Windows Update has not worked for several weeks. How to fix?

Michael Dyment 0 Reputation points
2026-09-02T14:14:19.0666667+00:00

Windows update seems stuck. The update gear just turns and turns. No progress for weeks.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-02T14:14:37.3766667+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Restart the PC A restart can clear a blocked update process.
    2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
      • On newer Windows builds: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run
      • On older builds: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter
    3. Make sure the Windows Update service is running
      • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      • Find Windows Update.
      • If it is stopped, right-click it and select Start.
      • Open Properties and set Startup type to Automatic.
      • Select Apply and OK.
      • Restart the PC, then go to Settings > Windows Update and check again.
    4. Check the internet connection
      • Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
      • Confirm the device is connected.
    5. Temporarily disable or uninstall third-party antivirus, firewall, or VPN software These can block Windows Update. Disable protection temporarily, try the update, then re-enable or reinstall the software after testing.
    6. Repair system files Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands one at a time: 
         DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
   sfc /scannow
      Then try Windows Update again.
    7. Reset the Windows Update cache This removes cached update files that may be stuck.
      • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      • Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
      • Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
      • Delete the files and folders inside.
      • Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
    8. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders This is more invasive than the previous step. Use an elevated Command Prompt. 
         net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
   ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
      Restart the PC afterward.
    9. If it still spins with no progress, perform a clean restart into Windows A clean restart starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs to rule out software conflicts.
    10. Last resort: reinstall or clean install Windows If update components remain stuck for weeks, a repair or clean installation may be required. This has higher risk than the earlier steps and should be done carefully.
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  2. Kai-H 26,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-03T09:37:55.78+00:00

    Hi, Michael Dyment

    A spinning update screen usually means Windows cannot complete the scan or download, often because of limited storage, a problem update, or incompatible connected hardware.

    Besides the solutions provided by the Q&A Assist, here are some suggestions you can try: 

    Check the free space on drive C under Settings > System > Storage. Use Cleanup recommendations to remove safe temporary files. Windows needs sufficient space to download and prepare updates. Free up space for Windows updates

    Disconnect nonessential devices, including printers, external drives, USB hubs, scanners, and docking stations. Keep only the keyboard, mouse, and display connected, then check for updates again.

    Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and look for a failed update and its KB number, such as KBxxxxxxx. Search that number in the Microsoft Update Catalog, download the package matching your Windows version and system type, then install it manually.

    If this is a feature-version update, try the Windows Update Assistant. It can install a compatible feature update without waiting for the normal update scan.

    If possible, share the Windows version and any error code shown in Update history.

    Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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