How to Fix Windows Update Stuck at 0%

Posted by technationdude June 2, 2024

You may have been using either Windows 10 or Windows 11 for some time and noticed that when you sometimes run Windows updates you see the loading bar stuck at 0% which can be frustrating.

In this article, we cover the reasons why this is and how you can fix Windows 10/11 updates that get stuck at 0%.

What Is Windows Update?

Windows Update is a feature built into all Windows operating systems which updates security from security patches, hotfixes, software updates, and new Windows features.

With Windows being the most used and robust operating system used in both commercial and non-commercial places, Microsoft must keep the operating system running as fast and secure as it can be while bringing out new features and hotfixes for any bugs Windows users are receiving.

If you are a long-time Windows user you will already know the importance of any Windows update and notice how it can speed up your Windows PC or Windows laptop.

We will be covering 6 fixes you can do to get past the frustrating Windows stuck at 0% problem.

Fix 1: Give The Windows Update Some Time

In today’s age of quick consumption, we maybe lose patience and attention when it comes to waiting for anything with all technology getting faster and happening with a press of a button.

So we hate to say it but give the Windows update some time if you have already been waiting for 20 minutes and it’s still stuck at 0% give it around 1-2 hours as it may just be a large Windows update and needs more time.

We have seen this a few times during our own Windows Updates where the Windows Update bar has been stuck at 0% for one hour then BAM! it suddenly jumps up to 70% out of nowhere.

If you have given it some time then move on to the next fix.

See What to Do If Your Windows 10 Or 11 Screen Seems Too Zoomed In.

Fix 2: Restart The Windows Update Service

Sometimes a Windows service can get stuck especially when it comes to Windows updates, so restart the Windows Update service and move it along.

  1. Hold the “Windows” + R key to bring up the Run prompt.
  2. In the run prompt enter “services.msc” and click enter.
  3. In the list of services go to Windows Update and right-click on it.
  4. Now choose “Stop”.
  5. Now press the Windows + E key to open up the Windows file explorer.
  6. Navigate to “C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution”.
  7. Once inside the above-given folder press both the CTRL + A keys to select all folders.
  8. Now right-click on any folder and choose Delete.
  9. Once the files and folders have been deleted restart your Windows laptop or PC.
  10. Once your PC has rebooted follow steps 1 and 2 to bring up the services list again.
  11. Now right-click on the Windows Update service and choose “Start”.

After you have completed the above steps you will see the word “Running” by the side of the service telling you all have worked fine.

Now go back to your Windows Update and re-run to see if that has corrected the Windows Update stuck at 0% issue.

Fix 3: Run The Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft has acknowledged that there can be issues with their own Windows Updates enough for them to release a Windows Update troubleshooter.

What this troubleshooter does is, automatically runs on your Windows PC to check for any problems so it can automatically fix them and make sure the Windows UJpdate runs smoothly.

  1. Head over to Microsofts Windows Update troubleshooter tool and download and install the software.
  2. Now open the troubleshooter software and tick the box labeled “Apply repairs automatically”.
  3. Now run the troubleshooter and allow it to automatically fix any Windows problems stopping the update.
  4. If you don’t see any automatic fixes the software will certainly point you to what the issue is, to fix.
  5. Now close the troubleshooting tool and try the Windows update again.

Fix 4: Temporarily Disable Windows Firewall

Sometimes Microsofts own Window Defender Firewall can be to blame due to the fact sometimes it sees downloads from Microsofts website as false positives.

So it’s always a good idea to turn off the Windows Defender security system which also houses the Windows Firewall.

  1. Press both Windows + R keys to open the Run prompt.
  2. Type in the word “firewall.cpl” and press Enter.
  3. On the left-hand panel search for the feature which says “Turn Windows Firewall On or Off”.
  4. Under both settings make sure you choose “Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommend) and Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommend).
  5. Now click on the OK button to save changes.

Now go back to Windows Update and see if the update is stuck at 0% has been fixed.

Fix 5: Disable Background Services

Sometimes the odd Windows background service can be the stealthy spanner in the works which is stopping Windows from updating.

So with this fix, you will learn how to disable all the non-essential services that the Windows Update doesn’t need when trying to update.

  1. Press both the Windows + R keys to bring up the Run prompt box.
  2. Now type in “msconfig” and press enter.
  3. The System Configuration settings will pop up.
  4. Go to the Services tab.
  5. Now at the bottom of the window make sure the “Hide all Microsoft services” check box is checked.
  6. Now click on the button Disable All.
  7. Then click on OK.
  8. You will need to restart your Windows Laptop or Windows PC for the changes to be saved.
  9. Once Windows has restarted go back to your Windows Update section and try to run the update.

If Windows Update successfully runs and does not get stuck at 0% then proceed with the below steps to turn the background services back on.

  1. Press Windows + R key.
  2. Now type in “msconfig” and press enter.
  3. The System Configuration settings will pop up.
  4. Go to the Services tab.
  5. Now at the bottom of the window make sure the “Hide all Microsoft services” check box is unchecked.
  6. Now click on the button Enable All.
  7. Then click on OK and restart your Windows PC.

Fix 6: See How Much Disk Space You Have Left

Sometimes you may have under 10GB of disk space left and this can make a Windows Update stick at 0% without you even knowing this cause.

So as the last fix it’s always best to check your remaining disk space on your Windows system.

  1. Open Windows Settings.
  2. Choose Storage.
  3. You will see your Hard drive listed.
  4. If there is less than 10GB of space left, then choose “Free up space now” and delete any large files you don’t need anymore.
  5. To free up more space on the hard drive choose “Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using”.

After you have deleted any unused files and temporary files that are taking p all the space you should now be able to successfully run a Windows update.

Final Thoughts

This has been a comprehensive guide on how to fix Windows update stuck on 0% problem and has given you all the fixes to make sure you never run into this issue again.