\n
Why Do Windows Updates Take Too Long to Complete?<\/h2>\n
\nThe exact amount of time it takes to download and install Windows updates depends on these factors:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- The size of the update<\/li>\n
- The number of updates<\/li>\n
- Your computer’s condition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nSome updates are usually large and, therefore, take longer to download and install. The same applies to installing two or more updates since that gives Windows plenty of work to do. You should also expect a bigger delay if your PC is usually slow or doesn’t have much disk space.<\/p>\n
The installation process normally takes about five minutes. However, this may escalate up to two hours depending on the aforementioned factors.<\/p>\n
If your computer is taking too long to finish the installation but is showing progress on the screen, be patient.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, the installation percentage may get stuck at one number before speeding through the remaining part. So, always give the process some time before concluding that it’s stuck.<\/p>\n
However, if the device is stuck on the same loop or percentage for several hours, then that’s a problem.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nTo help prevent such issues, ensure your drivers are always up to date. Auslogics Driver Updater<\/a> can assist by automatically detecting outdated drivers and updating them to the latest versions. This can improve system performance and reduce update times. <\/div>\r\n\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n
\nRelated:<\/strong>How to Fix Windows Update Error 80004002?<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhat Happens If You Turn Computer Off During Update?<\/h2>\n
\nIf you switch off your device while it’s downloading updates, the process immediately stops but can be resumed later. However, if the abrupt shutdown corrupts the already downloaded files, you will have to restart the process.<\/p>\n
There are two stages of updating Windows 10\/11:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- The first is the downloading stage which brings in new software updates. When you shut down your computer at this stage, you don’t have to worry about any harm since the new files may be backed up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nThe system will automatically resume the downloads when your computer is back on. However, sometimes, the files or data may be lost or corrupted, and you will have to restart the download.\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- When your PC shuts down during the second stage (installation stage), the process will stop and resume when your computer is back on. Apart from a few glitches, it will not do any damage to your PC. After downloading the updates, you always have the option to schedule a computer restart or restart immediately to incorporate the updates. So, you can always restart the updates if your PC shuts down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\tForce shutting may cause crashes and data loss<\/div>\r\n\tIf you force a shutdown, you may experience crashes and data loss. These crashes occur when the operating system becomes corrupted, which increases the chances of your PC developing malfunctions.<\/p>\n
Your computer displays a blue screen during installation which says any of the following:<\/p>\n
“Getting Windows ready, don’t turn off your computer.”<\/p>\n
“Working on updates. Don’t turn off your PC. This will take a while.”<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n
You should note that Microsoft nowadays uses Component-Bases Servicing (CBS), which ensures a device can successfully boot up after being randomly shut down during the installation process.<\/p>\n
So, switching off your device during this stage might not harm your computer. However, there are still chances that it may still damage crucial data or, even worse, render your machine unbootable.<\/p>\n
\nAlso Read:<\/strong>[FIXED] Potential Windows Update Database Error Detected<\/a><\/p>\n
\nHow to Stop Windows 10\/11 Updates in Progress<\/h2>\n
\nMicrosoft recommends that you don’t turn off your computer during the installation phase to prevent damage. However, the updates might get stuck, leaving you no choice but to perform a hard shutdown.<\/p>\n
To do so, long-press the power button for about ten seconds. Then, wait for another 10-30 seconds and turn on the device.<\/p>\n
To troubleshoot the problem, use startup repair in Advanced Startup Options. These steps will guide you through the process:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press
Windows + I<\/code> to open the Settings menu.<\/li>\n- Click Update & Security<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
Update & Security<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Navigate to Recovery<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Navigate]()
Recovery<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Click Restart<\/em> now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
Restart<\/em> now\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Choose Troubleshoot<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Choose]()
Troubleshoot<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Click on Advanced<\/em> options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Select Startup Repair<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Then, wait for the process to complete.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nThis will fix any issue that was causing the device to get stuck on the blue screen.\n<\/p>\n
How to Stop Ongoing Windows 10\/11 Update<\/h2>\n
\nWhen your update is stuck on a loop, it is advisable to wait a little longer. However, if the process stagnates longer than expected, you should safely shut down your computer. Here is a simple approach to guide you:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- On your keyboard, press the
Ctrl + Alt + Delete<\/code> combination.<\/li>\n- The screen will turn blue and display several options.<\/li>\n
- Click on the power button in the bottom-right corner of your screen.<\/li>\n
- Next, choose either the Shut down<\/em> or the Restart<\/em> button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nAlternatively, you can follow these steps:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press the
Windows Key + D<\/code> combo to access your PC’s desktop.<\/li>\n- Then, press the
Alt + F4<\/code> keys at once.<\/li>\n- The shutdown menu will pop up on your screen. Click on the Shut down<\/em> option, then hit Enter<\/em>. Your Windows 11 PC will turn off without any issues.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\nIf you are having trouble booting your device, you may consider starting a Windows recovery process to repair your computer.\n<\/p>\n
When Is It Safe to Restart Your Computer When Updating Windows<\/h2>\n
\nWindows 10\/11 updates allow you to restart your PC after installing the program updates. Therefore, it is vital to restart your PC<\/a> once all the updates have been installed.<\/p>\n
