Windows update will not download updates - stuck at 0% downloading

Anonymous
2010-04-17T03:45:39+00:00

Everytime I start windows update it won't download the updates. The bar keeps on running but nothing downloads and the percentage stays at 0%.

Whats wrong? Anything I can do to fix this?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-11-10T19:59:39+00:00

I found a solution to my problem when Windows would search for updates, but then when it started downloading it would stay at 0% forever. I started by stopping the Windows Update service (in my case the service proved to be frozen so I restarted my computer and disabled the service before it starts) and the Application Experience service. After that I went to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and pressed ctrl+a and shift+delete to empty its contents. Mine contained more than 70,000 files so it took a while. I started Application Experience and enabled Windows Update. I let it check for updates and try to download them. It worked perfectly.

Do not worry about deleting important windows files in this case. The contents of SoftwareDistribution is used as a cache and data for Windows Update. When Windows Update starts again it rebuilds the cache repopulating it with up-to-date versions of the files and chewing up a ton of harddisk space again.

Was this answer helpful?

1700+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2010-04-23T13:09:40+00:00

sash123,

    If this issue is still happening, then take a look at article: Vista Update stops at stage 3 of 3 

Then let us know the results.

*** edited

Was this answer helpful?

500+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

216 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-03T23:33:22+00:00

    Wow, unbelievable , the exact same thing with me. Pulled the dongle for Logitech m310 mouse and rebooted , it worked perfect. Technology works in strange ways ! Thanks so much.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-07-20T15:42:18+00:00

    Just unplug every usb device you have connected, that will fix it

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-07-07T23:20:38+00:00

    Actually, it does make sense & I was serious.

    Trust me, posting "Me, too!" replies & gripes to other threads isn't gonna do squat for your problems (whatever they are).

    Until just very recently, Microsoft offered no-charge support for Windows Update issues (for currently-supported Windows versions; i.e., Win8 & Win7 SP1). Always with an eye on the almighty bottom line, the only free support now is in these forums where most of us are volunteers & users like you. Otherwise you can shell out $50.00 USD (or more) for Premium Support via the Microsoft-sponsored Answer Desk. [1]  Nice, huh?

    ==========================================================

    [1] Note: The Answer Desk techs are not Microsoft employees but out-sourced, third-party (and often third-world) contract workers.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments