Most of the time, Windows Update does its job with little if any attention from us.

While we might check and install updates manually from time to time, most Windows 10 computers are configured to apply important updates automatically, while older versions like Windows 7 and Windows 8 usually apply these fixes the night of Patch Tuesday.

Sometimes, however, when the patch, or maybe even service pack, is being installed during shutdown or startup, the update installation gets stuck—freezes, locks up, stops, hangs, clocks, whatever you want to call it. Windows Update is taking forever and it's clear something needs to be done.

The installation of one or more Windows updates is probably stuck or frozen if you see one of the following messages persist for a long time:

Preparing to configure Windows. / Do not turn off your computer.

Configuring Windows updates / x% complete / Do not turn off your computer.

Please do not power off or unplug your machine. / Installing update x of x...

Working on updates / x% complete / Don't turn off your computer

Keep your PC on until this is done / Installing update x of x...

Getting Windows ready / Don't turn off your computer

You might also see Stage 1 of 1 or Stage 1 of 3, or a similar message prior to the second example. Sometimes Restarting is all you'll see on the screen. There might also be some wording differences depending on which version of Windows you're using.

If you don't see anything at all on screen, especially if you think the updates might have been installed completely but could be the cause of whatever you're experiencing, see our How to Fix Problems Caused by Windows Updates tutorial instead.

Cause of a Frozen or Stuck Windows Update

There are several reasons why the installation or finalization of one or more Windows updates can hang.

Most often, these types of problems are due to a software conflict or a preexisting issue that simply wasn't brought to light until the Windows updates started installing. Much more rarely are they caused by a mistake on Microsoft's part regarding the update itself, but it does happen.

Any of Microsoft's operating systems could experience freezing issues during Windows updates including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and others.

There's an actual issue with Windows that can cause Windows Update installations to freeze like this but it's only applicable to Windows Vista and only if SP1 hasn't yet been installed. If your computer fits that description, install Windows Vista SP1 or later to solve the problem.

Make Sure the Updates Are Actually Stuck

Some Windows updates can take several minutes or more to configure or install, so you want to make sure the updates are truly stuck before moving on. Trying to fix a problem that doesn't really exist might just create a problem.

You can tell if Windows updates are stuck if nothing happens on screen for 3 hours or more. If there's any wonder after that long, take a look at your hard drive activity light. You'll see either no activity at all (stuck) or very regular but very short flashes of light (not stuck).

Chances are that the updates are hung before the 3-hour mark, but this is a reasonable amount of time to wait and longer than we've ever seen a Windows update take to successfully install.

How to Fix a Stuck Windows Update Installation

Still Having Stuck/Freezing Issues Related to Windows Update?

If updates are stuck installing on or just after Patch Tuesday (the second Tuesday of the month), see our Details on the Latest Patch Tuesday piece for more on these specific patches.