How to Fix Windows Update Stuck at 0% in Windows 10

If Windows Update is stuck at 0% in Windows 10, start with a restart, confirm the PC is online, and check that the system drive has enough free space. If the percentage still does not move, use the Windows Update troubleshooter, restart the update service, and then reset the update cache and components. The steps below go from least disruptive to more advanced fixes.

Important: Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs still work, but regular free security updates are no longer provided. Eligible devices enrolled in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program can continue receiving security updates during the transition period. See Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support guidance.

Windows 10 Windows Update page showing a download stuck at 0 percent — A Windows Update download that remains at 0% can be caused by connectivity, storage, service, or update-cache problems.

1. Restart Windows 10 and check for updates again

A restart clears temporary locks and finishes any pending servicing work. Save open files, select Start > Power > Restart, then return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.

Windows 10 Start menu with the Restart power option highlighted — Restart Windows before moving to deeper Windows Update repairs.

2. Confirm your internet connection is working

Microsoft lists network connectivity as one of the first checks when Windows Update is stuck at 0% or 100%. Open a browser and load a few sites, or go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status. If Wi-Fi is unstable, reconnect or use Ethernet if available. If you use a VPN, disconnect it temporarily while troubleshooting.

Windows 10 Network and Internet Status page showing an active Wi-Fi connection — Verify that Windows reports an active internet connection before retrying the update.

3. Make sure the Windows drive has enough free space

Low storage can prevent update files from downloading or installing. Microsoft says an operating-system upgrade can require at least 16 GB of free space for 32-bit Windows or 20 GB for 64-bit Windows, while the exact space needed varies by update. Check File Explorer > This PC and review the free space on the Windows drive, usually C:.

If space is tight, use Windows storage cleanup tools or move large personal files elsewhere. Microsoft's free up drive space guide covers supported cleanup methods.

Windows 10 File Explorer This PC view showing free space on the Windows C drive — Check free space on the Windows system drive before downloading large updates.

4. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, choose Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Update, and run the troubleshooter. Restart the PC afterward and check for updates again. Microsoft continues to recommend the update troubleshooter as a first-line repair for download and installation failures.

Windows 10 Additional troubleshooters page with Windows Update selected — Run the Windows Update troubleshooter, then restart the PC and retry the update.

5. Restart the Windows Update service

If the download remains at 0%, restart the service that manages Windows Update:

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Find Windows Update.
Right-click it and choose Restart. If Restart is unavailable, choose Stop, then Start.
Return to Windows Update and try again.

Windows 10 Services console with the Windows Update service selected — Restarting the Windows Update service can clear a stalled update session.

6. Reset the Windows Update cache and components

A damaged update cache can leave downloads stuck indefinitely. Instead of deleting random files while services are active, use an elevated Command Prompt to stop the related services, rename the cache folders, and start the services again. This follows Microsoft's documented Windows Update component reset approach.

Windows 10 File Explorer open to the C Windows SoftwareDistribution folder — The SoftwareDistribution folder stores Windows Update working data and is recreated after a component reset.

Search for Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator, and run these commands one at a time:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %windir%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Restart Windows and check for updates again. Microsoft documents this reset sequence in Windows Update troubleshooting guidance.

Administrator Command Prompt showing Windows Update component reset commands — Resetting the Windows Update components rebuilds the update cache without manually editing the registry.

7. Repair Windows system files with DISM and SFC

If update components reset successfully but downloads or installations still fail, repair the Windows component store and protected system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
sfc /scannow

Let each command finish before closing the window, restart the PC, and try Windows Update again. Microsoft recommends running DISM before SFC when Windows components may be damaged. See the official DISM and System File Checker instructions.

8. Install a specific update manually only when you know the KB number

If Windows Update identifies a particular KB that repeatedly fails, you can search for that KB in the Microsoft Update Catalog. Download only the package that matches your Windows version and system architecture. For Windows 10 after end of support, the package must also be applicable to your device's support or ESU status.

If none of these steps moves Windows Update past 0%, note any error code shown in Settings and use Microsoft's Windows update troubleshooting page to match the code with the appropriate repair. At that point, the error code is usually more useful than repeating the same download attempt.

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