How to fix update problems?

Use the built-in Windows 11 troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue where Windows Update (automatic or manual) only shows a spinning circle and never progresses.

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
   1. Select Start > Settings > System.
   2. Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Find Windows Update and select Run.
   4. Let it complete and apply any fixes it suggests.
2. Confirm power and internet connectivity A stalled spinner can be caused by a weak or lost connection.
   1. Ensure the device is plugged into a reliable power source.
   2. Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
   3. Check the network status; if disconnected, reconnect to Wi‑Fi or Ethernet.
   4. If there are Wi‑Fi problems, use the guidance in Fix Wi‑Fi connection issues in Windows from the article.
3. Verify administrator permissions Some updates will not install without admin rights and may appear to hang.
   • If the current account is not an administrator, sign in with an administrator account or create one using the steps in Create a local user or administrator account in Windows from the article, then try updating again.
4. Remove unnecessary external devices Conflicting or problematic external hardware can block updates and leave the UI spinning.
   1. Disconnect external drives, docks, USB devices, and peripherals that are not required for basic use.
   2. Restart the PC.
   3. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates and see if the process now moves past the spinner.
5. Clear the Windows Update cache Damaged or incomplete update files in the cache often cause endless “checking” or “installing” states.
   1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   2. In the Services window, locate Windows Update, right‑click it, and select Stop.
   3. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
   4. Delete all files and folders inside SoftwareDistribution.
   5. Go back to Services, right‑click Windows Update, and select Start.
   6. Return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates again.
6. Check date and time configuration Incorrect system time can interfere with update services and cause them to hang.
   1. Select Start > Settings > Time & language.
   2. Select Date & time.
   3. Turn on Set time automatically and, if available, select Sync now under Synchronize your clock.
7. Ensure there is enough free disk space If the system drive is too full, feature updates can stall without clear error messages.
   • Make sure there is at least 16 GB free for a 32‑bit OS or 20 GB for a 64‑bit OS.
   • If space is low, free up storage using the methods in Free up drive space in Windows from the article, then try Windows Update again.
8. Run Windows Update again and complete a restart
   1. Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. Install all available updates.
   3. When prompted, select Start > Power > Update and restart or Update and shut down so pending updates can finish.

If, after these steps, the spinner persists but an error code eventually appears (for example 0x80070422 or 0x80070020), use the specific error-code guidance in the same Windows Update troubleshooting article to apply the targeted fix for that error.

References:

• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows