Fixing Windows 10 1903 Update Stuck at Downloading, 100%

Troubleshooting Windows 10 Update Failures

As avid Windows users, we’ve all experienced the frustration of a failed Windows 10 update. You eagerly initiate the process, expecting a smooth upgrade, only to be met with the dreaded "stuck at 100%" message. Rest assured, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue when attempting major Windows 10 updates like the 1903 release.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes behind stuck Windows 10 updates and provide actionable solutions to get your system upgraded successfully.

Why Does the Windows 10 Update Get Stuck?

Several factors can cause an update to freeze at 100% completion:

• Incompatible or corrupt drivers blocking the installation
• Interference from third-party antivirus or system optimization software
• Lack of sufficient storage space on the C: drive
• Outdated or damaged system files
• Unexpected changes to hardware or software configurations

Identifying the specific trigger requires some troubleshooting, which we’ll cover in the next section.

How do I Reset my Windows 10 if the update is frozen?

Restart your computer using either the reset button or by powering it off and then back on with the power button. Windows will start normally and finish installing the updates. If the Windows update installation is truly frozen, you have no other choice but to hard-reboot.

When is the 1903 update coming out?

You’re just now getting that? 1903 was released back in May. Next month the November 2019 Update will be releasing and that will be a MAJOR update much as 1903 was. There WAS a minor Cumulative Update released yesterday or the day before…I forget. But it was NOTHING. The big update was the Autopilot Update

Fixing Stuck Windows 10 Updates

Fortunately, users can employ several proven techniques to get stubborn updates back on track:

Restart Your PC

Simply restarting your computer can clear any temporary glitches stalling the update. Initiate a full reboot and check if the process picks up where it left off.

Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows Update modules via Command Prompt quickly resolves many stuck update issues. Open the Command Prompt as admin and run the commands below:

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

This will fully reset the Windows Update components and usually get things moving again.

Perform an In-Place Upgrade with Media Creation Tool

Downloading the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft allows you to perform a repair upgrade using the latest Windows 10 ISO. This essentially installs a fresh copy of Windows while preserving your apps and data.

Why is my Windows 10 update stuck?

Usually, a stuck update is the result of a software conflict or a preexisting issue that causes the screen to freeze, and even the best Windows laptops can experience these issues from time to time.

What causes Windows 10 updates to fail?

Most often, these types of problems are due to a software conflict or a preexisting issue that simply wasn’t brought to light until the updates started installing. Much more rarely are they caused by a mistake on Microsoft’s part regarding the update itself, but it does happen.

Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in Troubleshooter tool scans for update errors and attempts to resolve them automatically. You can find it by searching "troubleshoot" from the Start Menu.

Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

This hidden folder manages Windows Update resources. Deleting it resets those components and can fix stuck updates in some cases. To do so:

1. Open Command Prompt as admin
2. Enter the command:

   Del "%SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution\*.*" /S /Q

3. Restart your PC

This forces fresh versions of the SoftwareDistribution files.

When to Seek Additional Support

If you still encounter issues after exhausting the self-help steps above, further assistance may be required. Contact Microsoft Support or consider consulting a professional IT technician. They can investigate for underlying problems and restore your system’s ability to upgrade smoothly.

We hope these tips get your stuck update moving again. Let us know in the comments if they resolved your Windows 10 woes!

What is Windows 10 May 2019 update?

Windows 10 May 2019 Update (also known as version 1903 and codenamed “19H1” ) is the seventh major update to Windows 10 and the first to use a more descriptive codename (including the year and the order released) instead of the “Redstone” or “Threshold” codename. It carries the build number 10.0.18362.

When is the Windows 10 May update 1903 release date?

Microsoft kicks off the rollout of the Windows 10 May Update, version 1903. Microsoft’s Windows 10 May Update/1903 is available to consumers and business customers as of today, May 21. It’s available through WSUS, Windows Update for Business and VLSC starting today, too.

How much data does 1903 update take?

That 222 MB package is a cumulative update package that fixes bugs and is installed when 1903 update finishes installing. Use the Media creation tool to update, it would take 4/5 GB of data. The fastest way to get the upgrade is through Media creation tool or ISO file.

Related Resources:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/fix-windows-update-errors-18b1c5ff-d972-a188-a68b-a49d0838de64

https://www.howtogeek.com/247380/how-to-fix-windows-update-when-it-gets-stuck/

https://www.dummies.com/computers/operating-systems/windows-10/how-to-deal-with-a-windows-10-upgrade-stuck-at-100-percent/

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/stuck-installing-windows-10-heres-fix/

https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/windows-10-update-stuck.html

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-update-stuck-downloading

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/softwaredistribution-folder-in-windows

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repair-install-windows-10-place-upgrade.html

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/open-and-run-the-windows-update-troubleshooter-19bc41ca-ad72-ae67-af3c-89ce169755dd

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/28637-delete-softwaredistribution-folder-windows-10-a.html

References

1. https://www.gigxp.com/1903-update-download-stuck-at-99/
2. https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/windows-update-stuck-at-100.html

How do I remove updates from Windows 10?

Open Start menu. Click on cog icon to launch Settings page or type Settings. Click on Update & security. Click on the View Update History. Identify the update that you wish to remove. Note the KB number of the patch. Click on Uninstall updates. In Control Panel, search for the update using the KB number.

What is the May 2019 update/1903?

The May 2019 Update/1903 is available on WSUS, Windows Update for Business as of today. Users who aren’t already on Windows 10 1809 (either because they weren’t “offered” it or didn’t proactively grab it) will be able to just skip over 1809 and go straight to 1903, since Windows 10 feature updates are cumulative.

Why does Windows 10 freeze when updating?

Much more rarely are they caused by a mistake on Microsoft’s part regarding the update itself, but it does happen. Any of Microsoft’s operating systems could experience freezing issues during Windows updates, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and others.