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Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates that improve security and fix bugs. These updates also fix security holes made by third-party programmes. And Windows 11/10 is set to install updates on its own. That means that whenever there is a new update, ‘Windows Stuck on Checking for Updates’ Issue.
Sometimes we need to manually check for updates in Windows Settings, Update & Security, Check for Updates. But some users say that Windows 10 update will not stop checking for updates. Or Windows 10 feature update version 22H2 stuck downloading at 48% or any other number, fails to install.
There are a few things that can stop one or more Windows updates from being installed or finished. Most of the time, these kinds of problems are caused by a software conflict or a problem that was already there but wasn’t noticed until Windows updates were installed. If you are also having trouble installing Windows updates, here are some effective ways to fix the problem.
Fixed: ‘Windows Stuck on Checking for Updates’ issue
Microsoft Product Update
- Go to the Start menu and click on the Settings cog. (Shortcut keys: Win + I)
- Select Update & Security.
- In the Windows Update tab, select Advanced options.
- Turn the toggle Off for Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows.
- Restart your computer and now check for the updates.
Windows Update Service
- Open the Run box using the shortcut keys Win + R.
- Type services.msc in the type box and press Enter.
- When the window opens, scroll down and locate Windows Update. The list is in alphabetical order, so you will have to scroll down a lot.
- Right-click on it and select Stop.
- Give it a few minutes and then right-click on Windows Update again click Start.
Disable “Sleeping” under Power Settings
When your computer goes to sleep after a long period of inactivity, updates will pause; they won’t restart automatically after you wake your computer up. Disable the sleep feature before updating to avoid running into this issue.
- Find the Control Panel in Windows Search and open it.
- Click on System and Security.
- Under Power Options, select “Change when the computer sleeps“
- Change the settings for “Put the computer to sleep” to “Never“. Then Save changes.
Restart Computer
Sometimes, restarting the computer is all it takes to get rid of stuck processes, solve conflicts, and fix a computer that is stuck on “Checking for Updates.” Restart the computer. Once it’s up and running again, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on the “Check for updates” button.
Clear Software Distribution Folder
Windows Updates can get stuck due to presence of corrupted update files in SoftwareDistribution Folder located at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution . This can be corrected by stopping Windows Update Service, deleting everthing in SoftwareDistribution Folder and restarting Windows Update Service.
- Right-click on the Start button and click on Command Prompt (Admin). In the Command Prompt Window, type net stop wuauserv and press the Enter key.
- Next, right-click on the Start button and click on File Explorer. In File Explorer window, navigate to This PC (Or Local Disk (C:)) > Windows Folder.
- In the Windows Folder, open SoftwareDistribution Folder.
- In SoftwareDistribution Folder, select and Delete all Files located in SoftwareDistribution Folder.
- After deleting Files in SoftwareDistribution folder, restart Windows Update service by typing net start wuauserv in the Command Prompt Window and pressing the Enter Key.
FAQ
How do I stop checking for updates?
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the “Pause updates for 7 days” option.
Why is it stuck on checking for update?
Being stuck on “Checking for updates” could mean that you’re using a broken or outdated network driver. To ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience, especially in online shooters, you need to make sure you’re always using the latest network driver.
Can I interrupt Windows Update?
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update . Select either Pause updates for 7 days or Advanced options. Then, in the Pause updates section, select the drop-down menu and specify a date for updates to resume.
What happens if you turn your PC off during an update?
What Happens If You Shut Down Your Computer During an Update? If you turn off your device while it is downloading updates, the process stops right away, but it can be started again later. But if the sudden shut down messes up the files you have already downloaded, you will have to start over.