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: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2010-04-18T16:38:45+00:00

    Repost: Has a Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought it)?

    You snooze, you lose: Support for Vista Gold (no Service Packs) ended on Tuesday, 13 April 2010! Computers still running Vista Gold "will no longer receive software updates [e.g., SP1] from Windows Update" until SP1 has been manually installed (which will require that several Prerequisite Updates be installed first). See http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2010/04/13/end-of-support-for-windows-vista-with-no-services-packs.aspx.

        • What does it mean if my version of Windows is no longer supported?

           http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/what-does-end-of-support-mean

    That being said, free unlimited installation and compatibility support for Vista SP1 has been extended a third time & now runs through 10 August 2010. Some issues may require more advanced support for which there is a charge.

    • US: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11274&gprid=500921

    • CA: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11274&gprid=500921

    • UK: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11274&gprid=500921

    • AU: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11274&gprid=500921

    • Other: http://support.microsoft.com/select/default.aspx?target=assistance&c1=509 | select your Windows Vista version | select Service Pack 1 & the appropriate Sub-topic (i.e., Download issue; Installation issue; Issues after you install a service pack).

    ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (IE, Mail, Security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ Disclaimer: MS MVPs neither represent nor work for Microsoft

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-01-14T01:29:43+00:00

    Sash 123

    I had this problem too and traced it to my wireless keyboard/mouse.  It was a Logitech MK700.  Once I took them out of service and started using my Dell keyboard/mouse the updates downloaded and installed perfectly.

    Hope this helps

    Scott

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-01-14T03:45:22+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?

    Was this answer helpful?

    70+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments