How to Resolve Windows 11 Update Stuck at 0% | 4 Effective Methods

Updated by

Tracy King 

Updated on May 11, 2024

The Windows 11 update process closely resembles its preceding versions, albeit with fewer issues. However, one persistent problem remains: updates can get stuck. If you notice no progress in the progress bar or, more frustratingly, it remains frozen at 99% for an extended period, it's time to troubleshoot. In this article, we will delve into the issue of Windows 11 updates getting stuck, its underlying causes, and provide several solutions. Follow these recommendations to overcome any obstacles and securely install the Windows 11 update on your computer.

Why Does the Windows 11 Update Get Stuck?

Several factors can be responsible for causing this issue, and the type of approach needed to fix them also varies. It could be your internet connection that's prolonging the download time or you might run out of storage space during updates, and so on.

Unstable Internet Connection

It is the culprit behind most 'update getting stuck' issues. The same applies to the installation of the Windows 11 update. An unstable internet connection, apart from being a direct cause, can spawn further reasons. An unreliable network can result in errors during the download process of the update or corruption of the downloaded files, leading to the update becoming stuck.

Unstable Power Supply

Although less common than other causes mentioned in this section, an unstable power supply can also result in Windows 11 updates becoming stuck on your PC. Windows 11 updates often install during boot. If the power supply is unreliable, it might interrupt the installation process, causing the update to become stuck at a particular stage.

"Insufficient Storage"

Windows updates, particularly version upgrades like Windows 11, require substantial storage space for installation. The Windows 11 ISO file is over 4.5 GB in size. It initially gets downloaded on the system drive and then decompressed to initiate the update process. Insufficient storage on the system drive can be one reason why the Windows 11 update might get stuck. Hence, it's essential to free up adequate storage space before beginning the update to ensure its successful completion.

Corrupted ISO File

An unstable internet connection might be to blame, but occasionally the downloaded file could be damaged. The update process can become stuck if the Windows ISO file is corrupted or incompatible for some reason. The ISO file is crucial for the installation of Windows 11, and any corruption in it will lead to difficulties during the installation process.

Read Also:

How to Fix Windows 11 Update Stuck at 100% | Full Guide

The Windows 11 update download process might freeze at 100% when upgrading to Windows 11. Fortunately, this guide provides effective and quick solutions to resolve the Windows 11 stuck at 100% error.

Now that you know the reasons behind this issue, share this article to inform more users about it!

How Do I Know If My Windows 11 Update Is Stuck?

Before assuming that the Windows 11 update is stuck and attempting solutions to fix it, it's crucial to confirm the issue. Here are some recognized signs indicating a frozen update installation process:

1. Stuck at Downloading: 0%, 90%, 100%, etc. or not progressing

If your Windows 11 update is stuck at a specific percentage while downloading files during the entire process, it could indicate a stuck update installation. Allow some time to confirm whether the download appears to be frozen at a particular point or hasn't progressed at all, despite having a stable internet connection.

2. Windows 11 download completes at 100% but doesn't proceed to the next stage, it hangs for hours.

It's safe to assume that your Windows 11 update is stuck if the download reaches 100% and there's no progress for hours. Normally, the installation would proceed to the next phase once the download reaches 100%, but if that doesn't occur and your computer remains frozen for an extended period, you might need to restart the update process.

3. Windows 11 update is stuck and not progressing

The Windows 11 update process may take some time to finish, but it shouldn't take hours. If your update installation is taking an excessively long time, it could be stuck, and you'll need to attempt the remedies outlined in this article to resolve the issue.

How to Resolve the Windows 11 Update Stuck (0%, 11%, 99%, 100%) Issue

As mentioned earlier, the approach to fixing the issue may vary depending on the cause. Before diving into the actual solutions, here are some quick tips you can attempt:

Here are the translations of the provided language snippets into English: 1.  Disable and Enable Windows Update Service 2.  Reset Windows Update Components 3.  Temporarily Turn Off Firewall 4.  Disconnect External Storage Devices

If these tips aren't helping, try these more impactful solutions. Follow them one at a time, and check after each step to see if the update starts progressing.

Method 1: Check and Fix Unstable Network Connection, Power Supply Translation: Method 1: Inspect and Resolve Unstable Network Connection, Power Supply Issues

Earlier, we mentioned that an unstable internet connection or an unstable power supply might cause the Windows 11 update to get stuck. Here are some steps you can take to check and resolve these issues:

Unstable internet connection: Verify your internet connection. If it's working properly, disconnect your PC, restart it, and reconnect. If possible, use an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection. The likelihood of the Windows 11 update getting stuck is lower with a stable internet connection. Attempt to connect to a different network. Ensure your PC is connected to a reliable internet connection throughout the update installation process.

Unstable power supply: This issue can also cause the Windows 11 update to get stuck. Disconnect your PC from the power source and examine it carefully. Ensure that the power supply is functioning properly, and then reconnect your PC. If the power source you were using is even slightly unreliable, consider using a different power outlet.

Method 2: Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder and Redownload Windows 11

The Windows Update Agent is responsible for managing the SoftwareDistribution folder, which is crucial for Windows 11 updates. Normally, you wouldn't need to interfere with this folder, but occasionally, you may need to empty its contents to prompt Windows to restart downloading updates. When Windows detects that the folder is empty, it will automatically re-download all necessary content at a later time. Therefore, there's no cause for concern. To safely clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, carefully follow these steps:

Open Start and search for Command Prompt. Right-click on it and select "Run as administrator."

• Type the command: net stop wuauserv and press Enter. This will stop the Windows Update Service.

Here's the translation of the given text into English:
• Type the command: net stop bits and press Enter. This will stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).

Open This PC by pressing Windows + E and navigate to the following location: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

Select all of the contents you see in the SoftwareDistribution folder by pressing Ctrl + A and delete them. Restart the computer and repeat the process mentioned if you encounter any trouble while deleting the files.

Next, we need to start the two services that we stopped at the beginning of this process.

Type this command into the Command Prompt and press Enter: net start wuauserv

Type this command and press Enter: net start bits

Re-download Windows 11. Ensure that you verify the files and download it using a stable internet connection.

Method 3: Expanding the System Partition with Adequate Space

Inspect your C drive or the location where Windows is installed to determine if there's sufficient space available for installing the Windows 11 update. If there isn't enough space, you can free up space by adjusting partitions or uninstalling some applications, as well as clearing out your download folder.

There are numerous software options available online to assist you with this task, but we recommend utilizing the tool Partition Master. With the help of the Partition Master tool, you can effortlessly expand the storage capacity of your C drive and proceed with the Windows 11 update process smoothly.

Option 1. Extend the System C drive with unallocated space

1. 1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move."
2. 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space to add it to the C: drive, then click "OK."
3. 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to execute the operations and extend the C drive.

Option 2. Extend System C drive without unallocated space This option refers to expanding the System C drive (typically the primary partition where the operating system is installed) even if there is no contiguous unallocated space available on the hard disk. In such a scenario, the operating system would need to move data around to create room for the expansion, effectively reallocating existing partitions to make space for the C drive extension. This process usually requires specialized software or tools provided by the operating system, like Windows' built-in Disk Management utility, to perform the complex data rearrangement safely.

1. Right-click a large partition with sufficient free space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space". 2. In the "Allocate Space From (*) To" section, select the system drive, then drag the end of the System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Execute Task". It will display the pending operations. Click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend System Drive with Unallocated Space; 0:27-0:58 Extend System Drive without Unallocated Space.

Method 4: Installing Windows 11 from a Bootable USB

This solution enables you to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 on your system using an external bootable USB drive. To accomplish this, you'll require software, and we recommend utilizing the Win11 Builder tool.

You can use this software to download the Windows 11 update onto an external drive and then use it to install the update on your PC at a later time. Win11 Builder is a useful tool that minimizes the likelihood of encountering an error where the update process becomes stuck.

Step 1. Launch OS2Go after installation, and click Windows Install Drive Creator. The system information is displayed on the home screen, which updates continually. Besides Windows 11, the Win11 builder also allows you to download Windows 10 and Windows 8.1.

Step 2. Plug your USB flash drive into your computer. Win11 Builder will automatically detect your USB device, so simply click the Create button.

Step 3. If your USB drive has been used before, the program will erase all the data on it. When the downloading starts, just wait until it finishes or you can leave to do other tasks.

Step 4. Once the Windows 11 ISO image has been downloaded successfully onto the USB drive, proceed to install Windows 11 from the bootable USB drive on your computer by following the installation wizard step by step.

Step 6. Once the USB is ready, restart your PC and enter the BIOS or UEFI. Here, you'll need to change the boot order. Instead of booting from the HDD, select the USB drive. Once done, save the changes and exit.

Step 7. The computer will boot from the USB drive, and the Windows 11 installation should commence. Ensure you select the same system drive where Windows 10 was installed. If you're installing it on a new PC, confirm that you have sufficient storage. Follow the setup wizard and finish the installation process.

Conclusion

Windows 11 is about to become available for installation and update on virtually all Windows 10 systems. Now, you might encounter the issue of the Windows 11 update getting stuck due to various reasons. In this article, we've discussed the possible causes and solutions to this problem. With that said, we'll wrap up this article, hoping it was helpful to you.