Alex Ruben
Resolving Windows Update Stuck on “Working on Updates”
Experiencing issues with Windows updates getting stuck can be frustrating. This comprehensive guide will help you systematically reset your Windows update components using command-line tools. By following the steps outlined below, you’ll learn how to clear pending updates, restart necessary services, and potentially resolve the update issue without the need for advanced technical knowledge. This solution is particularly useful for Windows users who find their updates are stalled and unable to complete.
Step 1: Stop Windows Update Services
The first step in resolving the update issue is to stop several critical Windows services that manage updates. To do this, you’ll need to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on the Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator. Once the Command Prompt is open, execute the following commands one after another:
net stop bitsnet stop wuauservnet stop appidsvcnet stop cryptsvc
Stopping these services will effectively pause the updating process, allowing you to clear problematic files.
Step 2: Delete Update Files
Next, it’s crucial to delete certain files related to Windows Update. This will clear any corrupted or incomplete files hindering the update process. To perform this action, continue in the Command Prompt and enter the following commands:
Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Qrmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
By executing these commands, you are purging the Software Distribution folders that store temporary update files, which often resolve update issues.
Step 3: Reset Service Permissions
After clearing the update files, you’ll need to reset the permissions for the Update services. This will ensure that the services have the correct settings to run correctly. Run these commands in the Command Prompt:
sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
This step allows the Windows Update services to function properly by ensuring they have the required permissions.
Step 4: Register Necessary DLL Files
Sometimes, essential Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) may not be registered correctly. Registering these DLLs can help fix underlying problems with the update system. Carry out the following commands:
cd /d %windir%\system32regsvr32.exe /s atl.dllregsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dllregsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dllregsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dllregsvr32.exe /s browseui.dllregsvr32.exe /s jscript.dllregsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dllregsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dllregsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dllregsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dllregsvr32.exe /s softpub.dllregsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dllregsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dllregsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dllregsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dllregsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dllregsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dllregsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dllregsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dllregsvr32.exe /s ole32.dllregsvr32.exe /s shell32.dllregsvr32.exe /s initpki.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dllregsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dllregsvr32.exe /s wups.dllregsvr32.exe /s wups2.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dllregsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dllregsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dllregsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dllregsvr32.exe /s muweb.dllregsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
Each of these commands registers a different DLL essential for Windows Update to function correctly. This step may resolve many issues related to Windows updates.
Step 5: Reset Winsock
To ensure that network configurations affecting the Windows Update process are reverted back to defaults, you can reset Winsock. This can resolve various network-related issues. Enter the following commands in the Command Prompt:
netsh winsock resetnetsh winsock reset proxy
This resets the network settings, and it’s a simple but effective step in fixing many connectivity problems that might affect Windows updates.
Step 6: Restart Windows Update Services
Once you’ve completed the previous steps, the last thing to do is to restart the Windows Update services that were originally stopped. Use the following commands:
net start bitsnet start wuauservnet start appidsvcnet start cryptsvc
Restarting these services signals to Windows that it’s ready to resume the updating process. Check your update status to see if the issue is resolved.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you continue to face problems, ensure that your internet connection is stable. Additionally, sometimes antivirus software can interfere with updates; consider temporarily disabling it for troubleshooting. Always remember to enable it again afterward to maintain your system’s security.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue of Windows updates getting stuck on “Working on updates.” Regular maintenance of your Windows update components will not only help prevent future issues but also ensure your system runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I perform these steps?
It’s a good practice to make these checks periodically, especially when you notice prolonged update times or if there’s a failure in installing an update.
Will this process delete my files?
No, this procedure only affects temporary update files and services related to Windows updates; it will not delete personal files or applications.
What if the problem persists even after following these steps?
If issues continue, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or checking Windows forums for more personalized help, as there may be specific settings or issues related to your installation.
