How to Fix Windows Update Stuck at 0% or 100%

The Problem

The progress bar sits at 0%, 99%, or Installing for hours, then rolls back—or you get errors like 0x800f0922, 0x8024402F, or 0x80070003. The PC is otherwise fine; the update pipeline is what is broken.

The Fix: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
2. Run Windows Update and apply any fixes it suggests.
3. Reboot and check Settings → Windows Update again.

Step 2: Clear the SoftwareDistribution Cache

Corrupt partial downloads are a frequent cause of stuck updates.

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Stop the update services:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits
   net stop cryptSvc
   net stop msiserver
   

3. Rename the cache folders (Windows recreates them):

   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
   

4. Start the services again:

   net start wuauserv
   net start bits
   net start cryptSvc
   net start msiserver
   

5. Reboot and run Check for updates.

Step 3: Free Space on C: (Required for Big Updates)

Feature updates need roughly 20 GB free. If C: is tight, the installer often hangs with no clear error. Work through free up disk space when C: is full before retrying.

Step 4: Run DISM and SFC

Broken system components block installers from applying patches.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   sfc /scannow
   

3. Reboot when both finish, then retry the update.

Step 5: Still Stuck After a Reboot?

Search Microsoft Support for "Reset Windows Update components" and run their current script or steps—names and commands change between builds. Retry one cumulative update before jumping to a feature upgrade. If a failed update left the PC booting to a black screen, switch to fix a black screen on boot.

Step 6: Use the Update Assistant or ISO (Last Resort)

For a stuck feature update (e.g. 23H2 → 24H2):

1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft.
2. Run it while connected to power (laptops) and pause third-party antivirus temporarily.
3. Choose Keep personal files and apps so you do not wipe data.

After It Works

Install patches when you have time for a reboot—not five minutes before a meeting. If you need to pause updates temporarily, see stop Windows 11 automatic updates—but do not leave them off for months.