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Updates stuck or failing? Get Windows and Mac updates to finish

Last reviewed: October 2026, against Microsoft and Apple support pages · For Windows 11, Windows 10 and Mac.

An update won't download, fails with an error, or sits on the same percentage for ages. Most of the time the fix is patience, a restart, a steady internet connection, or more free storage. Work through these steps in order, starting with the easy ones. Back up important files first, as Microsoft and Apple both recommend before troubleshooting updates.

Just want to install updates, or the computer is slow? See how to install updates in our slow-computer guide.

⚡ The short version

  1. Give it time if it's still moving, and keep it plugged in.
  2. Restart, then check for updates again.
  3. Check the internet connection and turn off any VPN.
  4. Free up storage space.
  5. Windows: run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Mac: follow Apple's install-error steps below.
Don't turn it off mid-update if the screen says it's working on updates and not to turn it off. Wait it out first, and keep laptops plugged in. Apple says a Mac may restart and show a progress bar or a blank screen several times during an update; that's normal.

Windows: step by step

  1. Stuck on a percentage? Wait, then restart

    Microsoft says the time an update takes depends on your connection speed and the update's size. If it's been stuck on the same number for a long time, restart the PC (Start → Power → Restart), then check for updates again.

  2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

    • Windows 11: Start → Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters, find Windows Update and select Run.
    • Windows 10: Start → Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Update, then Run the troubleshooter.

    Follow what it finds, then try updating again.

  3. Check power and internet

    Keep a laptop plugged in. Check you're online in Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi. If you use a VPN, turn it off and try again. Internet trouble? See Connected to Wi-Fi but “no internet”.

  4. Free up storage space

    Microsoft says a full Windows upgrade needs at least 20 GB free on a 64-bit system (16 GB on 32-bit). Check in Start → Settings → System → Storage. For safe ways to clear space, see Free up storage space.

  5. Unplug extra hardware

    Microsoft suggests removing external drives, docks and other accessories you don't need, then trying again.

  6. Check the date and time

    A wrong clock can block updates. Go to Start → Settings → Time & language → Date & time and turn on Set time automatically (and Set time zone automatically if you see it). Select Sync now if it's offered.

  7. Make sure you're an administrator

    Some updates need an administrator account. If yours isn't one, ask the person who set up the computer to sign in and install them.

  8. Check for updates again, then restart

    Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates (on Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update). When it's done, save your work and choose Start → Power → Update and restart.

Still on Windows 10? Microsoft says support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, so it no longer gets free updates through Windows Update. If updates have “stopped” on an older PC, that may be why. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 if your PC can run it. If it can't, Microsoft suggests the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program or a newer PC. See Microsoft: Windows 10 support has ended.
For the confident: Microsoft's advanced steps

Microsoft's page also lists fixes for specific error codes (like 0x800f0922 for low disk space or 0xC1900101 for an incompatible driver), and advanced command-line repairs such as clearing the update cache and the System File Checker. Microsoft only recommends those if you're comfortable with the command line. Follow them on Microsoft's page rather than a third-party site, or ask someone you trust.

Mac: step by step

  1. Open Software Update

    Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update. If it says your Mac is up to date, click Check for Updates to look again. You'll need the password you use to log in to your Mac.

    No new macOS offered? Apple says Software Update only shows versions your Mac can run, so an older Mac may not get the newest macOS.

  2. Let it finish

    Keep the Mac plugged in, and don't let it sleep or close the lid until the update is done. Apple says it may restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times.

  3. Check storage and internet

    If you see an error saying there isn't enough space, free up storage: see Free up storage space. The installer also needs a stable internet connection.

  4. Still failing? Try safe mode or macOS Recovery

    For errors while downloading, preparing or installing, Apple suggests starting up in safe mode and trying Software Update again, or installing macOS from macOS Recovery. Apple says reinstalling macOS from Recovery doesn't remove your apps or personal data, but back up first anyway. The steps depend on your Mac, so use Apple's links in Sources, or ask someone you trust.

Don't erase your Mac to fix an update unless Apple's other steps have failed and your files are backed up. Erasing removes everything on it.

Still stuck?

If updates keep failing after all this, contact Microsoft or Apple support, or the computer's maker. And be wary of anyone who calls, emails or pops up a message offering to fix your updates for a fee. See Scary pop-up says your computer is infected?

Sources

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