The Windows Update Assistant is Windows 11’s utility for feature updates. Feature updates are vital Windows releases bearing more recent functionality and performance and security improvements. However, some users remarked that Windows update Assistant gets stuck during the update process.
This happens across different Windows editions; a common example is that Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant is stuck at 99%. Another common complaint is Windows 10 update takes forever. However, in the new Windows 11, the problem persists. The solutions below will help you fix it.
Why is Windows Update Assistant Stuck
There are a few reasons why the update assistant becomes stuck. First, Windows may need to download components from the internet, so if you have a slow internet, this may take a while. In fact, you may not worry if it is still at 99% or 0% under 4 hours.
Your Update Assistant may also be stuck because of a corrupted update cache. In other cases, the problem may be caused by disabled update services or interference caused by connected peripheral devices.
Follow the steps below to fix the error.
1. Restart the Internet Connection
The Windows Update Assistant is usually stuck if it cannot download the required components successfully. So, if your internet is bad, you will likely experience this issue. You should restart your router or modern, and if you use Wi-Fi, please consider switching to a wired internet connection.
Also, if you generally experience slow internet on your Windows device, you may disable downloads from other PCs, tweak the internet bandwidth settings, or run the Network and Internet Troubleshooter.
2. Remove Peripheral Devices
If you rule out slow internet as the cause of the problem, you may be stuck because of the connected peripheral devices.
When a device is plugged into your computer, drivers for that device are automatically triggered. If these drivers are still active, you may have interference with the download assistant, hence why it is stuck.
You should unplug all peripherals and see if it fixes the problem.
3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Fixing issues with update downloads and installations is made easier with the Windows update troubleshooter. When you run this tool, it will identify and resolve issues that keep the Windows Update Assistant from working correctly.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
Step 2: On the left pane, click System, then on the right pane, click Troubleshoot.
Step 3: On the left pane, click Other troubleshooters.
Step 4: Click the Run button on Windows Update.
4. Reset Windows Update Components
Due to problems with the Windows Update service and database, Windows Update Assistant can get stuck. If so, resetting the update components will work as an excellent fix. It removes corrupted files, and the Windows Update service and database are reset when these components are reset.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to Launch the run dialog.
Step 2: Type cmd, then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
Step 3: Type the scripts below, hitting enter after each to stop essential update services.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Step 4: Type the scripts below, hitting enter after each to rename update folders.
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Step 5: Restart the update services by running the scripts below.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
5. Temporarily disable third-party Anti Malware Tools
It is highly recommended to use practical and dependable antivirus applications at all times. While this is true, there are a few rare instances when your security software may clash with delicate computer functions.
Specific antivirus programs could limit and prevent the Windows Update Assistant from downloading crucial files. In this case, you must disable the application for the update to run properly. The steps to disable the program will differ by manufacturer.
6. Clean Install Windows
If none of the solutions works, you should perform a clean Windows installation using the Windows Media Creation tool. This must be a last resort, as you will potentially lose data and your Windows settings.
Step 1: Visit the Media Creation Tool page and click Download Now beneath Create Windows 11 Installation Media.
Step 2: Double-click the downloaded file.
Step 3: Click Accept.
Step 4: Select a language and edition, then click Next.
Step 5: Select USB flash drive and click Next. The setup and installation files will be downloaded using the Media Creation Tool and copied to the USB flash drive. After finishing the steps above, restart your computer.
Step 6: Press F10, F11, or F12 to open the Boot menu at the initial boot screen. The exact function keys to use will vary depending on your motherboard.
Step 7: Select USB flash drive as the primary or first bootable device. Windows Setup should start right away.
FAQ on the Stuck Windows Update Assistant
1. Is it normal for Windows Update to take hours?
The components and files for a Windows update are large and take quite a while to download and install on your device. If the Windows Update Assistant freezes at 0% or 99% for less than 4 hours, it is normal. If the time frame is longer than that, though, you must assume that there is an issue with the update procedure.
2. Can I cancel a Windows Update?
Yes, you may cancel and upgrade; this will roll back any settings that have already been updated and remove the downloaded files.
Last Thoughts
This is as much as we discuss in our comprehensive guide. We believe your Windows Update Assistant is no longer stuck if you have read this far.
Reach out to us in the comment section and tell us what solution worked for you.