows computer unexpectedly halts and ceases to advance. This can be attributed to a variety of issues within the updating mechanism, such as software conflicts, and may be compounded by other factors like network disruptions, corrupted update files, and difficulties with system services or system errors.

Should you encounter the Updates are underway stuck error, our guide aims to assist you in rectifying this problem.

Interrupting updates is generally inadvisable as it could lead to complications with your computer. It’s advisable to permit the update to complete without interruptions to ensure that your computer operates effectively and remains in good working order.

To follow the methods mentioned in the article below, you have to first boot your system in Safe Mode. Booting into Safe Mode means starting the computer in a basic mode where only the essential system programs and drivers are active.

This mode allows you to troubleshoot potential disruptions caused by third-party applications or problematic configurations. In Safe Mode, you can identify and address issues without the interference of unnecessary software or drivers that may disrupt standard startup.

Accessing Safe Mode: The approach for entering Safe Mode varies depending on the operating system. For Windows users, accessing Safe Mode can usually be accomplished by pressing a specific key combination during startup or using the System Configuration tool (msconfig) to set up a Safe Mode boot option.

For a thorough examination of Safe Mode, please refer to our detailed article called “Safe Mode in Windows 10.”

1. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to address errors that hinder the updating of your Windows OS. This tool assists the system by identifying update-related issues, repairing components, and checking for pending updates.

1. Click on the Start button and select Settings from the menu.
   
2. Click on the Update & Security option.
   
3. Select the Troubleshoot menu option.
   
4. Click on Additional Troubleshooters.
   
5. Select Windows Update and then click on the Run button. This action prompts the Troubleshooter to scan your computer for potential update process errors and suggests solutions for resolving them.
   

2. Restart Windows Services

Services are crucial for the functioning of Windows. Interruptions or bugs in Windows Update Services can lead to complications with system updates. Restarting these services often addresses the issues.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
   
2. Enter services.msc into the dialogue box and press Enter.
   
3. In the Services window, find the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
   
4. Right-click on it and choose Start, or if it’s running, select Restart.
   
5. If the Background Intelligent Transfer Service isn’t active, double-click on the service, navigate to Startup Type, and set it to Automatic in the dropdown menu.
   

Repeat this process for the Windows Update and Cryptographic Services.

3. Run Automatic Startup Repair

If your PC is unable to boot normally following an incomplete update, the Startup Repair feature can be utilized to address the issue of stuck Windows updates.

1. Access the settings menu by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings.
   
2. Navigate to the Update & Security option from the settings menu.
   
3. Click on the Recovery tab within the Update & Security menu.
   
4. Under the Advanced Startup section, click on Restart Now.
   
5. Select Troubleshoot from the Advanced Startup menu.
   
6. Go to Advanced Options and then click on Startup Repair.
   
7. Choose the Startup Repair option. The system will diagnose and rectify the errors that prevent Windows from booting up normally.

4. Fix Windows Updated System Corrupt Files

Corrupted files in the Windows Update system can be remedied through the use of the DISM Tool (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) from a command prompt window.

1. Launch the Command Prompt with administrative rights.
   
2. Input the command:

   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

   

3. If the Windows Update Client is broken, a prompt may appear requesting you select a source for file repair.

• An operating Windows installation on your PC
• A Windows folder from a network share to use side-by-side

You will obtain the necessary files from these sources to repair the dysfunctional Windows Update Client.

Next, you should run the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess

Replace C:\RepairSource\Windows with your actual repair source path.

6. Perform a System Restore

Note: Only proceed with this step if you have a previously created system restore point.

A system restore can revert your PC to a previous state, which can be helpful if you’ve run into the Windows Update Stuck problem. This is viable only if a system restore point was created before the Windows Update began.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   
2. Type rstrui.exe into the command line and press Enter to open the System Restore window.
   
3. Click on the Next button, select a restore point from the list, and follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the restoration process.
   
4. After your PC restarts, attempt to install the pending Windows update again. This should resolve the issue of the update being stuck.