Windows 11 update stuck downloading hours? Here how to fix it

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates to bring new features, enhance security, and fix bugs. However, sometimes you may encounter challenges during the installation process. One of the common issues faced is when the Windows 11 update gets stuck while downloading. unstable internet connections, Conflicts with third-party applications or corrupt system files are he most common reasons behind Windows 11 updates getting stuck during download. If you find that your Windows 11 Update KB5032190 is stuck downloading updates at 0% or any other figure in Windows 11, here we have some applicable solutions to fix this.

Windows update stuck Downloading

Windows update getting stuck during the downloading process can be attributed to several common factors. A disrupted or unstable internet connection, often due to network interruptions or bandwidth limitations, is a prevalent cause. Additionally, conflicts with third-party security software, firewall restrictions, or issues with proxy servers can impede the download. Problems with hardware like routers or modems, as well as large update file sizes, may also contribute.

Ensure you have a stable internet connection for downloading update files from Microsoft’s servers. A reliable connection is crucial to prevent interruptions during the download process.

Security software, including antivirus programs, can sometimes interfere with the update process. Temporarily disable or uninstall them to rule out any conflicts.

• Locate your antivirus software in the system tray.
• Right-click and find an option like “Disable”, “Turn Off”, or “Pause Protection”. Click on it.
• If using a VPN, disconnect from it temporarily.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify if third-party services are causing the update process to stall. This step can uncover any conflicts that might be hindering the update.

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.  Type msconfig and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
• Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services”.
• Click “Disable all”.  Go to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager”.
• Disable all startup items. Close Task Manager and click “OK” on the System Configuration window.
• And finally, Restart your computer.

Check time and regional settings

Incorrect regional settings can lead to update failures. Verify that your system’s time and regional settings are accurate.

• Click on the Windows icon and go to “Settings”.
• Select “Time & Language” and then “Region & Language”.
• Verify your Country/Region selection from the drop-down list.

Check Windows update service running

Ensure that the Windows Update service is running.

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc and ok
• This will open the Windows services console,
• Scroll down and check Windows update service is running.
• Also, Right-click on the Windows Update service and select restart.

Run Windows update Troubleshooting Tool

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter designed to detect and rectify issues preventing updates from installing. Run this tool to troubleshoot and fix any identified problems.

• Press Windows + X and select settings,
• Go to the system then troubleshoot and click on other troubleshooters
• Here on the right-hand side select Windows update and click run
• This will detect and fix problems that prevent to install updates
• Check Windows update and its related services running,
• Also, reset the Windows Update component to default which probably helps fix Windows update problems.
• Once done reboot your PC and try to install Windows updates again.

Manually reset Windows update component

If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, manually resetting the Windows update components may help. This involves stopping relevant services, clearing cache files, and restarting the services.

Open the Command prompt as Administrator then type the below commands one by one and hit enter to execute.

• net stop wuauserv To Stop The Windows Update Service
• net stop bits To Stop Background intelligent transfer service.
• Now press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer then navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
• Here Delete all the files and folders inside the folder. To do so, Press Ctrl + A to select all and hit Del key.

• It may ask you for administrator permission. Give it, Don’t worry. There’s nothing vital here. Windows Update will recreate what it needs the next time you run it.

* Note: If you cannot delete the folder (folder in use), then restart your computer in “Safe Mode” and repeat the procedure.

Now move to the command prompt and restart the stopped services to this type below commands one by one and press the enter key.

• net start wuauserv To Start The Windows Update Service
• net start bits To Start Background intelligent transfer service.
• When the service has restarted, you can close Command Prompt and restart Windows.
• Give Windows Update another try and see if your problem has been fixed.
• You will be able to download and install the updates successfully.

Repair Corrupted Windows system files

Use the System File Checker (SFC) command to scan and repair any damaged or missing system files. This can resolve issues that may be causing update failures.

• At start search type CMD and Run as administrator when the command prompt appears.
• Here type the command SFC /SCANNOW and hit the enter key to execute the command.
• This will scan your system for all its important system files, and replace them where necessary.
• Wait until Windows scans and repairs system files.
• When the System file check and repair is completed, restart your computer
• Now check for Windows updates from Settings – > update and security -> check for updates.
• hope this time updates install without any problem.

Install Updates Manually

If the issue still persists, you can try to manually install the updates that you provide to us in Microsoft Update Catalog. Here search for the update specified by the KB number you noted down. Download the update depending on if your machine is 32-bit = x86 or 64-bit = x64.

For example, KB5032190 is the latest one for devices running Windows 11 version 22H2.

Open the downloaded file in order to install the update.

That’s all after installing the updates simply restart the computer to apply the changes. Also If you are getting Windows Update stuck while the upgrade process simply uses an official assistant tool to upgrade to Windows 11 version 22H2 without any error or problem.

These are the best working solutions to fix Windows updates stuck downloading, windows updates stuck at any point for a long time on Windows 11 computer. I hope after applying these solutions windows update installation problems will get solved. Still, have any queries, or suggestions about Windows update installation Feel free to discuss comments.