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How to Update Windows (And Fix It When It Gets Stuck)

5 min read  ·  Works on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows updates keep your computer secure and running properly. Here's how to install them — and exactly what to do when the update gets stuck or keeps failing.

How to Check for and Install Updates

1

Click the Start button and open Settings

Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner, then click the gear icon to open Settings.

2

Click Windows Update (Windows 11) or Update & Security (Windows 10)

On Windows 11, it's directly in the left sidebar. On Windows 10, it's near the bottom of the Settings homepage.

3

Click Check for updates

Windows will check Microsoft's servers for any available updates. This may take a minute.

4

Click Download & install if updates are available

Save any open work first — your computer will likely need to restart to finish the installation.

What to Do If an Update Is Stuck

If it's been over 2 hours and nothing is happening:

1

Make sure your computer is plugged in

Laptops especially need to stay plugged in during updates. Some updates pause if battery is low.

2

If the screen is completely frozen, do a hard restart

Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the computer shuts off. Turn it back on. Windows usually resumes the update automatically on restart.

If it keeps failing, run the troubleshooter:

1

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Troubleshoot

On Windows 10 this is under Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.

2

Click Windows Update → Run the troubleshooter

Windows will diagnose and attempt to fix common update problems automatically.

Last resort — Windows Update Assistant:

1

Search "Windows Update Assistant" and download from Microsoft's website

Make sure you download it from microsoft.com — not a third-party site.

2

Run it and follow the prompts

The Update Assistant forces the update to install cleanly, bypassing whatever is blocking normal Windows Update.

Tips:
• Always save your work before updates — they require a restart
• Updates usually take 15–45 minutes — longer for major version updates
• Your computer is safe to use between the "Downloading" and "Installing" stages

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