That is, after the download and installation process to prevent interrupting the ongoing updates.<\/p>\n
In addition to saving your computer from damage, restarting when all the updates are ready helps you save time, as you won’t have to restart after every download.\n<\/p>\n
How to Stop Windows<\/strong> Updates from Downloading<\/h2>\n
\nThe following guides will help you permanently disable Windows updates on your computer. Note that using these procedures will also stop any updates downloads in progress and prevent the downloaded ones from being installed.\n<\/p>\n
Method 1: Stop the Windows update service<\/h3>\n
\nThe Windows Update service is usually responsible for downloading and installing the latest Windows updates on your computer. Disabling it would prevent your machine from downloading any updates.<\/p>\n
To stop the service, follow these instructions:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press the
Windows logo key + R<\/code> combination to open the Run dialog box.<\/li>\n- Type in
services.msc<\/code> and then click OK<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Open]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- When the services window opens, scroll down the list to locate Windows Update<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"When]()
Windows Update<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Right-click on it and choose Stop<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Right-click]()
Stop<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Wait for the process to complete, and then close the window.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Windows]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n
\nRelated:<\/strong>Ultimate Guide: How to Manually Check and Install Windows Updates<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMethod 2: Stop automatic maintenance<\/h3>\n
\nAutomatic maintenance is a feature that conducts security scanning and software updates. Stopping it helps block Windows updates from downloading or installing on your machine.<\/p>\n
You can disable Automatic maintenance by using this guide:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Use the
Window + S<\/code> key combo to bring up the Windows search bar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Use]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Type in the control panel<\/em> and then click Open<\/em> on the right menu pane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Click System and Security.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
System and Security<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- On the new window, choose Maintenance<\/em> on the right pane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Choose]()
Maintenance<\/em> on the right pane\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Now, select Stop Maintenance<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Select]()
Stop Maintenance<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nHow to stop automatic maintenance on Windows 10 Professional <\/strong><\/p>\n
If you use Windows 10 Professional and want to stop an update download in progress, you can do so via the Group Policy Editor. Here is how to go about it:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press the
Windows logo + X<\/code> keyboard combo to open the Power User menu and choose Run.<\/li>\n- Type in
gpedit.msc<\/code> and hit Enter<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Go to Computer Configuration<\/em> and choose Administrative Templates.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Choose]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Click on Windows Components<\/em> and then select Windows Update.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
Windows Components<\/em> and then select Windows Update<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Locate the Configure Automatic Updates option and double-click on it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Locate]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Choose Disabled<\/em> under the Configure Automatic Updates<\/em> section.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Choose]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Click on the Apply<\/em> button and then select OK<\/em> to save the modifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n
\nAlso Read:<\/strong>How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070057<\/a><\/p>\n
\nHow to Pause Windows 10\/11 Update<\/h2>\n
\nWindows 10\/11 updates ensure your operating system is working optimally by fixing bugs and introducing new efficient features. However, some errors have been noticed with incoming updates.<\/p>\n
So, if you prefer to delay the updates for a week or two to confirm if they are safe, you will have to deactivate automatic updates. You can follow these simple steps to pause all updates:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Open your device settings by clicking the Windows icon on your taskbar, then the Settings<\/em> application.<\/li>\n
- Navigate to the Windows Update<\/em> option on the left menu pane and open it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Steps]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- If there are any pending updates, they will be listed at the top of your screen. Otherwise, clicking the Check for updates<\/em> button will show any awaiting updates. If not, you will see the You’re up to date<\/em> text.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Navigate]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Below this information, you will notice a Pause updates<\/em> option. On its right, there is a button labeled Pause for 1 week<\/em>. Clicking the Pause updates<\/em> option will pause the updates for a week. If you want to delay for longer than one week, click on Pause for 1 week<\/em> to allow you to choose the duration you prefer.<\/li>\n
- To resume updates, you need to click on the Resume updates<\/em> button that replaces the Check for updates<\/em> button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nFurther Reading:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Windows Update Troubleshooter: Easily Fixing Windows Update Issues<\/a><\/p>\n
\nBonus Tip: Update Your Device Drivers<\/h2>\n
\nIf you think long Windows updates are annoying, you have clearly not encountered system crashes caused by outdated drivers. Your operating system relies on drivers to communicate with the hardware to ensure excellent performance.<\/p>\n
When these drivers become outdated or corrupted, they stop working correctly, triggering freezing and crashing problems on your PC. This gets worse if there are several obsolete drivers on your machine.<\/p>\n
\nAlso read: <\/strong>How to Check if My Drivers Are Up to Date on Windows 10 PC?<\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n\nTo prevent this, you should regularly update your device drivers, either manually or automatically. Experts recommend the latter as it’s much easier and more reliable, but we will show you how to do both.<\/p>\n
