Having trouble with Windows 10 stuck in “Checking for updates”? Don’t worry! This guide provides simple, effective fixes to get your updates running smoothly again. We’ll walk you through easy steps to resolve this common issue, ensuring your Windows 10 stays secure and up-to-date with minimal hassle.

Windows 10 Stuck in Checking for Updates? Essential Fixes Explained

We’ve all been there. You’re trying to update your Windows 10 to get the latest features or crucial security patches, and suddenly, it just stops. The dreaded “Checking for updates” screen appears, sometimes for hours, leaving you wondering if it’s even working. It can be frustrating when your computer feels frozen, especially when you need it to be reliable. But don’t pull your hair out just yet! In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why this happens and give you easy-to-follow, step-by-step solutions. We’ll make sure you can get your Windows 10 updates moving again and keep your system running smoothly and securely. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Why Windows 10 Gets Stuck Checking for Updates

It’s certainly annoying when Windows 10 gets stuck on the “Checking for updates” screen. This usually happens because something is preventing Windows Update from communicating properly with Microsoft’s servers or from processing the information it receives. Think of it like a stalled conversation – the messages aren’t getting through, or there’s a delay in understanding. This can be caused by a variety of things, from temporary glitches to more persistent issues with system files or network connections.

Common culprits include:

Corrupted Update Files: Sometimes, the files needed for the update process get damaged, making it impossible for Windows to proceed.
Temporary Glitches: Like any software, Windows Update can sometimes experience temporary hiccups that cause it to freeze.
Network Issues: A poor or unstable internet connection can interrupt the download and checking process.
Conflicting Software: While less common, some third-party software, especially security programs, might interfere with Windows Update.
System Issues: Underlying problems with your Windows system itself, like corrupted system files, can also halt the update process.

The good news is that most of these issues are fixable with a few straightforward steps that don’t require advanced technical skills. Our goal is to empower you to solve this yourself, saving you time and potential repair costs.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before we dive into deeper solutions, let’s try some simple steps that often resolve the “stuck checking” issue quickly. These are the digital equivalent of a quick restart or a check of the basics.

1. Restart Your Computer

This is the most basic troubleshooting step, but it’s surprisingly effective for many temporary software glitches. A simple restart can clear out temporary memory issues and reset processes that might have gone awry.

Click the Start button (the Windows logo) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Click the Power icon.
Select Restart.

Once your computer has restarted, go back to Windows Update to see if it’s now progressing. If not, we’ll move on to the next step.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for Windows Update to function. If your connection is slow or intermittent, it might cause the checking process to hang.

Try opening a website in your web browser (like Google.com) to ensure you have active internet access.
If you’re on Wi-Fi, consider moving closer to your router or trying a wired Ethernet connection for better stability.
Restarting your router and modem can also resolve many network-related hiccups. Unplug them for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool designed to automatically find and fix common problems with Windows Update. It’s a fantastic resource for beginners!

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
In the left-hand menu, select Troubleshoot.
Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Find Windows Update in the list and click on it.
Click Run the troubleshooter.

The troubleshooter will scan your system for issues and attempt to fix them automatically. Follow any on-screen prompts. Once it’s finished, try checking for updates again.

Deeper Fixes for Persistent Issues

If the quick fixes didn’t do the trick, don’t worry. We have more powerful solutions that can tackle more stubborn problems. These steps involve navigating a bit more within Windows, but I’ll guide you through them clearly.

4. Reset the Windows Update Components

Sometimes, the services and folders that Windows Update uses can become damaged or stuck. Resetting these components can clear out the bad data and allow the service to start fresh. This sounds a bit technical, but we’ll do it using the Command Prompt, which is a powerful text-based tool in Windows.

Important: You’ll need to run Command Prompt as an administrator for these commands to work.

Click the Start button.
Type cmd in the search bar.
Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results.
Select Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

Now, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

These commands stop the Windows Update service, Cryptographic service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), and Windows Installer. These are all involved in the update process.

Next, we’ll rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, which are where Windows stores update files. If they are corrupted, renaming them forces Windows to create new, clean ones.

Type these commands, pressing Enter after each:

ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old

Finally, restart the services you stopped earlier. Type these commands, pressing Enter after each:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

After running all these commands, close the Command Prompt and try checking for updates in Windows Settings again.

5. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM)

These are powerful command-line tools that scan for and repair corrupted Windows system files. Corrupted files can prevent many Windows functions, including updates, from working correctly.

Again, you’ll need to open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 1: Run SFC Scan

Open Command Prompt as administrator (as described in Step 4).
Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This scan can take some time. It will attempt to find and repair any corrupted system files it encounters. Once it’s complete, restart your computer and try checking for updates.

Step 2: Run DISM Scan (if SFC didn’t fix it)

If the SFC scan reported it found issues but couldn’t fix them, or if you’re still having problems, DISM can be even more effective by using Windows Update to repair corrupted files.

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This process can also take a while, and it needs an active internet connection. Once it finishes, run the SFC scan again (sfc /scannow) to ensure all files are healthy. Finally, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.

6. Manually Download and Install Updates

If Windows Update itself is refusing to cooperate, you can bypass it and manually download and install specific updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

First, you need to find out which update is causing the problem or which one you are trying to install. You can often find this information in the Windows Update history.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click on View update history.

Look for any failed updates. Note down their Knowledge Base (KB) numbers (e.g., KB5000802). If you’re looking for a specific update you know is available, you can also search for it online.

Next, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog:

Open your web browser and go to www.catalog.update.microsoft.com.
In the search bar, type the KB number of the update you want to download (e.g., “KB5000802”).
Search results will appear. Make sure to select the correct version for your system (e.g., Windows 10 version 21H2, x64 for 64-bit systems, x86 for 32-bit systems). You can check your system type by going to Settings > System > About and looking under “System type”.
Click the Download button next to the correct update.
A pop-up window will open with a link. Click on the link to download the .msu file.
Once downloaded, double-click the .msu file to run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the update manually.

After installation, restart your computer and check Windows Update again.

7. Check for Potential Conflicts with Antivirus Software

While rare, some overzealous antivirus or firewall programs can sometimes interfere with the Windows Update service. If you have third-party security software installed, you might consider temporarily disabling it to see if that allows Windows Update to proceed.

Important: Remember to re-enable your antivirus immediately after testing or after you’ve successfully installed updates. Do not leave your computer unprotected.

The exact steps to disable your antivirus vary by program. Usually, you can find an option by right-clicking the antivirus icon in your system tray (near the clock) and selecting an option like “Disable,” “Turn off protection,” or “Exit.”

If disabling your antivirus allows the update to check and download, you may need to configure your antivirus software to allow Windows Update to run without interference. Consult your antivirus provider’s support website for specific instructions on how to do this.

Troubleshooting Windows Update Errors

Sometimes, instead of just getting stuck, Windows asks for an error code. These codes can point to the specific problem. Here’s a look at some common ones and what they might mean.

Here’s a quick reference for some common Windows Update errors:

Error Code	Meaning	General Fixes
0x80240017	The update cannot be installed because the program that installed the update may have been started or is still running.	Restart computer, run troubleshooter, reset update components.
0x80070005	Access is denied.	Run Command Prompt as admin, reset update components, check permissions.
0x80070422	The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it.	Ensure Windows Update service and related services are running (Step 4).
0x80240020	Errors occurred while downloading the update.	Check internet connection, clear update cache, reset update components.
0x80070057	The parameter is incorrect.	Run SFC and DISM scans (Step 5), reset update components.

When you encounter an error code, the first step is usually to search for that specific code online. Microsoft’s official support pages and reputable tech forums are great places to find detailed explanations and targeted solutions. Often, the error code will point you back to some of the troubleshooting steps we’ve already covered, like running the troubleshooter or resetting update components.

Keeping Your Windows 10 Secure and Up-to-Date

Regularly updating Windows is one of the most important things you can do to keep your computer safe and running well. Updates often include:

Security Patches: These protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Microsoft is constantly working to identify and fix security vulnerabilities, and updates are how they deliver those fixes to you.
Bug Fixes: Updates resolve issues and glitches that can cause your computer to crash or behave unexpectedly.
New Features: Sometimes, updates introduce new capabilities or improve existing ones, giving you a better overall experience.
Performance Improvements: Updates can optimize your system, making your Windows run faster and more efficiently.

Staying on top of updates ensures you have the latest defenses against emerging threats. For instance, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) strongly recommends keeping software updated as a fundamental security practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long should “Checking for updates” typically take?

A: “Checking for updates” usually takes anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. If it’s been stuck for over 30 minutes, it’s a good sign that something isn’t right, and you should try one of our troubleshooting steps.

Q2: Can I just skip updates if they’re causing problems?

A: While you can technically pause or defer updates, it’s not recommended for long periods. Skipping security updates leaves your computer vulnerable to serious threats. It’s always best to resolve the update issue so you can install crucial security fixes.

Q3: What’s the difference between Windows Update and the Microsoft Store?

A: Windows Update handles the operating system itself and its core components. The Microsoft Store is for downloading and updating apps that you get from Microsoft’s app store, like Netflix or certain games.

Q4: I got an error code. What should I do?

A: Note down the exact error code (e.g., 0x80070057). Then, search for that code on Microsoft’s support website or a reliable tech forum. Often, the error code will give you specific instructions that might be more targeted than general fixes.

Q5: My internet connection is slow, will that affect updates?

A: Yes, a slow or unstable internet connection can definitely cause Windows Update to hang or fail. Make sure you have a good connection before starting updates, and consider using a wired Ethernet connection if possible, especially for large updates.

Q6: After I fix the “stuck checking” issue, how often should I check for updates?

A: Windows 10 is usually set to check for updates automatically. You can also manually check weekly or whenever you hear about important new security updates being released. It’s a good habit to ensure your system is protected.

Conclusion

Dealing with Windows 1

Windows 10 Stuck in Checking: Essential Fixes