Windows updates are essential for keeping your computer secure and running smoothly. However, few things are more frustrating than a Windows update that gets stuck at 100% or displays a perpetual “Working on updates” screen. If your PC has been sitting at this screen for hours, here is how you can safely resolve the issue without damaging your system.
Step 1: Wait It Out (Briefly)
Before taking any drastic action, give your computer time. Some large feature updates can take significantly longer to finalise, especially on older hardware. If you see the hard drive activity light blinking, your computer is still working. We recommend waiting at least two hours before assuming the update is genuinely stuck.
Step 2: Perform a Hard Reset
If the update is completely frozen and the hard drive light is inactive, you will need to force your computer to restart.
- Press and hold the physical power button on your computer case or laptop for about 10 seconds until the machine powers off completely.
- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
- Windows will attempt to recover. It may continue the update or roll back the changes, which usually resolves the frozen state.
Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Once you are back on your desktop, you should fix the underlying issue that caused the update to fail. Windows includes a built-in tool for this purpose.
- Open the Settings app (Win + I).
- Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and click the Run button.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to allow Windows to detect and repair any corrupted update cache files automatically.