Windows Update Failed or Stuck: Fix

Short answer: When Windows Update fails or stalls, Microsoft recommends a few checks before trying again.

TL;DR: quick fix

Make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough free space.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Unplug unnecessary external hardware.

Is Windows 11 down?

Windows 11 has no public status page. If friends on other networks see the same problem, it's probably an outage: wait and retry.

How to fix it: step by step

Make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough free space.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Unplug unnecessary external hardware.
Restart and try Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates again.

FAQ

Is it safe to restart during an update?

Avoid turning off the PC while an update is installing.

More Windows 11 fixes

Windows 11 Not Connecting to Wi-Fi: Fixes
Windows 11 Not Detecting Second Monitor

Last checked Oct 2026 against the official help page: Microsoft Support. Menus can differ by app version; follow the official page if a step doesn't match.