Windows 10 updates pending install? Fix them now [QUICK GUIDE]

Madalina Dinita
by Madalina Dinita
Managing Editor
0 Comments
Download PDF
Affiliate Disclosure
windows 10 update pending install

Windows 10 updates are automatically downloaded when available and are usually installed automatically. However, some users reported the downloaded updates‘ status to be pending. It seems that the updates simply stay idle and never actually install.

One user on Microsoft Answers described the issue as follows:

Hi,
I did a “Check for Updates” and there are several available. There is no Install Now button or anything like that. How can I force the update program to download and install these pending updates?
Thanks!

In order to fix this issue, we managed to come up with a few solutions that you should try.

How do I install pending updates in Windows 10?

1. Enable Automatic Updates immediate installation

  1. Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard > type services.msc in the Run box and hit Enter to open the Services window.
    services.msc run window windows 10 update pending install
  2. Right-click Windows Update > select Proprieties.
    properties windows update service windows 10 update pending install
  3. Set the Startup type to Automatic from the drop-down menu > click OK.
    startup type automatic windows 10 update pending install
  4. Right-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service > select Proprieties.
  5. Set the Startup type to Automatic from the drop-down menu > click OK.
  6. Right-click Cryptographic Service > select Proprieties.
  7. Set the Startup type to Automatic from the drop-down menu > click OK.
  8. Restart your PC and see if it fixed the issue.

Can’t install Windows updates? You won’t believe how easy is to fix that

2. Make system changes through the Command Prompt

  1. Type command prompt in the search box, then right-click Command Prompt in the results and select Run as administrator.
    command prompt run as administrator windows 10 update pending install
  2. Now you have to input the following commands in the Command Prompt, pressing Enter after each:
    • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop cryptSvc
    • net stop bits
    • net stop msiserver
    • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
    • net start wuauserv
    • net start cryptSvc
    • net start bits
    • net start msiserver
  3. You can also automate this process and make it a lot faster by using Windows Update reset script.

We hope that our solutions could help you the Windows updates pending issue. If you liked this article, leave a comment in the comment section below.

READ ALSO:

Was this page helpful?
Thanks for letting us know! You can also help us by leaving a review on MyWOT or Trustpillot.
Get the most from your tech with our daily tips
Tell us why!