Keeping your Windows device up-to-date ensures access to the latest features and bug fixes. However, it can be frustrating if the Windows Update screen gets stuck at 100%. If this happens to you too, read on as we look at 10 ways to fix the Windows Update stuck at 100% on Windows 11.
Before we troubleshoot and fix the Windows Update stuck at 100% issue, you should wait a while and see if the update process has finished. Some major updates are large and can take up to hours to install. This may also cause your device to restart several times. However, if the update screen doesn't disappear after a few hours, continue with the fixes.
1. Remove external devices and force restart Windows.
Depending on your usage, your Windows 11 device may have various external USB devices connected at any given time, such as a wired mouse, printer, USB storage device, etc. However, your device will recognize the relevant drivers for these devices and attempt to install them. This process may eventually conflict with the update process, causing it to stop at the "Updates 100% Complete" screen.
When this happens, you should remove all USB peripherals and force shut down your device by long-pressing the power button. Once done, press the power button again to restart your computer. If the issue persists, continue with the following troubleshooting fixes.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
If your Windows device is stuck on the "Updates in Progress" screen due to a system issue, you can run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to try to diagnose the issue. Once this is complete, your Windows device will scan your system to try to find the cause.
Here's how to do it.
Step 1: Use key Windows + I To open Settings.
Step 2: Make sure System is selected in the sidebar. Then scroll down and click find the mistakes and resolve it.
Step 3: Click Other troubleshooters.
Step 4: Go to Windows Update and click on "employment".
Wait for the troubleshooter to run. Afterward, check to see if any issues are detected and follow the on-screen instructions to fix them. If not, continue with the next fix.
3. Search for viruses
Viruses can corrupt your system and, in some scenarios, cause certain functions and features to malfunction. This may also be the reason why updates are stuck on your screen. “Get Windows Ready”To fix this, do aPerform a malware scan Using Windows Security Service.
We recommend the full scan option, which is more comprehensive, although it may take some time. Here's how.
Step 1: Go to search, and type Windows Security, and open the app from the search results.
Step 2: Here, click Protection from viruses and threats.
Step 3: Then click on Scan options.
Step 4: Locate full examination and click Scan now.
Now, wait for the scan to complete. Then, check to see if any issues are detected.
4. Set Windows Update services to “Automatic”.
Windows Update services ensure that your device checks for, downloads, and installs the latest updates automatically on a regular basis. However, if these services are not set to automatic, they may not function properly.
This could also be the reason why your Windows 11 device keeps getting stuck on the screen. Updates are in progress. To fix this, make sure Windows Update services are set to automatic. Follow these steps to do so.
Step 1: Go to search, and type Services, Open the app from the search results.
Step 2: Here, double-click on Windows Update.
Step 3: Click the Startup Type drop-down menu and select automatic.
Step 4: Then click Start.
Step 5: Once finished, click “Apply” and “OK”.
This will restart the Windows Update services and set them to automatic.
5. Reboot in safe mode
Some Windows functions or features may interfere with the update installation process. To ensure this isn't the case, you can: Boot your Windows 11 device into Safe ModeThis will restrict all Windows-related features and services. Then continue. Restart Windows 11 Try installing the update normally. If this still doesn't work, move on to the next method.
6. Rename the software distribution folder.
The SoftwareDistribution folder on Windows contains important components for installing Windows updates. Therefore, if it is corrupted, you may encounter problems installing the latest updates. To fix this issue, rename the existing SoftwareDistribution folder to something else. Once done, Windows will automatically create a new folder, thus resolving the issue.
Before you begin, make sure you're using an account with administrative rights, otherwise you won't be able to make the requested changes. Here's how.
Step 1: Use key Windows + R To open Run window.
Step 2: here, Type services.msc Then press the . button Input To run the command.
Step 3: Right click on Windows Update and click Stop.
Step 4: After that, open File Explorer Go to the folder C:\Windows.
Step 5: On this page, locate the folder. SoftwareDistribution.
Step 6: Click on the folder, and once the options appear, click on rename.
Step 7: Now, rename the folder to something else, like “SoftwareDistributionOld”, “Old SoftwareDistribution”, etc.
Step 8: Next, go to the window. Services Right click again on Windows Update.
Step 9: Here, click on Start.
Once completed, try installing the update again to see if the issue is fixed. If not, proceed to the next fix.
7. Run SFC and DISM SCAN
You can also run SFC and DISM, or System File Check and Deployment Image Servicing and Management, on your Windows 11 device to find and repair any corrupted or missing system files that might be preventing you from installing the latest updates. Follow these steps to do so.
Step 1: Right click on START YOUR and click Bus Terminal (Admin) from the options. If prompted, click Yeah.
Step 2: Click the down arrow and select Command Prompt.
Step 3: Then enter the following command and press the button: Input to implement.
SFC / scannow
Step 4: Once the scan is complete, type the following commands one by one and then press the button: Input After each command to execute.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once this is complete, restart your Windows device and then try installing the update again.
8. Perform a clean boot
If a third-party application is causing the update to get stuck at the Windows Ready screen, you can perform a "clean boot" and restart Windows using a limited set of Windows programs and drivers. Then try installing the update again. Follow the steps below to do so.
Step 1: Go to search, and type System Configuration, and open the app from the search results.
Step 2: From the tab general, Select Selective startup. Then go to the tab “Services”.
Step 3: Here, check the box. “Hide all Microsoft services” And click “Disable all”.
Step 4: Next, go to the tab "startup" And click Open Task Manager.
Step 5: Here, select the apps one by one and click Disable. Repeat this process for other third-party apps.
Step 6: Then click Start.
Step 7: go to the energy and click Reboot.
Wait for your device to restart. Then try installing the update again. Once it's finished, uninstall any recently installed third-party apps that may be causing this issue.
9. Windows Update
Issues with a previous update can also prevent your Windows device from installing the next update. When this happens, you can roll back or uninstall the previous update and try again. Here's how.
Step 1: Go to search, and type Uninstall updates, and open the app from the search results.
Step 2: Here, navigate to the relevant update and click on uninstall.
Step 3: Again, click on uninstall For confirmation.
Now, wait for Windows to finish uninstalling the update. Once your device restarts, try downloading and installing the update again.
10. System Restore in WINRE
If you're having trouble booting your Windows device, you can also perform a System Restore in WinRE, also known as the Windows Recovery Environment. This will help you restore your computer to a previously workable state, all from the Advanced Startup Options menu. For more details, see our detailed explanation. Using System Restore in Windows 11.
Windows Updates Installation Completed
While installing the latest updates is essential, it can be frustrating when your device gets stuck during an update. We hope this article helps you understand and resolve the Windows Update stuck at 100% issue. Let us know in the comments which fix works for you!
