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

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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.

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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

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-12-15T17:01:55+00:00

    Your article re updates not downloading; the "windows update service" is no listed in my programs for windows 10...should it be there?

    My Windows 10 updates have frozen there are upwards of 10 or more waiting to be installed!~!  I am having a hard time navigating windows 10 from windows 7...a lot of apps and **** that I don't want or need!p[!  I did run per suggestions in the troubleshooter chat...sfc/scannow but nothing was found corrupt.

    Anyway can you help me find where I need to go to fix this problem...if not I'm ready to go back to Windows 7!

    thank you,

    accma0304

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-11-09T13:45:42+00:00

    Thank you so much! My problem has been also resolved..

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-10-19T03:27:25+00:00

    Cool I hope it does help many people. I understand it's really frustrating. I replyed to another thread in hopes word nay get around. It's not only windows 7 but, 8 & 10 as well. Ive confirmed this on all 4 of my devices. Mainly it is the last explorer 11 security update but i deleted all 20. I use tether that i pay for so i cant confirm a wired lan connection but i can say this issue knocks out my internet traffic. Windows update is fine and no problems exist with windows itself.

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