How to Reset Windows Update When It's Stuck

If Windows Update is stuck checking for updates or fails with an error, the fix is usually resetting the update components rather than reinstalling Windows.

Step 1: Run the built-in troubleshooter

Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters and run Windows Update.

Step 2: Reset the update services manually

If the troubleshooter doesn’t help, stop the wuauserv, cryptSvc, bits, and msiserver services, rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, then restart the services.

Step 3: Retry

Reboot and check for updates again.