How to Fix a Stuck Windows 10 Update at 27% – Tips for Windows 10, Update Recovery, and Backup

Help

Fixing a Stuck Windows 10 Update at 27%

A Windows 10 update getting stuck at 27% is a common, but frustrating issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through proven techniques to get your Windows 10 update unstuck so you can upgrade without hassle.

Why Does the Update Get Stuck?

There are several potential culprits for a stuck Windows 10 update:

  • Software conflicts with preinstalled programs interrupting the update process. Anti-virus software is a big offender here.
  • Existing corruption in system files the update tries to modify.
  • Insufficient storage space on the hard drive for the update to fully unpack.
  • Outdated drivers incompatible with the new update.
  • Slow internet connection unable to download update components quickly enough.

The update getting stuck specifically at 27% is a known issue tied to certain system configurations. The good news is there are many steps we can take to get it moving again.

How do I remove Windows Update from Windows 10?

Click the Hide updates option. Select the update causing the problem. Click the Next button. Click the Close button. After you complete the steps, the update will no longer be available for your device, resolving any errors trying to install the quality update using Windows Update.

How do I fix Windows 10 error code?

You can find and run this tool from the Windows Settings menu. To run this, right-click the Windows Start menu and click Settings. From there, click Update & Security > Troubleshoot to access the troubleshooting tool.

1. Give the Update Time to Complete

Before trying any complex solutions, be patient and give your Windows 10 update ample time to complete. Updates stuck at 27% for over an hour have been known to resume normally if left alone.

The update process contains long periods where it seems frozen but is actually making progress in the background. Be sure to wait at least 2-3 hours before intervening.

2. Restart Your PC

If the update remains stuck after several hours, restarting your PC can give the process a needed kickstart.

First make a note of how long it’s been stuck. Then hold the power button to force a full shut down. Wait a few minutes before turning your PC back on.

In many cases, the update will resume where it left off after rebooting. Give it some time to progress before moving on to other solutions.

3. Check Windows Update

After restarting, open Windows Update in Settings. Click "Check for updates" to have it scan for the latest updates.

If it finds a failed or pending update, click "Download and install" to manually initiate the update again. This often gets a stuck update moving once more.

4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides an automated troubleshooting tool specifically designed to diagnose and repair Windows Update issues.

How do I fix a stuck Windows Update?

Microsoft feels your pain: it knows the update process can cause problems every now and again, which is why it’s developed a troubleshooter program specifically to help you fix a stuck Windows update – search the old Control Panel for “troubleshooting”, then select ‘Fix problems with Windows Update’ from the list on-screen.

Why is my Windows 10 update getting stuck?

Your Windows 10 update could be getting stuck because of a virus or malware that is causing havoc on your device. Malicious viruses are often patched out of Windows by the latest updates so often they’ll try and prevent you from updating your device so they can continue to exist on your drive performing various nefarious actions.

How do I update Windows 10 to a new version?

Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Next, under Most frequent, select Windows Update > Run. When the troubleshooter is finished running, it’s a good idea to restart your device. Next, check for new updates. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and then install any available updates.

To run it, type "troubleshooting" in the Windows search bar. Select "Troubleshooting" then "Additional troubleshooters." Run the troubleshooter for Windows Update and follow the prompts.

This can automatically fix corrupted files and configuration issues preventing a successful update.

5. Free Up Space on Your Hard Drive

The Windows 10 update requires free space on your primary drive to unpack its components. An overstuffed hard drive can halt the update mid-process.

Check your C: drive and free up space by:

  • Deleting unneeded files and apps
  • Moving files like photos and videos to external storage
  • Running the Disk Cleanup utility

Aim for at least 20GB or more of free space for a smooth update.

6. Disable Antivirus Software

As mentioned earlier, antivirus software can sometimes interfere with system updates. Temporarily disabling your antivirus may allow the update to complete unhindered.

First check for any available updates to your antivirus software itself. Then add an exception for the Windows folder before trying the update again with antivirus disabled.

Remember to re-enable your antivirus once the update finishes!

How do I fix Windows Update error code?

If you get an error code while downloading and installing Windows updates, the Update Troubleshooter can help resolve the problem. Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Next, under Most frequent, select Windows Update > Run. When the troubleshooter is finished running, it’s a good idea to restart your device.

Does Windows 10 have a stuck update?

Regularly updating Windows is a critical step to keeping your PC running safely and smoothly. It’s a process that you should be performing at least every couple of weeks, if not more often. However, sometimes while you’re updating Windows 10 you might run into the dread issue of a stuck update.

How do I fix Windows Update hung on Windows 10?

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del. In some situations, the update might be hung at a very particular part of the installation process, and you could be presented with your Windows login screen after executing the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard command . If so, log on as you normally would and let the updates continue to install successfully.

7. Perform a System Restore

If nothing else does the trick, performing a system restore rollbacks your PC to an earlier state, before the update, so you can try again fresh.

Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), accessible by repeatedly hitting F8 as your PC starts. Then select "System Restore" and choose a restore point prior to when you first tried updating.

After your PC reverts back in time, attempt the Windows update again from the beginning.

When All Else Fails, Clean Install Windows

For persistently stuck Windows updates, if no amount of troubleshooting helps, your last resort may be backing up files and performing a clean install of Windows using the Windows 10 Recovery Tool.

This will erase everything and let you start fresh with a clean Windows install. You can then retry updating to the latest version.

While time-consuming, this wipe-and-reload approach eliminates any underlying issues stalling your Windows 10 update.

How do I update Windows 10 if the update service fails?

If the Windows Update service still fails, you can use the Windows Update Assistant to force-install the latest feature update for Windows 10 . After downloading the applet to your PC, simply run it and select Update Now. If you continue to experience problems, you might want to perform a system restore.

How do I fix Windows 10 not updating?

Here are Microsoft’s official instructions for fixing the problem. First, open Windows Update. Head to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update. Click the “Change Settings” link in the sidebar. Select “Never Check For Updates (Not Recommended)” in the dropdown box and then click “OK”. Reboot your computer after you change this setting.

How do I know if Windows 10 has been updated?

Open the Windows Update History page. Click the version of Windows 10 that matches your installation (for example, version 1909) from the left side. Confirm the knowledge base number of the latest update — for example, KB4530684. Open the Microsoft Update Catalog page. Search for the KB number — for example, KB4530684.

Prevent Future Stuck Updates

To avoid stuck updates going forward:

  • Maintain ample storage space on your PC
  • Keep drivers, antivirus software, and programs updated
  • Disable memory-intensive services like Superfetch when updating
  • Connect your PC via ethernet for faster update downloads

We hope these tips get your stubborn Windows 10 update back on track. Let us know in the comments if they worked for you or if you discovered another successful fix!

References

  1. https://www.minitool.com/news/windows-update-stuck-at-27.html
  2. https://www.techradar.com/how-to/software/operating-systems/how-to-fix-a-stuck-windows-update-1326307

WindoQ