Windows update at 19%

Peter Ohanian 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T14:50:44.68+00:00

While using my PC, I will randomly get a full black screen indicating a windows update at 19%, then it goes away and then randomly comes back. I have not initiated a windows update. At the same time, my mouse pointer will move randomly across my screen even though I am not using the mouse. Is this legit or I am I being hacked?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-16T14:50:59.4066667+00:00

    The behavior is not normal. A black screen related to Windows Update can be legitimate, but random mouse movement at the same time should also be checked as a possible input-device or security issue.

    A practical way to separate the two problems:

    1. Check whether Windows Update is actually pending or stuck.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      • If updates are pending, let them complete.
      • If update installation is stuck, restart the PC and run the Windows Update troubleshooter:
        • Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.
    2. If the screen goes black again, try the built-in display recovery steps.
      • Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver.
      • Press Windows + P, then P again, then Enter to cycle display modes.
      • If the security screen appears with Ctrl + Alt + Del, open Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer.
    3. If the system appears frozen during update activity, do a full restart.
      • Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds.
      • After restart, check Windows Update again.
    4. Check for common update blockers.
      • Make sure the Windows Update service is running:
        • Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
        • Open Windows Update service.
        • Set Startup type to Automatic.
        • If it is stopped, select Start.
      • Make sure there is enough free disk space.
    5. For the random mouse movement, test hardware and security separately.
      • Disconnect and reconnect the mouse, or test with another mouse if available.
      • Run Windows Defender multiple times.
      • Change the account password as a precaution.

    If the black screen happens specifically after updates, Windows documents that blank or black screens after an update are often linked to incompatible drivers or incomplete updates.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. DaveM121 933.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-16T15:28:15.88+00:00

    1

    A black screen indicating a Windows update should not just appear when you are using your PC, when an update is being installed, you should see a notification to restart your PC to apply the update, then, you will see the black screen indicating the update is installing.

    Does your PC restart before you see the black screen to indicate an update is being installed, and is there the spinning dots on that black screen, then does your PC start again after the update?

    2

    Are you able to provide a screenshot of the black screen you are seeing.

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