Introduction

Few things are more frustrating than watching a Windows 11 update freeze during installation. Many users see the message “Updates are underway” for hours without progress, leaving them unsure whether the system is still working or completely stuck.

This issue can happen on desktops, laptops, gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally, and enterprise-managed devices. Sometimes the update hangs at 0%, while other systems freeze at 100% or enter a continuous reboot loop.

The good news is that most Windows 11 update problems can be fixed without reinstalling the operating system. In this guide, you will learn why the problem happens, how long updates normally take, and the best methods to fix a stuck Windows 11 update safely.

Quick Answer

If Windows 11 is stuck on “Updates are underway,” wait at least 30–60 minutes first. If there is no disk activity or progress afterward:

1. Force restart the PC
2. Boot into Windows Recovery
3. Run Startup Repair
4. Clear Windows Update cache
5. Use DISM and SFC repair commands
6. Retry the update

Most update freezes are caused by corrupted update files, driver conflicts, or interrupted installations.

Table of Contents

1. Why Windows 11 Updates Get Stuck
2. Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck How Long
3. Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck at 0
4. Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck at 100
5. Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck Loop
6. Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck Laptop
7. Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck ROG Ally
8. Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck Reddit Discussions
9. Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck 2025 vs 2026
10. Step-by-Step Fix Guide
11. Common Errors and Solutions
12. Best Practices and Pro Tips
13. Conclusion
14. FAQs

Why Windows 11 Updates Get Stuck

Windows updates involve multiple system-level operations, including:

• File replacement
• Driver installation
• Registry updates
• Security patch integration
• Servicing stack changes

If any process is interrupted, Windows may freeze during the update phase.

Common Causes

Corrupted Update Files

Damaged update downloads often cause installation failures.

Driver Conflicts

Graphics, chipset, or storage drivers can interfere with updates.

Low Disk Space

Insufficient storage can prevent updates from completing.

Interrupted Power

Unexpected shutdowns may corrupt update operations.

Antivirus Interference

Some third-party security software blocks system modifications.

Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck How Long

One of the most common questions users ask is how long they should wait before assuming the update is frozen.

Typical Update Time

Most Windows 11 updates complete within:

• 10–30 minutes on SSD systems
• 30–90 minutes on older HDD devices

Feature updates may take longer.

When It Is Probably Stuck

The update is likely frozen if:

• No percentage changes occur for over an hour
• Disk activity stops completely
• Fans and storage LEDs remain inactive
• The system repeatedly reboots

Always give Windows enough time before force restarting.

Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck at 0

Updates freezing at 0% usually indicate download or initialization issues.

Common Reasons

• Corrupted SoftwareDistribution cache
• Windows Update service problems
• Network interruptions
• Broken update metadata

Quick Fixes

Restart Windows Update Services

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

Then restart them:

net start wuauserv
net start bits

Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck at 100

This situation is extremely common. Windows may appear frozen at 100% even while finalizing installation tasks.

Why It Happens

At 100%, Windows is often:

• Configuring drivers
• Migrating settings
• Updating boot files
• Applying security changes

What You Should Do

Wait at least another 30 minutes before restarting.

If the PC remains stuck for several hours:

1. Hold the power button
2. Restart the computer
3. Let Windows attempt automatic repair

Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck Loop

Some devices continuously restart and display the same update screen repeatedly.

This is called an update loop.

Common Causes

• Failed cumulative update
• Corrupted boot configuration
• Broken system files
• Incompatible drivers

Signs of a Loop

• Endless restarting
• “Undoing changes made to your computer”
• Repeated update retries

Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck Laptop

Laptops often experience update issues because of:

• Battery optimization settings
• Sleep mode interruptions
• Limited storage
• OEM drivers

Laptop-Specific Tips

Keep the Charger Connected

Power interruptions during updates can corrupt Windows.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup occasionally causes update conflicts.

Free Storage Space

Maintain at least 20–30 GB free space for major updates.

Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck ROG Ally

Gaming handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally sometimes encounter update problems because of:

• GPU driver conflicts
• Gaming overlays
• Firmware dependencies
• AMD graphics updates

Recommended Fixes for ROG Ally

Update Armoury Crate

Install the latest ASUS software updates before Windows updates.

