Windows Update Error

Question

Windows Update Error

Birdy 20

I began updating Windows over 5 hours ago, it states "Updates are underway". I have tried to reboot it by holding the power button down for 5-10 seconds which brings up a "slide to shut down your pc" screen that doesn't do anything when I slide it. I've tried holding the power button for an entire minute and it does nothing. Does holding the power button to turn something off not work anymore?

This feels incredibly poorly designed, almost as poorly designed as this website, which scrolls down every time I type a character.

Any AI generated answers will be ignored, not trying to start an AI argument, it just hallucinates way too often and so I assume any AI generated text is a lie.

EDIT: Heres how I fixed it in case you have the same. I unplugged the device and let it die. Windows booted normally, settings show "failed to install update".

JUNIOR SIPILANYAMBE 115 Reputation points

2026-07-20T14:20:54.9333333+00:00

Five hours is far longer than a typical Windows update should take. If the system is genuinely stuck and even a forced shutdown isn't responding, it may require guidance from Microsoft Support. Hopefully someone from the Windows team can help determine whether the update has hung or if there's a recovery option without risking data loss.

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JUNIOR SIPILANYAMBE 115 Reputation points

2026-07-20T14:20:54.9333333+00:00

Five hours is far longer than a typical Windows update should take. If the system is genuinely stuck and even a forced shutdown isn't responding, it may require guidance from Microsoft Support. Hopefully someone from the Windows team can help determine whether the update has hung or if there's a recovery option without risking data loss.

Answer 1

Hi Birdy,

Based on your description, it sounds like the update process may be stalled. While some Windows updates can take a long time to complete, remaining on "Updates are underway" for more than two hours without any apparent progress is not typical.

The fact that holding the power button displays the "slide to shut down your PC" screen indicates that Windows is still responding at some level, although the shutdown process itself may be blocked by the update.

It is also worth clarifying that forcing a shutdown by holding down the physical power button is not a Windows feature, it is a hardware and firmware function implemented by the device manufacturer. Windows can control what happens when the power button is pressed normally, but the long-press action that cuts power to the system is handled by the system firmware and hardware design. Because of this, Microsoft does not determine the exact behavior of a forced shutdown, and it can vary slightly between manufacturers and device models. In most cases, continuing to hold the power button for approximately 10–15 seconds should still force the device to power off regardless of the state of Windows.

Recommended steps:

If you can see signs of disk activity (storage LED blinking, fan activity, etc.), consider waiting a little longer.
If there has been no visible progress for several hours, try cutting off the power if you're using a PC or let the device running out of battery.
Wait a few seconds, then power the device back on.
Windows may:
- Continue the update,
- Roll back a failed update automatically, or
- Boot into recovery options.

If Windows starts normally afterward, check Settings > Windows Update for any failed updates and attempt the update again. If the issue persists, additional troubleshooting of Windows Update components or storage health may be required.

I understand your frustration, especially when the system appears stuck and the normal shutdown mechanisms are unresponsive. Hopefully a restart will either allow the update to complete or trigger an automatic recovery process.

Lucus-V 13,125 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-22T16:27:25.9966667+00:00

Hi Birdy,

I hope everything is going well on your end. Just wanted to check in and see how things are going for you lately, anything you'd like to share or discuss?