The scenario is like you are stuck in checking for updates. In the meantime, you run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Consequently, it prompts the diagnosis report that it checks for pending restart.

So, what can you do right now? It could be due to a system error while updating the windows. Installing the update manually can often fix the issue.

However, there are a couple of options to fix it. In fact, I am writing this article to cover the options that you can apply. Let’s explore.

Reasons Why Windows Update Troubleshooter Checking for Pending Restart

If the windows update troubleshooter says it’s checking for a pending restart, it means your computer may need a restart. But if the issue isn’t resolved after restarting the device, then the system is failing to install the windows update.

It happens mainly due to 3 reasons –

1. Windows Update Errors or bugs
2. Glitches in the System files
3. Malware

3 Fixes of ‘Windows Update Troubleshooter Checking for Pending Restart’

The issue we discussing here is not unsolvable. Even you can solve it by yourself. Here, I will attach 3 fixes to assist you to resolve the issue. Before diving into the details, take a glimpse at the list first-

• Fix 1: Reset Windows Update Service
• Fix 2: Install the Update Manually
• Fix 3: Use Media Creation Tool

Fix 1: Reset Windows Update Service

When you face the issue, the first thing you can try will be to reset the Windows Update service. The process will be easy to apply. I will attach the process step by step below. 

Step 1

Tap the Windows key and type ‘cmd’. Accordingly, you will see the preface of the ‘Command Prompt’ app on the screen. You have to click on the ‘Run as administrator’ option. 

Step 2

Consequently, the ‘Command Prompt’ window will appear. You have just to allow ‘User Account Control’. Then copy the below command texts one by one and paste them into the window. You have to hit ‘enter’ each time after pasting a single command. 

‘net stop wuauserv’

‘net stop cryptSvc’

‘net stop bits’

‘net stop msiserver’

‘Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution’ ‘SoftwareDistribution.old’

‘Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old’

‘net start wuauserv’

‘net start cryptSvc’

‘net start bits’

‘net start msiserver’

After completing the execution, close the ‘Command Prompt’ window and check the existence of the issue. 

Fix 2: Install the Update Manually

If you are still stuck in the discussed situation, you can solve it by installing the update manually. To do so, you need to apply the following steps. 

Step 1

Tap the Windows and ‘I’ keys together. Accordingly, you will get the ‘Settings’ window access. From here, you have to select the ‘Update & Security’ category. 

Step 2

Then choose the ‘Windows Update’ from the left side menu. 

Step 3

After that, click on the ‘View update history’ option. From here you have to find the update that causes the error. Then try to download and install the update manually.  

Then follow up on the existence of the issue. If it still appears, you will have one more option to apply.

Fix 3: Use Media Creation Tool

You can use the Media Creation Tool as a last option to resolve the issue. In many cases, the fix has been succeeded to resolve the issue. There are several steps you need to follow. I will attach them below. 

Step 1: Go to this Link and click “Download Now” under “Create Windows 10 installation media”.

Step 2: Once the file is downloaded,  click on the downloaded file and select ‘Yes’ from the appeared ‘User Account Control’ interface.

Step 3: Consequently, the ‘Windows 10 Setup’ window will appear on the screen. You have to press the ‘Accept’ tab to continue the process. It will take a few times to get things ready. You have to wait for it.

Step 4:

Here, you need to select what you want to do now. Either upgrade this PC or create installation media. You have to choose the ‘Upgrade this PC now’ option. Then click ‘Next’.

After that, the up-gradation process will start. It may take several times to complete 100% progress. 

Step 5: After completing 100% progress, you need to click the ‘Accept’ option to give permission to ‘Windows 10 Setup’ to make the possible changes. 

Accordingly, your PC will be getting updates and it may take a few minutes to complete.

Step 6: The process will check your PC again to whether will it be ready to install the update or not. After the confirmation, you have to choose what to keep.

I would like to recommend you choose the ‘Keep personal files and apps’ option. Then press the ‘Next’ option. 

Step 7: At this stage, you have to click on the ‘Install’ option to complete the up-gradation process. It may take a little time to complete the process. 

Finally, check the issue. Hopefully, it won’t appear anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should Windows Update Troubleshooter Take?

Normally the windows update troubleshooter takes a few minutes to detect and resolve issues. However, it depends on how critical the issue is that you are facing. If it takes more than 3 minutes, you should restart your PC and try running the troubleshooter again.

How Long Should I Wait for A Windows Update Restart?

Normally windows update takes a few minutes to complete the installation process after downloading the update and restarting. We’d recommend you wait at least two hours while the windows update is in progress during the windows update restart. 

How Do I Stop Windows 10 from Asking for Restart and Update?

Open the RUN box and type gpedit.msc to open the Locxal Group Policy Editor. Now navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Componets > Windows Update and double click the “Turn off auto-restart notifications for update installations policy”.

Final Words

Therefore, I hope you will resolve the ‘Windows Update troubleshooter checking for pending restart’ issue by applying the fixes from above. In addition, Media Creation Tool will support you on further Windows Update-related issues. For any further queries regarding this topic, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section and we’ll reach you as soon as possible.