Windows Update Not Working

Question

Windows Update Not Working

Ryan 0

My Windows Update is not working, it just shows the loading symbol (throbber) repeatedly.

I'm running:

Edition Windows 11 Pro

Version 25H2

Installed on ‎2025/‎01/‎27

OS build 26200.9457

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.360.0

I've restarted my machine, think that perhaps updates were involved, and nothing has changed, it just shows the spinning loading symbol.

I've tried contacting support to no avail.

The troublershooter, after running something, said I should contact support.

The AI answer below advised a series of commands

net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
   ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv

when I tried,

net stop wuauserv ,

it said

'The service is starting or stopping. Please try again later.'

when i tried

ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
 ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak

both said,

'Rename-Item: Cannot find path '..%systemroot%\softwaredistribution' because it does not exist.' 'Rename-Item: Cannot find path '..%systemroot%\system32\catroot2' because it does not exist.'

Ryan 0 Reputation points

2026-10-08T11:53:03.5033333+00:00

I've tried the troubleshooter, it says to contact support. That did not work either.

2 answers

Your answer

Ryan 0 Reputation points

2026-10-08T11:53:03.5033333+00:00

I've tried the troubleshooter, it says to contact support. That did not work either.

Answer 1

For a Windows Update page that only shows a spinning loader on Windows 11, use this sequence:

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and select Run.
- Complete the prompts.
Verify the PC is connected to the internet.
- Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
- Confirm the device is connected. If not, reconnect and try again.
Make sure the account has administrator access.
- Some updates require administrator permissions.
Check free disk space.
- Windows requires at least 16 GB free for a 32-bit OS or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS to upgrade.
- If storage is low, use the guidance in Free up drive space in Windows.
Temporarily disable or uninstall third-party antivirus/security software.
- Third-party security tools can block updates.
- If uninstalling, make sure reinstall steps and any product keys are available first.
Reset the Windows Update cache folders.
- Warning: These steps require administrator permissions and command-line use.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator, then run these commands one at a time:
```
   net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
   ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
```
- Close Command Prompt and restart the PC.
Check for updates again.
- Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Restart to apply anything already installed.
- Use Start > Power > Update and restart or Update and shut down if shown.

If the issue is specifically that the Windows Update page never finishes loading, the most relevant steps from the documented guidance are the troubleshooter, checking connectivity, temporarily removing third-party security software, and renaming the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders.

Answer 2

Hi Ryan,

Seeing your description, I hope it's safe to assume you've tried all the suggestions mentioned by the AI answer. If yes, then maybe you need to try a deeper solution. Let's reinstall Windows (keeping files and apps)

Clear up pending instances of previous update attempts:
- Re-run the clearing Windows Update cache commands you previously did.
- Open Disk Cleanup (Admin) > Clean up system files > Temp files and Windows Update.
Use the built-in repair option
- Open Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update
- Click Reinstall now > follow the onscreen instructions to reinstall Windows.
If that fails, perform an in-place upgrade
- Since you tagged this as Insider: Using ISOs - Windows Insider Program | Microsoft Learn
- Check Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program
Download your chosen ISO or create a bootable USB.
- Mount the ISO > run setup.exe file to launch the install process.
- Select Keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps option.
- Note: If you're actually not in Insider, let me know.

Disclaimer: Both Windows reinstallation and in-place upgrade will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up first before making large system changes.

If even the reinstallation doesn't work, unfortunately you might actually need to contact support. I know you've ran into a loop, so please check out this path to see if it can get you to someone you can talk to:

Sign in with your account at Contact Us - Microsoft Support
Enter / choose an issue > click Get Help to make a request
Scroll down > click Ask our Support Assistant and follow guidance
If the issue persists, specifically state in the chat box that you need direct help.
The Contact Support button should appear > click it > select the chat in browser option.

User's image

Note: The support contact team only works at certain times, so if the last window shows that it's unavailable, try opening it again the next day. If you prefer phone support, you can leave a phone number. This way, they can call you and help you. If you don't see chat option, choose another category and ask to escalate.

That might get you out the loop you've been in.