Are you struggling with your Windows PC getting stuck whenever you want to update it? Don’t panic, as you are not alone!
Several users have encountered similar errors – sometimes, the updates won’t download, and other times the downloaded updates won’t install. The issue has affected a spectrum of users using different versions of the Windows operating system. It won’t be a hyperbole to say that the error lies in the core Windows programs.
So what to do if when Windows update is stuck on checking for updates? Well, there is nothing to worry about. Luckily, this post has the fully functional fixes that have solved the Windows stuck-on checking for Windows 11/10/8.1/7 updates.
Please read it thoroughly, and don’t forget to bookmark it for future reference. Let’s get started!
Reasons for Windows is Unable to Install Updates – Dissecting the Error!
Windows has always come across as a user-friendly operating system. Notifying you that the update is ready allows users to upgrade their PC to a newer version instantly.
However, Windows 7 users who were promoted about the upgrade to Windows 10 faced many issues. The “Checking for Update” screen was suddenly frozen after initiating the request. The same has been observed by Windows 8.1 users when upgrading to Windows 10. But why does this happen? Why is the PC stuck on the “checking for updates” prompt?
There can be multiple reasons causing the issue on your Windows PC. Usually, the error occurs due to the following three reasons –
- Outdated Drivers on Current Windows
- Corrupt System Files
- Issues With Components of the System & OS.
These 3 errors are impacted by many factors that several users never pay attention to. Using supported applications, implementing regular updates, optimizing the system for best performance to features ratio, etc., are just a few of many on the list.
If your Windows PC is stuck on checking for updates, check out the next section, which covers a series of fixes you may find useful.
Ways to Fix Windows Upgrade Stuck on Checking for Updates Screen
Windows 7 getting stuck on checking for updates is the most common issue. But the error can be encountered even when upgrading from Windows 81. to Windows 10 and Windows 10 to Windows 11.
The core reason is the functioning of Windows. Though the functionality and features differ in each update, how Windows update work is almost identical.
Method #1 -Restart your PC
This may sound funny and weird, but it is best to reboot your PC before getting into the technical stuff. This resets the default functioning and clears the cache that might interfere with the update process, eventually fixing the issue.
Method # 2 – Set Correct Date and Time
Updates get stuck when the system date and time are not in sync. To ensure the date and time are correct, look at the system tray in the bottom right corner. If you find any discrepancy, right-click on the clock in the system tray and select Adjust date and time.
This will open the settings window. Here, to set the time, toggle the button from left to right to Set time automatically, option. Also, enable Set time zone automatically and click Syn now.
However, if the option is already enabled, disable it and re-enable. Now try updating your Windows. It should help.
Method # 3 Run SFC Scan to Identify & Resolve Corrupt File Errors
The SFC scan is used to find and remove corrupt system files. It can be effective in resolving the Windows update error.
Step 1 – Press the Windows key to open the start menu and find the command prompt using the search bar.
Step 2 – In the found options, click on Run as Administrator.
Step 3 – After opening the CMD window, use the command sfc/scannow.
Step 4 – As soon as you run the command, this will initiate a scan to find and replace corrupt and compromised system files.
Step 5 – Once the scan is over, restart your PC and try restarting the upgrade process.
Method #4 -Try a Different Network
Sometimes when the network you are connected to is not working or has a slow speed, you might face issues with updating Windows. To fix it, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi connection. However, you can use a phone hotspot if you don’t have one.
Note : Using a phone hotspot to update Windows will consume a lot of data, so do it if you have an unlimited data plan.
Now restart the PC. Hopefully, the updates will download without any issues.
Method # 5 – Reset Windows Update Service
Shutting down the Windows update service might resolve the glitch that may be causing it to get stuck. The fix works for all the Windows editions in question so far. This means you can even resolve Windows 7 getting stuck in the “Checking for Updates” step.
Step 1 – Open Command Prompt as an administrator using Windows Start Menu.
Step 2 – in the CMD window, use the following commands –
| net stop bits
net stop wuauserv net stop appidsvc net stop cryptsvc ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak ren %systemroot%system32 catroot2 catroot2.bak net start bits net start wuauserv net start appidsvc net start cryptsvc |
Note : Ensure you hit enter after each of the commands mentioned above.
Step 3 – After the reset is completed, the OS will temporarily disable update services on the PC. Restart the PC to reinitiate the service. The Windows stuck at the “Checking for Updates” error should be resolved.
Method #6 – Update Drivers Before Starting the Upgrade
One of the most undermined and common problems behind Windows’s inability to upgrade issue is the lack of updated drivers. For any process to work properly, there are drivers in place. If these programs are not regularly maintained, such errors are bound to occur.
There are multiple methods to update drivers on Windows. PC. However, we recommend that you go for Advanced Driver Updater. The tool is sophisticatedly smooth and gets done in just a few clicks.
Step 1 – Download the tool from the link below.
Step 2 – Initiate the scan by clicking the Start Scan Now button on the home screen.
Step 3 – When the scan ends, you can easily download and install the driver updates using the Update All button. The process is completely automated.
Note : The tool will automatically restart the system after the process is completed. Saving your opened files is advised.
Method # 7 – Temporarily disable antivirus
It has often been observed that the security application (antivirus you are using) interferes with Windows updates. To fix it, temporarily disable your antivirus application. Once that is done, try downloading the Windows update and see if it works.
Method # 8 – Disable Microsoft Product Updates
Though this might not sound like a reason that can cause Windows to get stuck on the update issue, it has worked for some users, so there is no harm in giving it a try.
Step 1 – Press Windows + I to open Windows settings.
Step 2 – Click Update & Security.
Step 3 – Click Advanced options > Disbale “Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows” option.
Step 4 – Restart your PC and see if it helps.
Method # 9 – Run Update Troubleshooter
If nothing has helped, try running the built-in Windows troubleshooter to identify and fix the problem. To use it follow these steps:
Step 1 Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
Step 2 Click Update & Security.
Step 3 Scroll down and look for Troubleshoot option. Click on it.
Step 4 Click on Windows Update and click Run. Let the troubleshooter finish the process.
Now try to update Windows. It should work.
Solve stuck on Checking for Updates Error on Windows 11/10/8.1/7
Besides these 9 fixes, you can also try running disk cleanup on the C drive, as it will help remove bad and corrupt system files causing the issue. Also, you can try clearing your file in Software Distribution Folder. The folder is saved at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, but you should not remove any files unless you know what you are doing, as it might harm system functionality.
We hope all these fixes allow you to eradicate the Windows won’t update, stuck on Checking for updates error. Thanks for paying attention. Good luck!
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