Windows Update is a crucial stepping stone towards gaining more features, fixing bugs and issues in the previous patch, and ensuring better system stability with each update.

If you are a Windows 11 (or other versions) user, it must be simply how many times your PC enters update mode, either when you turn it ON or shut it down, which could be annoying. However, what’s aggravating is when the PC gets stuck during a Windows 11 update. 

This usually occurs at the last time when the counter has almost reached 90% and suddenly, somewhere out of the blue, the screen freezes or gets stuck on the same screen for eternity.

So, what should I do now? Here are some possible reasons why your PC gets stuck during Windows updates and how to fix it.

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Reasons Behind Windows 11 Update Getting Stuck

You would end up with a stuck Windows 11 update for a few reasons.

  • It could be because of internet connectivity issues.
  • Downloaded files were incomplete.
  • TPM 2.0 is not enabled.
  • There could be some issues with the memory.
  • There could be some conflict with the existing application or process.
  • Something broke at the Windows Update service.

Best Ways to Fix Windows 11 Installation Stuck

1. Enable TPM 2.0 on Your PC

You need TPM 2.0 to run Windows 11 on your PC, and without it, you won’t be able to complete the installation. Here’s how to enable it.

  1. Press Win + R and type the command tpm.msc to open TPM Management on the Local Computer.
  2. Next, check the status of TPM on your PC.TPM is ready to use

If it is not enabled:-

  1. Reboot the system and head to the startup menu using F1, F2, F10, F11, or DEL.
  2. Head over to the Security tab > TPM device.
  3. Select Available from the list and restart the PC.

If It is enabled:-

  1. Reboot the PC and go to the startup menu and proceed to BIOS setup.
  2. Go to the Advanced” tab > Boot Options > Secure Boot and enable it.
  3. Boot the PC and open the startup menu again.
  4. Go for the boot device option and select the right drive that has Windows 11 on it. 
  5. Windows 11 will be installed.

Also Read- Bypass TPM, RAM and Secure Boot Requirement in Windows 11

2. Windows Update Troubleshooter Method

Windows 11 has many features, including Windows Update Troubleshooter and here’s how to do it.

  1. Press Win + I and proceed to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.Other Troubleshooters
  2. From among the list, press the Run button against Windows Update to launch the troubleshooter.windows updates RUN
  3. Once the troubleshooter runs and detects what’s wrong, you can take cues from it and fix the issue.Once the troubleshooter runs and detects what's wrong, you can take cues from it and fix the issue.

3. Delete Windows Updates Files

Since your complaint concerns a stuck Windows 11 update, it can be caused by incomplete downloaded files or other reasons.

All the files you downloaded earlier are stored on a primary storage device. As mentioned in the instructions below, you will have to disable Windows Update services first and then delete the files.

  1. Tap on the Start Menu and search for Services and this will open Services (Local).
  2. Search for Windows Update, and double-click on it.Search for Windows Update
  3. Change the Startup Type to Disabled and hit Stop.Change the Startup Type to Disabled and hit Stop
  4. Reboot the computer.
  5. Press Win + E to open File Explorer and search for 
    C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  6. Select all the files and delete them.Select all the files and delete them
  7. Repeat the first three steps but this time, enable Windows Update Services and it should work as planned.

4. Ensure Windows Update Service is Running 

Your PC runs the Windows Update Service continuously to ensure all the updates are downloaded and installed accordingly. If there’s an issue with the Windows Update Service itself, then you might struggle to update your system. Here’s how to fix it.

  1. Search for Services on your PC and proceed to Services (Local) > double-click on Windows Update.
  2. Check if the Startup type is automatic or stopped. Click it to Automatic and hit Start under Service Status. Save all changes by pressing OK.
  3. You will have to restart the PC so once you do it, check if this method made any difference. 

5. Remove All Peripherals

It is possible that your PC was unable to process a Windows 11 update and got stuck because of some issues on the peripheral’s side. Disconnect all the peripherals and try installing the Windows 11 update. This should work for some users if not all.  

6. Reset The PC

As you are facing issues with a stuck Windows 11 update, I would recommend resetting the PC once and for all to fix the issue. 

  1. On your PC, go to Settings > System > Recovery.
  2. Navigate to Reset this PC and hit the button Reset PC.Navigate to Reset this PC and hit the button Reset PC
  3. Select Keep My Files on the next screen.Keep my Files
  4. Select how you would like to reinstall Windows.
  5. Finally, hit the Reset button, which should push the ball rolling.
  6. Once your PC reboots, set it up and check if you can update it to newer Windows 11 updates.

7. Update Windows in Safe Mode

Using Safe Mode, you can run your system with only the required programs so that other third-party programs and apps won’t interfere with installing Windows 11. Let’s follow this:

  1. Click on the Windows start, type System Configuration, and click on Open. System Configuration
  2. Go to the Boot tab. From the Boot options, first, select Safe Boot and then Minimal.Boot options > Safe Boot > Apply > Ok
  3. Now click on Apply and OK, and restart your Windows.
  4. Windows will boot in safe mode; now try to update your system.

8. Free Up RAM and Storage

If you have less storage, then updating Windows will stop. A minimum of 10GB of free space and sufficient RAM are required to install the update.

  1. First, launch the Settings app and click on Storage on System Settings.
  2. Here you can see used and free storage. However, click on the Cleanup recommendation.Cleanup recommendation
  3. Then delete Temporary files, and you can consider deleting unwanted large files to free up space to fix the Windows update that is stuck.

On the other hand, you’ve to free up RAM as well to execute smooth Windows updates. Restarting the system is one of the best ways to free RAM. Otherwise, you can end the task of each running app and program using Task Manager.

end task windows explorer

Closing Words

Some users were stuck while upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11, and others were stuck between Windows 11 updates. Don’t worry. This solution will work for all who want to fix Windows 11 Installation Stuck at 35%, 85%, or 100%. If you have any doubts, you can ask us in the comments.

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