Windows Update Problems: What to Do When Updates Fail

Windows Update failing is one of the most common issues Darren sees across Okehampton and Devon. Here's how to resolve the most frequent problems.

Update stuck or stalling

If an update appears stuck at a percentage for more than an hour, don't panic and don't force restart. Wait another hour — some updates genuinely take a long time. If it truly hasn't moved in two hours, a forced restart is unlikely to cause permanent damage, but try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter first (search for it in Settings).

Error codes

Windows Update error codes like 0x80070057 or 0x800f0922 look alarming but often have simple fixes. The Windows Update Troubleshooter resolves many of them automatically. For persistent errors, clearing the Windows Update cache (deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder) often helps.

Update causing problems after installation

If your computer slows down, a device stops working, or the computer crashes after an update, the update may have introduced a driver conflict. Go to Windows Update → View Update History → Uninstall Updates, and remove the most recent one. Windows will reinstall it later once the issue is fixed by Microsoft.