Disconnect External Accessories

Remove docks, controllers, and external monitors during installation.

Install BIOS Updates

Outdated firmware may create compatibility issues.

Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck Reddit Discussions

Many Reddit users report similar Windows 11 update problems.

Common community-recommended fixes include:

• Booting into Safe Mode
• Clearing Windows Update cache
• Using DISM and SFC repairs
• Disconnecting USB devices
• Performing in-place upgrades

While Reddit troubleshooting threads can be helpful, always verify commands before using them in enterprise environments.

Updates Are Underway Windows 11 Stuck 2025 vs 2026

Windows update servicing has improved significantly between 2025 and 2026 builds.

Improvements in 2026

Microsoft improved:

• Servicing stack reliability
• Rollback handling
• Driver compatibility
• Update recovery systems

However, large cumulative updates can still freeze occasionally.

For enterprise update management improvements, see:

• Windows 11 KB5089573 Update Features Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Stuck Windows 11 Update

Method 1: Wait Patiently

Do not immediately force restart the PC.

Large updates sometimes appear frozen while still processing.

Method 2: Force Restart

If the system remains frozen for several hours:

1. Hold the power button for 10 seconds
2. Turn the PC back on
3. Allow Windows to repair itself

Method 3: Boot Into Safe Mode

Steps

1. Interrupt startup three times
2. Open Windows Recovery Environment
3. Select:
   • Troubleshoot
   • Advanced Options
   • Startup Settings
4. Press F4 for Safe Mode

Method 4: Run DISM and SFC

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Then run:

sfc /scannow

These tools repair damaged Windows components.

Method 5: Clear Windows Update Cache

Stop Services

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

Delete Cache Folder

Delete contents inside:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

Restart Services

net start wuauserv
net start bits

Method 6: Use Startup Repair

From Recovery Environment:

1. Choose Troubleshoot
2. Open Advanced Options
3. Select Startup Repair

Windows will attempt automatic repairs.

Common Errors and Fixes

Error: Black Screen After Update

Fix:

• Disconnect external monitors
• Restart graphics drivers
• Boot into Safe Mode

Error: Undoing Changes

Fix:

• Remove recent drivers
• Clear update cache
• Retry installation

Error: Infinite Restart Loop

Fix:

• Run Startup Repair
• Restore previous restore point
• Use DISM repair

Error: Low Disk Space

Fix:

• Delete temporary files
• Empty recycle bin
• Move large files externally

For storage cleanup help, you can also read:

• How to Check Disk Space on Mac (Complete Guide)

Best Practices / Pro Tips

Keep Drivers Updated

Outdated drivers are a major cause of update failures.

Avoid Interrupting Updates

Never force shutdown unless absolutely necessary.

Disconnect Unnecessary Hardware

External USB devices sometimes interfere with updates.

Use SSD Storage

SSD-based systems update much faster and more reliably.

Keep Taskbar and UI Settings Stable

Unsupported UI modifications can occasionally affect Windows stability.

For customization tips, read:

• Windows 11 Move Taskbar to Left Guide

Conclusion

The “Updates are underway” Windows 11 stuck issue can look alarming, but it is usually repairable. In many cases, patience alone solves the problem because Windows continues processing updates in the background.

When the system truly freezes, tools like Startup Repair, Safe Mode, DISM, and SFC can restore normal operation without reinstalling Windows.

Whether you are troubleshooting a laptop, enterprise workstation, gaming PC, or ROG Ally, following structured recovery steps greatly improves your chances of success.

Keeping Windows updated, maintaining free storage space, and avoiding unsupported system tweaks can also reduce future update problems.

FAQs

1. How long should Windows 11 updates take?

Most updates complete within 10–90 minutes depending on hardware speed and update size.

2. Is it safe to force restart during “Updates are underway”?

Only after waiting a reasonable amount of time. Force restarting too early may corrupt Windows files.

3. Why is Windows 11 stuck at 100%?

Windows may still be configuring drivers or applying system changes even after reaching 100%.

4. Can corrupted updates cause boot loops?

Yes. Failed updates can trigger endless restart loops or recovery mode.

5. How do I fix Windows 11 update loops?

Use Safe Mode, Startup Repair, DISM, SFC scans, and clear the Windows Update cache.