- The screen says "Working on updates. Don't turn off your computer" and hasn't moved
- Updates fail with an error
- It keeps asking to restart to install updates
- Plug a laptop into its charger. A laptop that runs flat mid-update causes problems.
The Windows key is the key with the four-squares logo, usually bottom left between Ctrl and Alt. When a step says Windows key + I, hold the Windows key down, tap I once, then let go of both.
Stuck on "Working on updates"
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Give it time
Leave it for at least 2 hours. Big updates on older computers with hard drives can take longer. Signs it's still working: the percentage creeps up, the dots keep spinning, or the drive light flickers.
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If nothing has changed for 3 hours or more
Hold the power button down for 10 seconds until the computer switches off. Wait 30 seconds, then switch it on.
Usually the update either finishes or Windows says it's "undoing changes". Both are fine: let it get back to the desktop.
Updates keep failing
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Restart, then try again
Start → Power → Restart. Then Windows key + I → Windows Update (Windows 10: Update & Security → Windows Update) → Check for updates.
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Make sure there's enough space
Updates need room to unpack. Aim for at least 20GB free. The "Free up space" steps in the slow computer guide help.
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Check the internet isn't set to "metered"
Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → click your network name → make sure Metered connection is off. When it's on, Windows holds back updates to save data.
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Run the update troubleshooter
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run. (Windows 10: Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.)
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Windows 11: repair with Windows Update
Settings → System → Recovery → Fix problems using Windows Update → Reinstall now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files, apps and settings. It takes an hour or two.
Back up anything important first, just in case. Backup guide
- The computer restarts over and over, or shows "Automatic Repair" or a blue screen
- It's been stuck overnight and holding the power button didn't help
- Updates have failed for more than a month
Still stuck? I'm happy to help.
If this didn't sort it, or you'd rather not do it yourself, get in touch. I cover Sheffield S20 and the surrounding areas.
Did this guide help? These guides are free for everyone. If it saved you a call-out, you can say thanks with a coffee.
Buy me a coffeeThese guides are general advice for home users, checked in September 2026. Menus can differ slightly between versions of Windows and between phone makers. If something looks different or you're unsure, stop and ask rather than guessing. Parmar Tech Solutions can't accept responsibility for problems caused by following these steps, so please back up anything important first.