Windows Update Stuck Downloading or Failing to Install
An update that sits at the same percentage is usually stuck on a partially downloaded file, not on your connection. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter first — it repairs most of these automatically. If it does not, clearing the update cache forces Windows to download the update again from scratch.
Start here
Windows keeps downloaded update files in a staging folder before installing them. If one of those files is incomplete or corrupt, every retry stalls at the same point, because Windows keeps trying to use the broken copy it already has. That is why deleting the staging folder is such a common fix — it is not a workaround, it is removing the thing that is jammed.
Symptoms
- The update sits at 0%, or at the same percentage, for hours
- "We couldn't complete the updates, undoing changes" on restart
- The same update reappears after every restart
- An error code such as 0x80070020 or 0x8007000E
- Download speed for everything else is normal
Why this happens
A partially downloaded update file is corrupt
Windows stages update files before installing them. If one is incomplete, retries reuse the broken copy and stall in the same place every time.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter · Clear the Windows Update cache
There is not enough free disk space
Feature updates need substantial room to unpack. Microsoft specifies 16 GB free for a 32-bit upgrade and 20 GB for 64-bit, and an update that cannot unpack simply fails.
Connected hardware is blocking the install
External drives, docks, and card readers can interfere with an update, particularly one that touches storage or firmware.
The clock is wrong
Update servers use secure connections that depend on an accurate system clock. A date far enough off causes those connections to fail in ways that look like a stalled download.
Fixes
1.Restart and check for updates again
about 10 minClears locks held by running processes and lets a partially applied update finish. Worth two minutes before anything else.
Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
- Restart the computer.
- Open Settings → Windows Update and select Check for updates.
- Let it run for a few minutes before deciding it is stuck — large updates can sit at one percentage for a while.
Confirmed by the vendor.
Source: Microsoft
2.Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
about 10 minMicrosoft's own repair tool for this. It resets update components and clears stuck downloads without you touching any files.
Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
- Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and select Run.
- Apply anything it offers, then restart and check for updates again.
Confirmed by the vendor.
Source: Microsoft
3.Check the date and time are correct
about 2 minA wrong clock breaks the secure connection to update servers, and the failure looks like a stalled download rather than a clock problem.
Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
- Open Settings → Time & language → Date & time.
- Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
- Select Sync now, then retry the update.
Confirmed by the vendor.
Source: Microsoft
4.Disconnect non-essential hardware
about 10 minRemoves devices that can interfere with an update, especially one touching storage or firmware.
Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
- Unplug external drives, USB hubs, docks, card readers, and printers.
- Leave only the keyboard, mouse, and display connected.
- Restart and retry the update.
Confirmed by the vendor.
Source: Microsoft
5.Free up disk space
about 15 minAn update that cannot unpack fails. Microsoft's stated minimum is 16 GB free for a 32-bit upgrade and 20 GB for 64-bit.
Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
- Open Settings → System → Storage to see what is available.
- Use Cleanup recommendations, or Storage Sense, to remove temporary files.
- Aim for at least 20 GB free before retrying a feature update.
Confirmed by the vendor.
Source: Microsoft
6.Clear the Windows Update cache
Check before applyingabout 15 minDeletes the staged update files so Windows downloads them again. This is the fix aimed squarely at an update stuck in the same place every retry.
Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
Before you do this
Delete the contents of the Download folder, not the SoftwareDistribution folder itself. Windows will re-download any pending updates afterwards, so expect the next check to take longer and use data.
First:
- You need an administrator account to stop these services
- Right-click Start and open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Stop the update services.
net stop wuauserv net stop bits - Open File Explorer, go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, and delete everything inside the Download folder. Leave the SoftwareDistribution folder itself in place.
- Start the services again.
net start wuauserv net start bits - Restart and check for updates.
Confirmed by the vendor.
Source: Microsoft
If none of this worked
If an update installs and then rolls back on every restart with "undoing changes", the problem is the install rather than the download, and clearing the cache will not help — note the error code shown in Update history and look that specific code up, since the causes differ widely. If a single named update keeps failing while others install fine, check Microsoft's release health page for that KB number; it may be a known issue with a safeguard hold rather than anything wrong with your PC.
Common questions
- Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?
- Deleting the contents of its Download subfolder is a documented step and is safe — Windows recreates what it needs. Stop the Windows Update and BITS services first, or the files will be locked.
- How long should I wait before deciding an update is stuck?
- Large feature updates can genuinely sit at one percentage for a long stretch. If disk activity is still happening, leave it. If the percentage and the disk have both been flat for over an hour, treat it as stuck.
Related problems
Sources
Microsoft · Support page · checked Aug 15, 2026
- Microsoft documents running the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Disconnecting non-essential external hardware is a documented step
- Clearing the update cache by stopping the service and deleting the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution is documented
- Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with updates
- Microsoft specifies 16 GB free space for a 32-bit upgrade and 20 GB for 64-bit