Windows 11 update failed or stuck? 9 fixes to try

2 min read · 9 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter under Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters. Then check the internet connection, unplug external drives and other hardware, make sure at least 20 GB is free, restart the PC and click Check for updates again.

Most failed Windows updates have an ordinary cause: too little free space, a dropped connection or a device that gets in the way. Microsoft's own list starts with the automatic troubleshooter.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

  1. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetAppsAccountsTime & languagePrivacy & securityWindows UpdateOther troubleshootersAudioBluetoothCameraWindows Update

    Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

    Open Settings with Windows + I. Click System, then Troubleshoot, then Other troubleshooters. Click Run next to Windows Update and follow the instructions.

  2. Check the internet connection

    Open Settings, Network & internet and make sure the PC is connected. A download that keeps stopping usually points to a weak Wi-Fi signal.

  3. Unplug external hardware

    Remove USB drives, docking stations and other devices you do not need for the update. Keep only the mouse, keyboard and screen.

  4. Free up disk space

    Microsoft says a PC needs at least 20 GB of free space for a 64-bit upgrade. How to clear space: how to free up disk space on Windows 11.

  5. Set the date and time automatically

    Open Settings, Time & language, Date & time. Switch on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically, and click Sync now. A wrong clock makes the update servers refuse the connection.

  6. Use an administrator account

    Updates need administrator rights. If you use a standard account, sign in with the administrator account of the PC.

  7. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetAppsAccountsTime & languagePrivacy & securityWindows UpdateWindows UpdateCheck for updatesPause updatesUpdate historyAdvanced options

    Restart and check again

    Click Start, Power, Restart. Then open Settings, Windows Update and click Check for updates. Several updates build on each other, so repeat this until nothing more is offered.

  8. Update drivers from the maker

    If the update fails again, look on the website of the maker of your PC for newer drivers, above all for graphics, storage and network.

  9. Advanced: clear the update cache

    Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter. Right-click Windows Update and choose Stop. Delete everything inside the folder C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. Then right-click Windows Update again and choose Start. Windows downloads the updates afresh.

Good to know

Do not switch the PC off while it says that updates are being worked on. Give a large update an hour or more before you decide it is stuck.

Note the error code shown under Update history, for example 0x800 followed by more characters. Searching Microsoft's support site for that code often leads to the exact cause.

The normal way to update is in how to check for updates on Windows 11.

In short: Troubleshooter, internet, unplug devices, 20 GB free, automatic time, administrator, restart and check again, drivers, clear the cache.

Sources
  • Microsoft Support: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows

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