To manually update a driver<\/a>, follow this procedure:\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Go to the Windows search box and type in device manager.<\/em><\/li>\n
- Click on Device Manager.<\/em><\/li>\n
- When a new window appears, double-click on a section. Then, right-click on a device<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Right-click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Choose Update driver.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Choose]()
Update driver<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Next, click on the Search automatically for drivers<\/em> link<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nThen, wait for the driver to be brought up to date. Once done, reboot your machine.<\/p>\n
Automatically update your drivers using Auslogics Driver Updater<\/strong><\/p>\n
For the automatic approach, you will require an automatic driver updater such as Auslogics Driver Updater<\/a>. This simple tool quickly scans your Windows PC and then provides a report of all the corrupted, missing, and outdated drivers it finds.<\/p>\n
- Next, click on the Search automatically for drivers<\/em> link<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click on Device Manager.<\/em><\/li>\n
- To resume updates, you need to click on the Resume updates<\/em> button that replaces the Check for updates<\/em> button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Below this information, you will notice a Pause updates<\/em> option. On its right, there is a button labeled Pause for 1 week<\/em>. Clicking the Pause updates<\/em> option will pause the updates for a week. If you want to delay for longer than one week, click on Pause for 1 week<\/em> to allow you to choose the duration you prefer.<\/li>\n
- Navigate to the Windows Update<\/em> option on the left menu pane and open it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Open your device settings by clicking the Windows icon on your taskbar, then the Settings<\/em> application.<\/li>\n
- Click on the Apply<\/em> button and then select OK<\/em> to save the modifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Choose Disabled<\/em> under the Configure Automatic Updates<\/em> section.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Locate the Configure Automatic Updates option and double-click on it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click on Windows Components<\/em> and then select Windows Update.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Type in
- Press the
- Now, select Stop Maintenance<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- On the new window, choose Maintenance<\/em> on the right pane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click System and Security.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Type in the control panel<\/em> and then click Open<\/em> on the right menu pane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Use the
- Wait for the process to complete, and then close the window.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Right-click on it and choose Stop<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Type in
- Then, press the
- On your keyboard, press the
- Then, wait for the process to complete.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Select Startup Repair<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click on Advanced<\/em> options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Choose Troubleshoot<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click Restart<\/em> now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click Update & Security<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Press
- When your PC shuts down during the second stage (installation stage), the process will stop and resume when your computer is back on. Apart from a few glitches, it will not do any damage to your PC. After downloading the updates, you always have the option to schedule a computer restart or restart immediately to incorporate the updates. So, you can always restart the updates if your PC shuts down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The first is the downloading stage which brings in new software updates. When you shut down your computer at this stage, you don’t have to worry about any harm since the new files may be backed up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/eappqo5j.png\")
Update & Security<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Navigate](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/kyggvdrp.png\")
Recovery<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/t29bmta4.png\")
Restart<\/em> now\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/1dsxwpp9.png\")
Troubleshoot<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/g41du19v.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/g41du19v-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Open](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/2xi1dha8.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"When](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/usk3x5x6.png\")
Windows Update<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Right-click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/7vd951jz.png\")
Stop<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Windows](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/l1gdnkhg.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Use](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/o4y4cnby.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Type](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/k5tb15df.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/1de49g6c.png\")
System and Security<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/1hpw6j9j.png\")
Maintenance<\/em> on the right pane\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/j2p02dbe.png\")
Stop Maintenance<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Type](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/a2lvr5ll.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/olbaw09t.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/esdszcsf.png\")
Windows Components<\/em> and then select Windows Update<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Locate](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/nfjq1anb.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/g9xfpl87.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/qm1pzwf8.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Steps](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/bt2vk7bk.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Navigate](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/6x60ra4g.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Right-click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/m3y2b3hm.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/ap5glwib.png\")
Update driver<\/em>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/hg2p2nij.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n