Windows update not downloading

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates with Various security improvements and bug fixes. Whenever new windows updates are available, windows 10 download and install them automatically. You need only restart your PC to apply them, But sometimes you may experience windows 10 update not downloading The update status being display Pending download or Pending install or Stuck Initializing, Installing, or Awaiting install. Here this post explains how to fix if the windows update not downloading or won’t install on windows 10.

Windows update not downloading

First of all check and make sure you have a working internet connection to download windows updates from the Microsoft server. you can confirm the same using the ping command.

Temporarily disable third party Antivirus protection and Disconnect VPN, (If configured on your Device)

Restart your PC and again check for updates from Settings -> Update and security. This will fix the problem if a temporary glitch prevents windows update download and installation.

Open command prompt as administrator, type command SC config trustedinstaller start=auto press the enter key. Restart the PC, and check for updates.

Check Windows update service running

  • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc and click ok
  • This will open the windows service console,
  • Scroll down and locate the windows update service right-click on it select properties,
  • Set the service’s Startup type to Automatic, if the service is stopped, click on Start to start it, click on Apply and then click on OK.

Note: Do the same process for its related services  Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and

Windows Updates service

Switch To Google DNS

  • Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl and click ok
  • This will open the network connections window,
  • locate your active network adapter (Wifi/Ethernet) right-click on it select properties,
  • Double click on Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to open its properties,
  • Select the radio button Use the following DNS server addresses (Refer to the image below)
  • Set preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4
  • Checkmark on validate settings upon exit and click ok

Change DNS server Address In Windows 10

Run Windows Update troubleshooter

Run the build-in Windows 10 update troubleshooter that attempts to identify and fix if any problems exist which prevent your computer from downloading and installing Windows Updates

  • Press Windows key  + I to open settings
  • Click Update & security then troubleshoot,
  • Click additional troubleshooter link that displays all available troubleshooters.

Click Additional troubleshooters

  • Locate windows update click on it and click Run the troubleshooter and follow on-screen instructions.

Run Windows update troubleshooter

  • Once done, restart your PC and again check for updates.

Windows update stuck at 100 downloading

Usually, Windows updates don’t take long to download (depend on Internet speed). But sometimes you may notice the windows update stuck downloading at any percentage (0% or 99% or 100%) if there is an issue with the Software Update folders in your computer or Windows Update service. To fix the problem Reset windows update components following the steps below.

Note: Make sure you have a stable internet connection to download update files from the Microsoft server. If your internet disconnects then the update may stuck downloading hours.

Reset windows update components

  • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc and click ok,
  • Windows service console opens, scrolls down and locate windows update service,
  • Right-click on windows  update service select stop

stop windows update service

  • Now press Windows key + E, and navigate C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
  • Delete all files and folders inside the Download folder,

Note: Don’t worry about these files, these are windows update cache files, next time when you check for windows update it download fresh ones.

Clear Windows update cache

  • Again open the windows services console and start the windows update service.
  • Once done again check for updates.

Run DISM and SFC utility

Chances there system file corruption might prevent windows update download or install. Run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and system file checker utility (SFC utility).

  • Open the command prompt as administrator,
  • Type DISM restore health command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press enter key,
  • Next, run the system file checker command sfc /scannow and press the enter key,
  • Restart windows Once the scanning process is complete 100%

Windows update pending download

Windows 10 is set to download and install automatically if it’s a critical security update. If you notice the Windows Update status Pending download then it may be an optional update available you need to click the download button to proceed.

  • Manually click on the download button to start downloading updates.
  • If the internet connection that you are using set metered connection it will assume limited data connectivity and restrict the download of windows updates.

Configure your Group Policy settings

(Not applicable for Win 10 Home users)

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc and click ok, Navigate Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates and select the suitable option

  • Notify for download and auto-install
  • Auto download and notify for install
  • Auto download and schedule the install
  • Allow local admin to choose the setting

Stop Windows Update using Group policy

Windows update pending install

If you notice a Windows update pending installation it means the windows update downloaded but waiting for it to install. There might be active hours enabled or a group policy configured to download updates and notify or schedule the installation.

Open group policy editor using gpedit.msc, navigate Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows components > Windows Update. Double-click on the policy Automatic Updates immediate installation and enable it.

Automatic Updates immediate installation

Try Disable Active hours

  • Right-click on the start menu select settings,
  • Click Update & security than Windows Update.
  • Click the Change active hours option.
  • Turn off the Automatically adjust active hours for this device based on the activity toggle switch. Click the Change option and set a different hour

Did these solutions help fix windows update problems on windows 10? Let us know the comments below.

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Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.