Few things test patience like a Windows update that seems stuck forever. You sit down to finish work, restart your PC for a “quick update,” and suddenly you’re staring at “Working on updates… 27% complete” for what feels like hours. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Windows updates are essential for security, performance, and stability, but they don’t always go smoothly. Slow updates can waste time, interrupt productivity, and leave users unsure whether something is wrong or if they should just wait it out. The good news? In most cases, you can safely speed up Windows updates without risking your system.
This guide explains why Windows updates take so long, what’s normal, what’s not, and proven, safe ways to make updates faster—all without breaking your PC or violating best practices.
Why Windows Updates Sometimes Take Forever
Before fixing the problem, it helps to understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
Windows updates are not just simple downloads. They often include:
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Security patches
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Feature upgrades
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Driver updates
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Background system checks
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File replacements and cleanup tasks
If any part of this process slows down, the entire update can drag on.
Common Reasons for Slow Windows Updates
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Large feature updates (like major Windows version upgrades)
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Slow or unstable internet connection
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Low disk space
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Outdated or failing hardware
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Background apps consuming system resources
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Corrupted update files
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Antivirus or firewall interference
Knowing the cause helps you choose the right fix instead of guessing.
How Long Is “Too Long” for a Windows Update?
Not every slow update is a problem. Some updates genuinely need time.
What’s Normal
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Small security updates: 5–20 minutes
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Cumulative updates: 20–45 minutes
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Major feature updates: 45–90 minutes
What’s Not Normal
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No progress for over 2 hours
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PC stuck at the same percentage indefinitely
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Repeated restarts without progress
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Update fails, then retries endlessly
If your system falls into the second category, it’s time to take action.
Check Your Internet Connection First
This sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked.
Windows updates rely heavily on a stable connection. Even a fast connection can cause problems if it’s unstable.
What You Can Do
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Restart your router and modem
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Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet if possible
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Pause large downloads or streaming on other devices
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Avoid using VPNs during updates
A cleaner, more stable connection often speeds things up instantly.
Free Up Disk Space for Faster Updates
Windows updates need temporary space to unpack, install, and clean up files. If your drive is nearly full, updates will crawl—or fail entirely.
How to Safely Free Space
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Open Settings → System → Storage
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Run Storage Sense
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Delete temporary files
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Empty the Recycle Bin
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Remove unused apps
Aim for at least 20–30 GB of free space, especially before major updates.
Restart Windows Update Services
Sometimes updates are slow because a background service is stuck.
Safe Way to Reset Update Services
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Press Windows + R
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Type
services.mscand press Enter -
Restart these services:
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Windows Update
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Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
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Cryptographic Services
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This doesn’t delete files or harm your system—it simply refreshes the update process.
Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in tool designed specifically to fix update issues.
How to Run It
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Open Settings
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Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
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Click Windows Update
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Select Run
The troubleshooter automatically detects common problems and applies safe fixes without user risk.
Pause and Resume the Update (Yes, It Helps)
Pausing an update sounds counterproductive, but it often clears minor glitches.
Steps
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Go to Settings → Windows Update
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Click Pause updates for 7 days
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Restart your PC
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Resume updates after reboot
This forces Windows to refresh update components and re-establish clean connections.
Disable Heavy Background Apps Temporarily
Some applications quietly consume system resources, slowing everything down.
Apps That Often Cause Delays
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Cloud sync tools
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Video editors
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Virtual machines
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Large browsers with many tabs
Close unnecessary apps before running updates to give Windows full access to CPU and disk resources.
Update Windows During Off-Peak Hours
Microsoft servers can slow down during peak global usage times.
Best Times to Update
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Late night
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Early morning
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Weekdays instead of weekends
You can schedule updates so they don’t interrupt your work or leisure time.
Avoid Risky “Speed-Up” Myths
Not all advice online is safe. Some methods can actually damage your system.
What You Should Avoid
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Forcing shutdowns during updates
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Using third-party “update accelerators”
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Deleting system update folders manually without guidance
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Editing the registry unless you know exactly what you’re doing
Safe fixes focus on optimization—not force.
When a Slow Update Might Indicate a Bigger Problem
Occasionally, long update times are a symptom of deeper issues.
Warning Signs
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Frequent update failures
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Blue screens after updates
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Extremely slow boot times
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Disk usage stuck at 100%
If these occur repeatedly, consider:
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Running SFC /scannow
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Checking disk health
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Updating hardware drivers
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Consulting professional support
How to Prevent Slow Windows Updates in the Future
Prevention saves time and frustration.
Best Practices
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Keep at least 25% of your drive free
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Update regularly instead of delaying for months
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Maintain stable internet access
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Keep drivers updated
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Restart your PC weekly
Small habits lead to smoother updates long-term.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to turn off my PC during a Windows update?
No. Forcing a shutdown during an update can corrupt system files and cause boot issues. Always wait or troubleshoot safely.
2. Why does Windows update faster on some PCs than others?
Hardware differences matter. Faster SSDs, more RAM, and newer CPUs process updates significantly quicker than older systems.
3. Can antivirus software slow down Windows updates?
Yes. Some antivirus tools scan update files in real time. Temporarily disabling them during the update can help, but remember to re-enable afterward.
4. Should I manually download updates to speed things up?
In certain cases, yes. Downloading updates directly from Microsoft Update Catalog can bypass slow downloads, but it’s best for advanced users.
5. How often should I update Windows?
At least once a month. Regular updates are smaller and install faster than large, delayed upgrades.
Final Thoughts:
A slow Windows update doesn’t always mean something is broken—but it does mean your system needs attention. By understanding why updates slow down and applying safe, proven solutions, you can reduce wait times without risking system stability.
Focus on strong fundamentals: enough disk space, stable internet, minimal background activity, and regular maintenance. Avoid shortcuts that promise instant results but cause long-term problems.
Windows updates exist to protect and improve your system. With the right approach, they don’t have to steal your time—or your patience.