Windows Update Stuck? How to Fix It on Windows 11

Windows Update stuck? Maybe your screen has said “Working on updates, don’t turn off your computer” at the same percentage for ages, an update won’t finish downloading in Settings, or your computer keeps restarting after an update. Here’s what to do on Windows 11, step by step: when to wait, how to power off safely, how to free up space, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, pause and resume updates, uninstall the latest update from a restart loop, and why you should find your BitLocker recovery key before you ever need it.

Windows Update stuck? Fix it step by step

1Step 1: Frozen on “Working on updates”? Give it time

Big updates can sit at the same percentage for a long time, and the computer may restart more than once. That’s normal.

WHAT TO DOKeep a laptop plugged in. If the drive light is still blinking, it’s working. Don’t turn it off unless nothing has changed for a couple of hours.

Windows Update stuck: Step 1: Frozen on “Working on updates”? Give it time

2Step 2: Truly frozen? Hold the power button, then turn it back on

Nothing has changed for a couple of hours? Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.

WHAT TO DOWait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Windows usually finishes the update, or undoes it and goes back to how it was.

Step 2: Truly frozen? Hold the power button, then turn it back on

3Step 3: Restart, then check your free space

Updates need room to install. Click Start → Settings → System → Storage.

WHAT TO DODrive almost full? Open Cleanup recommendations, remove files you don’t need, then restart and check for updates again.

Step 3: Restart, then check your free space

4Step 4: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters. Next to Windows Update, click Run.

WHAT TO DOOn newer versions it opens in the Get Help app. When it’s done, restart and check for updates again.

Step 4: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

5Step 5: Still failing? Pause updates, then resume

In Windows Update, click Pause for 1 week. Then click Resume updates and Check for updates.

WHAT TO DOSame error code keeps coming back? Write it down and call us. It tells us exactly what failed.

Step 5: Still failing? Pause updates, then resume

Restart loop

6Restart loop? Uninstall the latest update

If Windows fails to start a few times in a row, Automatic Repair opens. Click Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates.

WHAT TO DOChoose Uninstall latest quality update (the monthly update) first. Problems after a big yearly upgrade? Choose the feature update.

Restart loop? Uninstall the latest update

BitLocker

7BitLocker recovery screen? You’ll need your recovery key

If the computer uses BitLocker or device encryption, Windows may ask for the recovery key before the repair options.

WHAT TO DOFind it today at aka.ms/myrecoverykey, signed in with the Microsoft account you used to set up the computer. Can’t find it? Call us.

BitLocker recovery screen? You'll need your recovery key

Windows Update stuck? Quick fixes

Restart, not Shut down — Restart finishes what an update started
Check your internet connection — Updates download from Microsoft
Unplug extra drives and devices — Leave the keyboard, mouse and charger
Free up space — Microsoft recommends about 20 GB free

Do this today

Back up your important files — An external drive or OneDrive. See our backup guide
Find your BitLocker recovery key — aka.ms/myrecoverykey, with the Microsoft account you set up the computer with
Keep a copy away from the computer — Printed, or in your password manager
Write down any error code — It tells us exactly what failed

When to call Naples Computers

It’s stuck in a restart loop
A BitLocker recovery screen you can’t get past
The same error code keeps coming back
Advanced repairs (SFC, DISM) — This is where we take over
Call 239-513-1960 — Or click Join Remote Session at naplescomputers.com. Walk-ins: 2308 Immokalee Rd

Recap: what to do when Windows Update is stuck

Give it time: hours, not minutes
Truly frozen? Hold power, then restart
Free up space, unplug extras
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Pause, then resume updates
Restart loop? Uninstall Updates, key ready

Printable quick guide

Windows Update Stuck? (Frozen, Failing, Restart Loop) (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How long should I wait if Windows Update is stuck on “Working on updates”?

Big updates can sit at one percentage for a long time and restart more than once. Keep a laptop plugged in and leave it alone. If the drive light is still blinking, it’s still working. Only power it off if nothing has changed for a couple of hours.

Is it safe to turn off my computer during an update?

Only if it’s truly frozen. Press and hold the power button until it turns off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Windows usually finishes the update, or undoes it and goes back to how it was.

Where is the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 11?

Start, Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, then click Run next to Windows Update. On newer versions of Windows 11 it opens in the Get Help app.

My computer keeps restarting after an update. What do I do?

After a few failed starts Windows opens Automatic Repair. Click Advanced options, Troubleshoot, Advanced options, Uninstall Updates, then Uninstall latest quality update. If Windows asks for a BitLocker recovery key, get it from aka.ms/myrecoverykey on another device.

Where do I find my BitLocker recovery key?

On another device, go to aka.ms/myrecoverykey and sign in with the Microsoft account you used to set up the computer. Match the recovery key ID on the screen. Can’t find it? Don’t reset the computer. Call Naples Computers at 239-513-1960.

Find your BitLocker recovery key today at aka.ms/myrecoverykey (sign in with the Microsoft account you used to set up the computer) and keep a copy away from the computer. Without it, a stuck update can turn into a locked computer. Can’t find it? Call us.

Windows Update Stuck? What to Do