The “Working on updates” message normally appears when Windows is applying updates to the operating system. During this process, Windows may replace system files, configure components, update drivers, and perform other tasks that require the computer to remain powered on.
There is no exact amount of time that means an update is definitely stuck. A large Windows update can take considerably longer than a small security update, particularly on an older computer with a traditional hard drive.
Before trying anything aggressive, make sure the computer is connected to power and give it some time. If the screen has remained completely unchanged for a very long period and there are no obvious signs of activity, you can begin troubleshooting.
This guide walks you through several practical methods to troubleshoot this problem!
Windows Is Stuck on “Working on Updates”
To fix Windows stuck on “Working on updates,”
- First, wait and check whether the update is still progressing.
- To continue, restart the computer if the screen has remained unchanged for an unusually long time.
- To do this, disconnect unnecessary USB devices and restart Windows.
- To troubleshoot further, enter the Windows Recovery Environment and start Windows in Safe Mode.
- To repair update problems, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and restart the required update services.
- To clear a damaged update download, remove the contents of the Windows Update download cache.
- To finish, check for updates again and install them after confirming that Windows is working normally.
Let’s learn the process in detail!
1: Give Windows Enough Time to Finish
The first thing you should do is wait before forcing the computer to shut down. Windows may appear to be doing nothing while it is actually processing files in the background.
Keep your computer connected to its power source and avoid pressing random keys or repeatedly restarting it. If you have a laptop, make sure the charger is connected. If you are using a desktop computer, make sure the power connection is secure.
If the update has been sitting on the same screen for an unusually long time with no noticeable activity, move to the next step. The goal is to avoid interrupting an update that is still making legitimate progress.
2: Disconnect Unnecessary External Devices
External hardware can occasionally interfere with startup or update operations. If your computer is stuck, disconnect devices that you do not need, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, printers, webcams, and USB hubs.
Leave essential equipment connected, such as the keyboard and mouse if you are using a desktop PC.
After disconnecting unnecessary hardware, give Windows another opportunity to continue. If the screen remains frozen, you may need to restart the computer.
3: Restart the Computer Carefully
If Windows has clearly stopped responding, a restart may be necessary. Normally, you should restart Windows through the Start menu, but that option may not be available while the update screen is displayed.
If the computer does not respond after waiting, press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
Windows may display a message saying that it is undoing changes or completing the update. Let the process finish if that happens. Avoid repeatedly forcing the computer to shut down because repeated interruptions during system updates can create additional problems.
After Windows starts, give it a few minutes to settle before opening programs or immediately checking for another update.
4: Start Windows in Safe Mode
If Windows repeatedly gets stuck while starting, Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot the problem using a minimal set of drivers and services.
To access the recovery options, go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery when you can reach the Windows desktop. Select Advanced startup and choose Restart now. After the computer restarts, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
When the Startup Settings screen appears, select the option for Safe Mode.
If you cannot reach the desktop, Windows may automatically enter its recovery environment after several failed startup attempts. From there, navigate through Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Once Windows starts in Safe Mode, you can continue troubleshooting the update problem without many of the normal startup services running.
5: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes troubleshooting tools that can identify common problems affecting updates.
If you can access the desktop, go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Windows Update and select Run.
Follow the instructions shown on the screen. The troubleshooter may identify problems involving update components, configuration, or related services.
After the process finishes, restart your computer and check whether Windows can start normally. Then go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and check the update status.
6: Restart Windows Update Services
A Windows update can become stuck if one of the services responsible for downloading or processing updates stops responding.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type services.msc and press Enter. In the Services window, locate Windows Update.
Right-click Windows Update and select Restart if the option is available. You can also check related services such as Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Cryptographic Services.
The exact service status can vary depending on your Windows configuration. Avoid changing settings you do not recognize. The goal here is simply to restart the services that Windows uses to manage update operations.
7: Clear the Windows Update Download Cache
Sometimes the files downloaded for an update become corrupted or incomplete. Clearing the update download cache can force Windows to download fresh copies.
First, open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator. You can search for Command Prompt from the Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Before deleting anything, stop the Windows Update service. You can then navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution using File Explorer and remove the contents inside the folder.
Do not delete the SoftwareDistribution folder itself. Removing its contents allows Windows to recreate the required update files.
Restart the Windows Update service afterward and restart the computer. Then go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
8: Use System Restore if the Problem Started Recently
If Windows began getting stuck after a recent system change, System Restore may provide another option.
Open the Windows recovery environment and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. Choose an available restore point from before the problem began.
System Restore can revert certain system files, drivers, and settings while generally leaving personal documents untouched. However, applications or updates installed after the selected restore point may be affected.
Only use a restore point you recognize, and carefully review what Windows indicates before proceeding.
9: Repair Windows System Files
Damaged system files can also contribute to update problems. Windows provides commands that can check and repair these files.
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the System File Checker command. After it finishes, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool to repair the Windows image if necessary.
These tools can take some time, so let them complete without closing the Command Prompt window. When the repair process finishes, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.
10: Reset Windows Update as a Last Troubleshooting Step
If the problem keeps returning, you may need to reset the Windows Update components. This involves stopping update-related services, renaming specific update folders, and starting the services again.
Because this procedure involves administrative commands and system components, it is best performed carefully. A mistake in the commands can create additional Windows problems.
After resetting the update components, restart your PC and go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Windows should create fresh update data and attempt the installation again.
FAQs
How long should I wait when Windows says “Working on updates”?
There is no universal time limit. Large updates can take a while, especially on older hardware. If the computer has shown exactly the same screen for an unusually long period with no signs of activity, troubleshooting may be appropriate.
Can I turn off my computer when it is stuck on “Working on updates”?
You should avoid forcing a shutdown while Windows is actively installing an update. However, if the computer has clearly become unresponsive for an extended period, a forced restart may be necessary. Give Windows sufficient time first.
Will restarting Windows delete my files?
A normal restart does not delete personal files. However, interrupting an update repeatedly can potentially cause system problems, so forced shutdowns should be used only when Windows is genuinely unresponsive.
Why does Windows keep getting stuck on updates?
Common causes include corrupted update files, insufficient storage, problematic drivers, damaged system files, interrupted downloads, or Windows Update service problems.
Can Safe Mode fix Windows Update?
Safe Mode does not automatically repair Windows Update, but it can help you troubleshoot problems that prevent Windows from starting normally. From Safe Mode or the recovery environment, you can access several repair options.
What should I do if Windows keeps saying “Undoing changes”?
Allow Windows to finish the process. If it repeatedly returns to the same update and then undoes the changes, the update may be failing. In that situation, use Windows Update troubleshooting, system repair tools, or recovery options to identify the underlying problem.