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How to Fix Windows 10 Upgrade Hangs at Checking for Updates Error: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Upgrading Windows 10 can sometimes get stuck at the “Checking for Updates” screen. This issue can be frustrating, especially when it halts your progress for a long time. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to fix this problem and get your update process back on track.

This guide will walk you through easy steps to troubleshoot and resolve the upgrade hang issue. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

Before trying advanced fixes, it’s best to start with the most common and straightforward solutions. This ensures you don’t miss simple problems that might be causing the delay.

By the end of this article, you will know how to tackle the update hang and get your Windows 10 system updated smoothly.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into solutions, make sure:

  • Your internet connection is stable and working properly. Windows needs internet access to check for updates.
  • Your computer is plugged into a power source to avoid interruptions during the update.
  • You have enough free disk space. Windows requires several gigabytes of free space to download and install updates.
  • Any antivirus or firewall software is temporarily disabled, as these can sometimes block update services.
  • Windows Update services are running (this will be checked in the steps below).

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches causing the update to hang. Restarting refreshes system processes and can resolve minor issues without further intervention.

  1. Click on the Start menu.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Choose Restart.
  4. After reboot, try checking for updates again.

Step 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to detect and fix common update problems automatically.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I keys.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. From the left menu, select Troubleshoot.
  4. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
  5. Find Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions. The tool will scan for issues and apply fixes if possible.
  7. Once done, restart your PC and check for updates again.

Step 3: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Windows stores update files in a cache folder. Sometimes, corrupted files here cause the update process to hang. Clearing this cache forces Windows to download fresh update files.

How to clear the update cache:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, locate Windows Update.
  4. Right-click it and select Stop. This temporarily stops the service.
  5. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDownload.
  6. Select all files and folders inside the Download folder and delete them.
  7. Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
  8. Close everything and try updating Windows again.

Why this helps: Removing old update files fixes issues caused by corrupted downloads or incomplete updates.

Step 4: Reset Windows Update Components

If clearing the cache doesn’t help, resetting the entire update system can solve deeper problems. This involves stopping services, renaming system folders related to updates, and restarting services.

Manual reset steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

After completing these commands, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer. Try running Windows Update again.

Explanation: Renaming these folders forces Windows to recreate fresh update data and clears any corruption.

Step 5: Check Your System Date and Time Settings

An incorrect date or time can interfere with Windows Update servers and cause the process to hang.

  1. Right-click on the clock in the taskbar and select Adjust date/time.
  2. Make sure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are turned on.
  3. If they are already on, try toggling them off and on again.
  4. Click Sync now under Synchronize your clock.
  5. Restart your PC and attempt the update again.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

Some third-party programs can interfere with Windows Update. Performing a clean boot starts Windows with only essential services, helping identify if another app is causing the hang.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services at the bottom.
  4. Click Disable all.
  5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  6. In Task Manager, disable all startup items by selecting each and clicking Disable.
  7. Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
  8. Restart your PC and try running Windows Update.

If the update works, some disabled program is causing the issue. You can re-enable services and startup items one by one to find the culprit.

Step 7: Use the Media Creation Tool to Upgrade

If Windows Update still hangs, you can manually upgrade Windows 10 using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. This bypasses the usual update method and installs the latest version directly.

  1. Visit the official Microsoft website: Windows 10 Download Page.
  2. Download the Media Creation Tool.
  3. Run the tool and select Upgrade this PC now.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade process.

This method is reliable when Windows Update itself is not functioning properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Windows 10 hang at “Checking for Updates”?

Common reasons include corrupted update files, network problems, conflicts with third-party software, or system service issues.

How long should the “Checking for Updates” screen take?

Usually, a few minutes. If it stays stuck for over an hour, it likely indicates a problem.

Will deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder cause data loss?

No. This folder only stores temporary update files. Deleting it forces Windows to download fresh files.

Can antivirus software cause update problems?

Yes. Sometimes antivirus programs block update services. Temporarily disabling them during updates can help.

Is it safe to use the Media Creation Tool?

Yes, it’s an official Microsoft tool designed for updating Windows safely.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the issue, consider these options:

  • Run the Microsoft Windows Update Troubleshooter from the official support site.
  • Check the Microsoft Support forums for help with specific error codes.
  • Perform a system restore to a point before the update issue started.
  • Consider resetting Windows 10 while keeping your files (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC).
  • As a last resort, back up your data and perform a clean installation of Windows 10.

Conclusion

Windows 10 hanging at the “Checking for Updates” screen is a common but solvable problem. Starting with simple steps like restarting your PC or running the troubleshooter can quickly resolve the issue. If needed, clearing the update cache, resetting update components, or performing a clean boot can fix deeper problems.

For persistent issues, using the Media Creation Tool offers a reliable alternative to upgrade your system manually. Always ensure your system date and time are correct and your internet connection is stable before troubleshooting.

By following these detailed steps, you can overcome the upgrade hang and keep your Windows 10 system up to date and secure.

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