Windows Update Stuck Working on Updates

05777553 0 Reputation points
2026-10-19T20:43:18.7866667+00:00

Hello,

I have a computer that is stuck working on updates. I have completed all suggested steps found online and some other tricks that I would have thought would fix the issue but the issue is still present. We are running Microsoft Windows 11 Business 26H2

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I have:

  • Stopped the windows update services and cleared SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders.
  • Started services back up.
  • Restarted Computer
  • Ran Sfc Scannow and Dism.
  • Ran optional updates which competed but did not trigger the other updates.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thank you

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Install Windows updates, features, or roles
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  1. Rukshan edirisinghe 2,365 Reputation points
    2026-10-20T03:00:48.9966667+00:00

    Hi @05777553

    You've already covered the usual reset steps, so the next logical step is a repair reinstall. It replaces the Windows system files and update components in place, while keeping apps, files and settings. Windows 11 has this built in:

    1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery (or run ms-settings:recovery).
    2. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
    3. Choose whether it should restart automatically when done, then select OK.
    4. It downloads a repair copy of your current Windows version through Windows Update and installs it. Keep the PC on power and online until it finishes.
    5. After the restart, run Windows Update again and see whether the pending updates install.

    On a business device, that option is hidden when updates are managed (Windows Autopatch, WSUS, or deferral and target-version policies through Intune or Group Policy). If you don't see it, that's why, and an in-place upgrade from Windows 11 media, choosing to keep files and apps, does the same job. Either way, take a backup or restore point first.

    If it's still stuck afterwards, the specific KB number and any error code in Update history (or from Get-WindowsUpdateLog) will narrow it down quickly.

    Do you see the "Fix problems using Windows Update" option on this PC, or is it hidden by policy?

    If this resolved your issue, please consider accepting it as the answer. If the updates still hang after the reinstall, let me know and I'll be happy to keep helping.

    Reference:

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  2. Xuan Nhu 1,695 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-20T03:03:03.5333333+00:00

    Hello!

    The screenshot shows multiple driver and firmware updates stuck at Pending download. Since you've already reset Windows Update components and run SFC/DISM, check whether WSUS, Intune, or Group Policy controls update delivery. Run Get-WindowsUpdateLog in elevated PowerShell and inspect Event Viewer → Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → WindowsUpdateClient → Operational for download errors.

    Could you confirm whether this device is managed by WSUS or Intune, and share any error codes from the Windows Update logs? This will help isolate the cause without repeating unsuccessful repairs.

    I hope this answer has provided you with useful information. If so, please click “Accept Answer.” If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

    Xuan Nhu.

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