Windows 10 Creators Update installation stuck [Fix]

The Creators Update is finally obtainable trough the Windows Update feature. The long awaited major build improves a lot of things while maintaining the primary idea behind Windows 10 at the same time. With the more creative approach, users around the world should be satisfied with offered innovations.

However, it’s hard to see the changes for yourself if you’re unable to download the given update. Namely, numerous users around the globe reported that the installation process gets stuck, as they’re unable to download and install the Creators Update properly. If you’re one of them, follow the instructions below to resolve this issue.

What to do if Windows Creators Update gets stuck in Windows 10

Make sure you have enough space

First thing first. The Creators Update takes around 10 GB of storage space in the system partition. So, it’s highly advisable to delete or transfer any non-system files to other partition in order to make the space for the latest update.

Another thing you should consider before updating is the cleanup of the temporary files. Namely, those are not space-consuming as one would imagine, but they can interfere with the update and create unusual problems. In order to perform a cleanup of your system partition, you can use a 3rd-party tool or a built-in system tool called Disk Cleanup. We’ll walk you trough the Disk Cleanup procedure, so follow the instructions below.

1. In the Windows Search bar, type Disk Cleanup and open the Disk Cleanup tool.
2. Select System partition.
3. Under Files to delete mark Temporary files (or any other file type from the list) by checking the box.
4. Click OK and the wait until the process is done.

Additionally, you can delete certain System files safely by following these steps.

1. In the Windows Search bar, type Disk Cleanup and open the Disk Cleanup tool.
2. Select System partition.
3. Click on Clean up system files and check the boxes in front of files you want to clear.
4. Click OK and the wait until the process is done.

Disable Firewall and Antivirus software

Another Windows element that is widely acclaimed as the main culprit for update-related issues is a 3rd-party antivirus. Norton and McAfee are the first suspects, but even others aren’t trouble-free. So, in order to troubleshoot some of the update issues, your first step can also be disabling antivirus and that goes even for Windows Defender to some extent. If the problem is persistent, the uninstallation is the only viable solution.

Once you’ve disabled or uninstalled the troublesome antimalware software, you can try and disable the Windows Firewall temporarily. That can be done by following these instructions:

1. In the Windows Search bar, type Windows Firewall and open it.
2. Select Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
3. Disable Windows Firewall for both private and public networks.
4. Confirm selection and try updating again.

If you’re still unable to download Windows Creators Update or the installation is stuck, move on to the next steps on the list.

Restart Windows Update Services

Windows Update Services can be the culprit for this update issue. For no apparent reason, Windows Update Services may halt or perform poorly. You can use a batch file that will do this for you or do it manually. The thorough explanation related to this specific script can be found here.

On the other hand, if you’re used to a manual approach, these instructions should help you restart WUS by hand:

1. Right-click Start Menu and run Command Prompt (Admin).
2. In the command line type the following commands and press Enter after each:
   • net stop bits
   • net stop wuauserv
3. Now, close the Command Prompt and navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution.
4. Backup this folder and delete everything inside.
5. Restart the PC and try updating again.

If you performed this steps but to no avail, try out additional steps.

Install Update with Media Creation Tool

Besides the standard installation trough over-the-air Windows Update, you can obtain the Windows Creators Update trough the Media Creation tool, as well. This may take a bit more effort but it proved as a more reliable way on many occasions. This is how you can download and install Creators update with the Media Creation Tool.

1. Download Media Creation Tool here.
2. Backup your data from system partition and save your license key.
3. Start the tool and choose to Upgrade this PC now.
4. Accept the license terms.
5. After the installer is ready, choose to Keep personal files and apps.
6. The PC will restart few times and you’re good to go.

Have in mind that this process can be lengthy so prepare for waiting.

Clean reinstall your system

If the previous steps fall short, the last one should completely eradicate all update issues. With the previously mentioned Media Creation tool you can create an ISO file or a bootable USB. Once you’ve done that, it’s easy to reinstall the system. The detailed instructions can be found in this article. However, don’t forget to backup your data and license key. Additionally, we strongly advise you to perform clean reinstallation instead of an upgrade.

This should be it. Another step that is not exactly a solution but is an integral part of any Windows-related doings is patience. Sooner or later, you’ll be able to enjoy the improvements and features of Windows Creators Update.

If you have any questions, remarks, or alternative solutions we are looking forward to hearing from you.

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