Windows 10 is the latest version of the Windows operating system which was first released in 2015 and was made as a free upgrade to people who were running Windows 7 or Windows 8 on their computers. Although this is a solid performing operating system there are instances when certain issues can occur which we will be addressing today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Windows update stuck at 0% issue.
How To Fix Windows Update Stuck At 0% Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Turn off the antivirus software
There’s a possibility that the antivirus software of your computer is blocking the update from being downloaded and installed. To check if this is what’s causing the problem you should try to temporarily disable the antivirus software.
If you are using Windows Security
- Select Start – Settings > Update & Security – Windows Security – Virus & threat protection > Manage settings
- Switch Real-time protection to OFF.
If you are using Avast
- Search for the Avast icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Avast shields control.
- Locate the options to disable the program – the options are to disable it for 10 minutes, an hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently (until you yourself turn it back on). Select whatever option suits you best and use it to disable the program.
If you are using AVG
- Search for the AVG icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Temporarily disable AVG protection.
- Choose how long you want AVG to be turned off and whether you want AVG to disable its Firewall too.
- Click on OK to disable the antivirus program.
If you are using McAfee
- Search for the McAfee Antivirus icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Exit.
- You should see a dialog box warning you that McAfee‘s protection will be turned off. Click on Yes in this dialog box to disable the antivirus program
Check if the Windows update stuck at 0% issue still occurs.
Check your internet connection
Sometimes this problem can be caused by a slow internet connection. To check if this is a connectivity related problem you should run a speedtest from this website: https://www.speedtest.net/.
If you are not getting your expected speed then you should first find out why you are getting a slow internet connection as this is one factor that can cause this problem.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool
Microsoft has a tool available that helps diagnose update related problems. You can get the tool from here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-ph/help/4027322/windows-update-troubleshooter. Run the troubleshooter and when it is done, restart your computer.
Check if the Windows update stuck at 0% issue still occurs.
Disable Background Services
Services running in the background can sometimes interfere with the update process. To check if this is what’s causing the problem you should disable the background services running on your computer.
- Hold Windows key and press R
- Type msconfig and press Enter.
- At the System Configuration window click the Services tab.
- At the bottom of the list, check the Hide all Microsoft Services option
- Click the Disable All button at the bottom right of the list and click OK.
- Restart your PC,
- Press Windows key once
- Click on Settings.
- Select Update & Security
- Click Check for updates
- Wait for the Windows to check and download the updates
Check if the Windows update stuck at 0% issue still occurs. If you are able to successfully install the update then you will have to enable the disabled services.
- Hold Windows key and press R
- Type msconfig and press Enter.
- At the System Configuration window click the Services tab.
- Uncheck the Hide all Microsoft Services at the bottom of the list.
- Then click the Enable All button at the bottom right of the list and then click Ok.
Turn off the Firewall
To check if the problem is caused by the firewall you will need to disable it.
- Hold Windows key and press R
- Type firewall.cpl and press Enter
- In the Windows Firewall, select the Turn Windows firewall on or off option in the left hand pane.
- Check the Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) option in both Public and Private network settings sections. Once done, click OK at the bottom.
Try checking for updates
- Press Windows key once
- Click on Settings.
- Select Update & Security
- Click Check for updates
- Wait for the Windows to check and download the updates
If the update is successful you will need to turn on the firewall.
- Hold Windows key and press R
- Type firewall.cpl and press Enter
- In the Windows Firewall, select the Turn Windows firewall on or off option in the left hand pane.
- Check the Turn on Windows Firewall option and click OK at the bottom.
Restart the Windows update
- Open the Run dialog box by holding Windows key and pressing R
- Type services.msc in the dialog box and press Enter.
- Scroll to the very bottom of the services list and find Windows Update service in it.
- Right click Windows Update and select Stop.
- Press Windows + E keys to open the explorer.
- Go to the following directory: “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution”.
- Hold the CTRL key and press A to select all the files
- Press Delete key or right click any one of the selected files and select Delete.
- Reboot your computer
- Open the Run dialog box by holding Windows key and pressing R
- Type services.msc in the dialog box and press Enter.
- This will open the Services
- Scroll to the very bottom of the services list and find Windows Update service in it.
- Right click Windows Update and select Start.
Check if the Windows update stuck at 0% issue still occurs.