- Fixing Windows 10 Version 22H2 Update Stuck at 20% Installation
- Try Restarting Your PC
- Identify and Resolve Any Error Codes
- Try Microsoft’s Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Delete Windows Update Temporary Files
- Use Safe Mode for Installation
- Reset Windows 10 as a Last Resort
- Get Your Windows Update Back on Track
- References
Fixing Windows 10 Version 22H2 Update Stuck at 20% Installation
Having your Windows 10 update stall during installation can be immensely frustrating. In this post, we’ll walk you through some troubleshooting steps to get your update back on track.
Recently, a user reported their Windows 10 Version 22H2 (KB5027215) update becoming stuck at 20% installation. Despite multiple reboots, the update remained frozen. The issue rendered their laptop nearly unusable due to performance problems.
If you find yourself similarly stuck mid-update, don’t panic. Chances are the problem is easily resolvable with a few targeted troubleshooting techniques. We’ll cover several methods to get you up and running again.
Try Restarting Your PC
Before diving deep into complex solutions, try the simple fix of restarting your PC. Shut down, wait a few minutes, and reboot. This clears any memory issues and resets processes related to the update.
Upon restart, Windows will likely pick up where it left off with the update installation. Ideally it will now proceed past the 20% mark unimpeded.
Identify and Resolve Any Error Codes
If restarting alone doesn’t work, your next step is to uncover any potential error codes. Access your Windows Update history and look for codes next to failed updates.
In our user’s case, the code 0x80073701 appeared. A quick online search revealed this specific error occurs due to pending file operations. To resolve it, you’ll need to:
- Close any open apps/programs that may be tying up files.
- Run the CHKDSK utility to fix corrupt system files.
- Restart and check if Windows Update runs successfully.
Digging into error codes can quickly point you to proven solutions. Microsoft Support, tech forums, and experts offer advice keyed to each code.
Try Microsoft’s Windows Update Troubleshooter
For broader issues not tied to a certain error code, employ Microsoft’s automated Windows Update Troubleshooter. This diagnostic tool sniffs out problems with the update service and attempts repairs.
To use it:
- Type "troubleshooting" into the Windows Search bar.
- Select the "Windows Update" troubleshooter from the results list.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to analyze your system and apply recommended fixes.
This can automatically resolve common roadblocks related to temporary files, system file corruption, and other update errors.
Delete Windows Update Temporary Files
Over time, corrupted temporary Windows Update files can interfere with smooth installation. Deleting these files resets the update process.
To remove temporary update files:
- Open File Explorer and enter "%WinDir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download" in the navigation bar.
- Select and delete all files in the "Download" folder.
- Restart your PC and check for update installation progress.
This forces the update process to start from scratch with a clean slate.
Use Safe Mode for Installation
Booting into Windows Safe Mode provides a minimal, pared-back environment for initiating updates. With nonessential processes disabled, updates can often install smoothly.
Follow these steps to leverage Safe Mode:
- Access your Windows PC’s Settings menu.
- Navigate to the "Update & Security" section.
- Click the "Recovery" tab on the left.
- Under "Advanced Startup", click the "Restart Now" button.
- Your PC will restart to the Advanced Startup Options screen. Select "Troubleshoot."
- Go to "Advanced Options" and click "Startup Settings."
- Click "Restart" and press F4 or 4 on your keyboard during reboot to initiate Safe Mode.
- Once in Safe Mode, check for Windows updates and monitor installation progress.
The stripped-down Safe Mode environment isolates potential conflicts that may block standard update installation.
Reset Windows 10 as a Last Resort
If all else fails, resetting Windows 10 will give you a clean slate for retrying the update. Note that this option erases all your personal files and settings. Be sure to fully back up your data before proceeding.
Here’s how to reset Windows 10:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under "Reset this PC," click Get Started.
- Choose either "Keep my files" or "Remove everything" depending on if you’ve backed up your data.
- The reset will automatically initiate after confirming settings.
- Once your PC reboots, you can cleanly reinstall updates on the fresh Windows environment.
Resetting Windows should resolve any underlying issues preventing successful update installation. Apply available updates immediately after resetting to avoid potential file conflicts.
Get Your Windows Update Back on Track
Don’t allow a stuck Windows 10 update to drag down your PC’s performance. Employ the solutions outlined above to get your system back up to speed. Restarting, troubleshooting error codes, running utilities like the Windows Update Troubleshooter, and resetting Windows provide a clear path to shake loose the stalled update.
Persistence and methodically working through different remedies almost always leads to an eventual resolution. And with the update finally installed successfully, you can get back to normal PC operation.
For additional Windows Update troubleshooting advice, these resources come highly recommended:
- Microsoft Support – Fix Windows Update errors
- How-To Geek – How to Troubleshoot Windows 10 Update Issues
- Microsoft Answers – Windows 10 update stuck
Let us know in the comments if you have any other tips for getting stalled Windows updates back on track!
