Windows update stuck on Working on updates or Don't turn off your computer: what to do
Working on updates and Getting Windows ready screens can take a long time, especially on an older computer or after a big update. Most of the time the computer is still busy, not broken. Turning it off too early is the most common way to make it worse, so start by waiting, then work through these steps in order and stop when the computer is back to normal.
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Steps
Wait first. If the screen shows a percentage or a spinning circle, leave the computer alone for at least 1 hour, and up to 2 hours on an older computer. If the percentage moves or the disk light blinks now and then, it is still working.
Plug in the charger if it is a laptop. A laptop that runs low on battery in the middle of an update can stop and start over.
If nothing has changed for 2 hours or more, hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on. Windows often shows Undoing changes or finishes the update on its own. Let that run, even if it takes a while.
Unplug anything you do not need: USB drives, memory cards, printers, external hard drives and docks. Then restart once more. An extra device can make an update hang.
Once you are back at the desktop, open Start, then Settings, then Windows Update, and select Check for updates. If it says Restart now or Update and restart, save your work and choose that so the update can finish.
If the same update keeps failing, run the built in fixer. On Windows 11 open Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, find Windows Update and select Run. On Windows 10 open Settings, Update and Security, Troubleshoot, Additional troubleshooters, Windows Update. Restart when it finishes and check for updates again.
Check that you have free space. Open File Explorer, select This PC and look at the C drive. If it shows less than about 10 GB free, empty the Recycle Bin and delete large old downloads, then try the update again.
Make sure the date and time are right and the computer is online. Open Settings, Time and language, Date and time, and select Sync now. A wrong clock or a weak Wi-Fi connection can stop updates from downloading.
On Windows 11, if updates still fail, open Settings, System, Recovery and look for Fix problems using Windows Update, then select Reinstall now. It repairs Windows and keeps your files, apps and settings. Keep the computer plugged in and online until it finishes.
Never call a phone number from a popup or a search ad that says your Windows update failed and you must pay for a fix. Microsoft does not put phone numbers in error popups, and real support will not ask for gift cards or to take over your computer without you asking.
Common questions
How long should Working on updates take?
Usually 10 to 30 minutes, but a large update on an older computer can take an hour or two. If the percentage is still changing, keep waiting.
Will I lose my files if I turn the computer off during an update?
Usually not. Your documents and photos are normally kept. Windows may undo the update and try again later. Only force it off after waiting at least 2 hours with no change.
The computer keeps restarting and showing the same update screen. What now?
Hold the power button to turn it off, unplug USB devices, and start it again. If it keeps looping, Windows usually opens a blue Choose an option screen after a few failed starts, where Troubleshoot and System Restore can take you back to before the update.
A popup says my Windows update failed and gives a number to call. Is it real?
No. That is a scam. Close the browser, or restart the computer if the popup will not close. Do not call the number or let anyone connect to your computer.
Can Ellis help me with this?
Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you sit at your computer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.
Free human help is at capacity right now. If you want help while you fix this, Ellis, our AI assistant, can help you by phone now. The first 5 minutes are free when you call (928) 272-0355. If you want more time, phone help is $19 one time for up to 30 minutes, used over 14 days. No subscription. Ellis is an AI and can make mistakes.