Windows has developed a relatively stable update pipeline over the years; however, you still can run into the occasional Windows update error.
In this article, we’re looking at what to do when your Windows updates are stuck at 0% and won’t budge.
Restart your PC
Restarting your PC is one of the simplest and best ways you can use to resolve seemingly random issues, including problems with Windows update.
Scan your PC
Another possible cause for your updates not proceeding, as usual, can be a malware infection on your PC. Try running a full, in-depth scan and see if you come up with any malware or viruses. If you do, remove them from your PC, restart and try again.
Disable non-Microsoft programs
A non-Microsoft background process, service or program might be interfering with Windows update, causing the update process not to move forward. In such cases, follow these steps to disable all non-Microsoft or third-party services.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type msconfig and hit enter.
Step 2: Head over to the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
Step 3: Click the Disable all button to get stop all non-Microsoft services.
Now try waiting for a bit to see if Windows updates resume.
Also read: Windows update error 80092004: 6 Fixes
Temporarily disable the firewall
Although it’s a long shot, your firewall could also be blocking the update from going through. Try disabling the firewall to see if that gets the update moving.
You can read our detailed guide on how to disable the Windows Firewall here.
Run the Windows update troubleshooter
Windows 10 offers a slew of inbuilt troubleshooters that can resolve just about any issue on your PC, including Windows Update.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + I to open Windows settings and click on Update & Security.
Step 2; Head over to the Troubleshooting tab.
Step 3: Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Step 4: Click the Windows Update troubleshooter to run it and let the troubleshooter do its thing.
Now let the troubleshooter do its thing and try again.
Restart the Windows update service
The Windows Update service is responsible for periodically checking for any new updates Microsoft may release. Restarting this service can help get your machine on track.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type services.msc and hit enter.
Step 2: Find the Windows Update service. Right-click it and select Stop.
Step 3: Return to the Services Console and restart the Windows Update service in step 2.
Also read: Windows update error 0x80240fff: 8 Fixes
