Windows 11 KB5079473 failed to install or is stuck? 6 ways to fix it

If you are trying to update your Windows 11 PC with the latest cumulative update, KB5079473 you might encounter some issues. The Windows 11 KB5079473 update might fail to install, get stuck at a certain percentage, or show an error code. These problems can be frustrating and prevent you from enjoying the new features, latest bug fixes, and security improvements that the update brings. Common reasons Windows 11 KB5079473 failed to install or got stuck include a slow internet connection due to a corrupted update cache, security software blocking it, or insufficient storage space. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to resolve the update issues. In this article, we will show you six ways to troubleshoot and resolve issues with the Windows 11 KB5079473 installation.

Windows 11 update stuck Downloading

The Windows 11 update getting stuck during download can be due to several common causes, including a slow internet connection, third-party antivirus software, insufficient free disk space, corrupted update files, or hardware or driver conflicts.

• If your internet connection is slow or unstable, the update download may take longer than expected or fail to complete.
• Internal issues in the Windows Update process may cause the download to stall.
• If your device has insufficient free space, the update may struggle to download and install
• Third-party applications or background processes running on your computer may interfere with Windows Update.
• Corruption in system files can disrupt the update process. If certain files required for the update are damaged, this may cause a download freeze.
• Security software, such as antivirus programs or firewalls, may block the update process.

Check for Updates again

If the Windows 11 update fails to install or gets stuck downloading, verify that you have a working internet connection to download the update files from Microsoft’s servers.

If your Internet connection is weak or unstable, it could cause the update to get stuck downloading.

• Ensure you have enough free space in your C drive to install the latest Windows 11 updates and remove the external hard disk (if connected)
• Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with the Windows 11 update process. Disable your third-party antivirus software, disconnect the VPN if connected, and try downloading the update again
• Sometimes, a simple system restart can resolve the issue. Restart your computer, then try downloading the update again: Settings -> Windows Updates -> Check for updates.

Run Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can detect and fix common problems with Windows updates. Let’s run the Windows update troubleshooter and let Windows automatically detect and fix the problem for you.

Windows Update troubleshooter can help identify and resolve any issues with the Windows 11 update.

• Open the settings app using the Windows key + I
• Go to the System tab, then on the right-hand side, scroll down and click on Troubleshoot, then Other Troubleshooters

• Here you will get different troubleshooting options to fix internet connection, audio, printer issues etc.
• Locate and select Windows Update, then click Run to launch the Windows Update troubleshooter.

• This will start to diagnose Windows update issues, check Windows update service status, corrupted update cache etc and try to resolve them itself.

Clear Windows update cache

Sometimes, the Windows Update components can get corrupted or misconfigured, causing the update process to fail or get stuck. Running the Windows Update troubleshooter typically clears the update cache, including any potentially corrupted files or stalled downloads. If it doesn’t, delete it by following the steps below.

Windows Update cache can sometimes become corrupted, which can cause the update to get stuck downloading.

• Restart your computer in safe mode,
• Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
• Delete all files and folders inside the download folder. To do this, press Ctrl + A to select all and hit the delete key.

• Restart your computer and check for updates again from Settings -> Windows Updates -> click on Check for updates

Run Windows Update in Clean Boot State

A clean boot is a way to start Windows with only essential services and programs running. This can help you identify and eliminate any software conflicts that might prevent the update from installing.

• Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and press ok to open the system configuration utility.
• Go to the General tab, then click Selective Startup. Make sure to clear the Load startup items checkbox and ensure the Load system services and Use original boot configuration are checked
• Next, move to the services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services check box, now click Disable all

• Click apply then ok, and restart your computer
• Now again, check for updates. This time, you may get success without any problems.

Download and install the latest update manually

If you are still having trouble installing the update, try to Download and install the latest update manually.

• To do this, navigate to the Microsoft Update Catalog here,
• Search for the KB number of the security update that’s failing to install or is stuck in the download process.
• Save the update files to your computer, and run it as administrator after it finish downloading.

Use the System File Checker

Sometimes, corrupted system files or issues with your Windows 11 installation may prevent you from installing Windows updates. Run the System File Checker utility to scan for and repair any issues.

• Open the command prompt as administrator
• First, run the DISM command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Let the command scan and execute 100% once done, run the system file checker command sfc /scannow
• Again, wait until the scanning and repair process is complete. Once done, reboot your PC and check for updates again.

Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Sometimes security software or firewall protection may interfere with the update process, result Windows 11 updates stuck download or fail to install with different errors. To avoid this, you can temporarily disable or uninstall your antivirus software before installing the update. You can also use the Windows Security app as an alternative protection for your PC.

Open your antivirus software and look for an option to disable protection or temporarily turn it off. The location of this option varies depending on the software.

For firewall: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. You can turn it off in the settings.

If none of the above methods work for you, you might need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions