Windows Update Stuck at 0% When Downloading [Fix]

Network issues may cause this problem

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Many problems may arise when downloading or installing Windows Updates on your computer. First, they impede the update process, resulting in the Windows Update being stuck at 0 during download & installation.

Another instance of this problem isWindows Update stuck at 100%, meaning it won’t completely download.

Why is my Windows Update stuck?

Windows Updates require some essential services and components to function correctly. When these components are not intact, the Update may get stuck or fail. The most common reason is a conflict with some programs on your PC. For example, programs likeWindows Defendercan impede the Update process.

Many other factors can cause the Windows Update to be stuck or frozen. Some are:

These causes can vary in computers, meaning they can demand different fixes. Fortunately, we have some general solutions to help install your Windows Updates.

How do I fix Windows Update if it’s stuck at 0%?

Before proceeding with any troubleshooting steps, go through the following preliminary checks:

If you can fix the problem, go ahead with the solutions below:

1. Reboot Windows in Safe Mode

Restarting Windows in Safe Modecan fix your PC’s startup issues, causing it not to download Windows updates completely.

2. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter will find and fix issues affecting the Windows updates process on your PC. Check other ways torun the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 10/11.

3. Clear Windows Update cache via File Explorer

Since a corrupt Windows Update cache can cause it to get stuck at 0, this fix will troubleshoot it. But first, read our article onwhat to do if File Explorer keeps crashingyour PC.

4. Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder

Renaming the Windows update components will fix files affecting the Windows update services.

Conclusively, our readers can also check what to do if the update process getsstuck configuring the Windows Updates screenon their computers.

Also, checkhow to fix Windows Update not workingon Windows 10/11.

Kindly drop your comments if you have any suggestions or questions.

Windows Update Stuck at 0% When Downloading [Fix]#

Why is my Windows Update stuck?#

How do I fix Windows Update if it’s stuck at 0%?#

1. Reboot Windows in Safe Mode#

2. Run Windows Update troubleshooter#

3. Clear Windows Update cache via File Explorer#

4. Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder#