Windows 11 Updates Are Underway Stuck – Here Is What You Need to Do!

Windows 11 updates are meant to keep your PC secure and running smoothly, but sometimes the process doesn’t go as planned. One common issue many users encounter is the “Updates are underway. Please keep your computer on” message getting stuck on the screen, sometimes for hours or even indefinitely. This can be frustrating, especially if you need your computer for work or other tasks.

In this article, we’ll offer 8 practical ways to fix the “Windows 11 updates are underway stuck” issue, so you can get your system updated without unnecessary delays.

Fix 1. Wait Patiently & Confirm It’s Truly Stuck

Sometimes Windows simply needs more time to complete complex updates. If your system is connected to power and the progress isn’t regressing, leaving it running for a while can let the update finish on its own. Users have reported updates that seemed stalled, eventually completed after extended periods. At this point, you can check:

• The percentage hasn’t changed for over 1 hour
• No hard drive activity light blinking
• Fans are quiet, and no visible progress
• Total waiting time already exceeds 1–2 hours

If these conditions are met, it is likely stuck, and you can go to the solutions below.

Fix 2. Unplug Peripherals

Disconnect external hard drives, USBs, printers, and docking stations, as these can interfere with updates.

Fix 3. Force Shutdown and Restart

If the system appears completely frozen and no progress has been made for a long time, such as for over 2 hours, a forced restart can often trigger automatic repair or rollback.

Hold down the physical power button on your computer for 10–15 seconds to force a shutdown. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. After reboot, Windows may automatically rollback the update, or it may resume and complete the update.

Fix 4. Enter Safe Mode and Repair System Files

If the computer won’t start properly after a force restart, system files may be corrupted. Running repair tools in Safe Mode can fix damaged system components. You can boot in Safe Mode and run sfc/scannow to fix the “updates are underway Windows 11 stuck” error.

Stage 1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Step 1. Force shutdown and restart your PC three times to trigger the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Step 2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 3. Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

Stage 2. Repair System Files

Once in Safe Mode, repair system files by running CMD as administrator and executing sfc /scannow. Here are the steps to repair system files:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the taskbar and select “Run as administrator”.

Step 2. Run SFC: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to scan and repair corrupted files.

Step 3. Run DISM (if SFC fails): Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter to fix the system image.

Step 4. Restart: Once finished, restart your PC to exit Safe Mode.

Note: Using the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth is often more effective, as it uses Windows Update to replace corrupted files.

Fix 5. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool to detect update problems. Running the update troubleshooter allows the system to detect potential issues that may be preventing Windows updates. It verifies the update status, repairs update components, and checks for any pending installations. To run the Windows Update troubleshooter, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Step 2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Step 3. Find Windows Update and click Run.

The troubleshooter will automatically check update service status, temporary file permissions, and component corruption.

Fix 6. Clear Windows Update Cache

If Windows keeps failing at the same update stage, the update cache may be corrupted. Clearing it forces Windows to download fresh update files.

Stage 1. Stop Update Services

Step 1. Open Command Prompt and run as Administrator.

Step 2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each command.

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver

Stage 2. Delete Update Cache Files

Then run these 2 commands to delete all the caches.

• ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

Stage 3. Restart Services

Restart the services by typing the following commands in the Command Prompt, pressing Enter after each:

• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptSvc
• net start bits
• net start msiserver

Restart your computer and try updating again.

Fix 7. Perform System Restore

Performing a system restore allows you to revert your computer to a previous working state before the Windows update became stuck. If you have restore points enabled, System Restore can roll the system back to a working state before the update was installed.

Step 1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment as mentioned above.

Step 2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.

Step 3. Choose a restore point from before the update began.

This reverts system files and settings without affecting your personal documents.

Fix 8. Reset PC

If none of the above solutions work and the system cannot boot properly, resetting Windows may be necessary. This reinstalls Windows while preserving personal files.

Step 1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery, and Click Reset this PC.

Step 2. Choose: Keep my files.

Step 3. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.

• Cloud download: Downloads a fresh Windows copy from Microsoft (recommended if system files are corrupted).
• Local reinstall: Uses existing Windows files on your device (faster, no download).

Review the list of apps that will be removed, then click Reset.

Conclusion

If your Windows 11 updates are underway stuck, don’t panic. In most cases, the problem is caused by temporary file conflicts or a hung service, not hardware failure. By following the step-by-step fixes above, you can safely resolve the issue and complete your update successfully.

If you had the foresight to create a full system backup before the update, now is the time to use it-it remains the most efficient way to recover. Developing the habit of backing up before major feature updates is still the safest strategy. We hope this guide helps you get past the update hurdle.