You may be trying to update your computer and on the Windows update screen, you see an error that says an update is being prepared for your device, but it’s not quite ready yet. There is also a ‘Retry’ button below that error but it is not working.

Well, there is nothing to worry about because you are not alone in who is facing this problem. Many users have faced this issue and solved it by themselves using some methods.

The Methods used by users to fix it are given here in this article so that you can also solve it by yourself.

The Reasons Behind ‘An Update Is Being Prepared for Your Device’ Error

Microsoft launches updates for Windows to fix bugs and provide new features. There is a feature that automatically updates Windows when the computer is connected to the internet.

But sometimes it happens that the computer was not connected to the internet for a long time and when it is suddenly connected to the internet it searches for updates. But Windows face problems going to a new version from a much older version. Thus it shows that an update is being prepared for your device and it is actually stuck on this error.

It can also happen for an older device that is not compatible with the new feature of the Windows update.

How to Fix ‘An Update Is Being Prepared for Your Device’ Error

Here are some effective solutions that helped most users fix an update is being prepared for your device error on their computer. Apply the solutions in order as they appeared in this article to receive the best result. The list of the solutions is here:

1. Solution-1: Try Again After Sometimes
2. Solution-2: Use The Update troubleshooter
3. Solution-3: Use DISM Tool
4. Solution-4: Download Windows Updates Manually

Solution-1: Try Again After Sometimes

The error that you are facing occurs in insider builds, most specifically Fast Ring Insider mostly. But it doesn’t mean that the regular users don’t face it. 

I hope you understand what the Windows Update screen is telling you. You are recommended to wait a few minutes until it finds a suitable update for your computer.

Wait a few minutes and click on the retry button. 

If this doesn’t work, then restart your computer and try to update Windows again. Normally, the issue resolves after the restart. If the issue still remains on your computer after these processes, then you are suggested to follow the next method.

Solution-2: Use The Update troubleshooter

Some built-in errors can interrupt Windows Update on your computer and uphold the mentioned error to you. In this case, you need to run the update troubleshooter to fix these internal problems.

Here is the instruction to run the troubleshooter on Windows 10 to help you fix the Windows update problem:

• Press the Windows key + I key simultaneously to open Settings.
• Then, click on Update & Security.

• Next, click on the Troubleshoot from the left menu and go to Additional Troubleshooter.

• Then, click on Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

Now, it will search and fix the system errors themselves. It may take a while to process. Wait until it is finished and after restarting your computer, check if the problem is resolved or not. If not, then try the next solution.

Solution-3: Use Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is one king of the internal troubleshooter provided by the system to fix many kinds of system errors.

It works via command lines and repairs corrupted files using the system resources or installation media. The DISM helped a lot of users to fix this issue. 

There are two methods to approach DISM to fix this mentioned issue with the windows update. You are recommended to try the first one first. If that fails to fix the problem, then try the second one.

Method-1: Using System Resource

• Type cmd on the windows search bar and open the Command Prompt by clicking on Run as Admin.
• Then type the following command lines on the command prompt and press Enter:

DISM / online / Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth

DISM / online / Cleanup-Image / Restore Health

• Wait at least 10 minutes as it takes time to repair corrupted files with the DISM tool.

After finishing the process, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved or not. If not, then try ‘method-2’.

Method-2: Using External Installation Media

• First, attach a USB or DVD ISO which contains the Windows 10 installation media.
• Now, open the command prompt as admin again.
• Then, enter the following commands on the command prompt press Enter:

DISM / online / Cleanup-Image / Check Health

• If no error appears on the screen, enter the next command below and press Enter:

DISM / online / Cleanup-Image / Scan Health

• If DISM finds any errors, type the following command and press Enter:

DISM / online / Cleanup-Image / Restore Health / Source:repairSourceinstall.wim

Note: Type the source path of your computer instead of “repairSource” on this command.

Wait until the process finishes and restart your computer. Hopefully, this will fix the issue.

Solution-4: Download Windows Updates Manually

Many users face problems downloading the accurate version of Windows updates on their devices. The problem can be solved by downloading the update manually.

Here is the instruction for you to update Windows manually:

• Open your web browser and go to this address –

https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx

• Enter the exact registration number of the update that is causing the problem into the search bar there. For example, 2913152.

• Then, download the update on your computer and install it manually.

After completing the process, reboot your computer and the problem will be solved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Fix the “Windows Update Stuck” Error?

We already have discussed how you can fix the Windows Update stuck issue in detail. In short, you can run the update troubleshooter, run the DISM, or download updates manually to fix the issue.

How Do I Update Windows 10 Using Update Wizard?

First, open the browser and go to the download page of Windows 10. Then, click on the ‘Update Now’ button from the top of the page and it will download the Update Assistant tool. After completing the installation process, run the update wizard, and it will justify the system compatibility by checking your RAM, CPU, and Hard drives.

Is It Safe to Use the Update Assistant in Windows 10?

Yes, it Is perfectly safe to use update assistant on your computer. It doesn’t affect your computer and it will only check RAM, CPU, Hard Drive space, condition of your computer, and the compatibility of the next update on your computer. 

Is It Mandatory to Use Windows 10 Update Assistant?

No, it is not mandatory to use the Update Assistant. This software only allows you to update your computer by checking some necessary elements to confirm that your computer is compatible with the update.

Conclusion

You will be deprived of some cool features of Windows if you are stuck in Windows Update. We have mentioned the best solutions that worked Windows Update issue for most users.

We hope that you also will have resolved the issue with the help of these mentioned methods. If you think there is any better alternative way to fix this issue, then don’t forget to tell us in the comment section below.