Windows 10 Upgrade Stuck? Fixes That Work

If your Windows 10 upgrade is stuck, the fix usually involves waiting 30–60 minutes, then restarting the update service or using the Media Creation Tool to force a clean install. Below are the most reliable ways to get an upgrade moving again, plus what to do if it fails completely.

Why Upgrades Get Stuck

Windows 10 upgrades can stall for many reasons, but the most common are:

Insufficient disk space (Windows needs at least 20 GB free for 64-bit upgrades)
Third-party antivirus or security software interfering with the update
Corrupted update cache or pending updates that conflict
Driver incompatibilities, especially graphics or storage drivers
Windows Update service not running properly
Slow or unstable internet connection

Microsoft’s upgrade process is designed to be resilient, but it can still hang on a single step for hours. Knowing where it’s stuck helps you choose the right fix.

First Steps: Wait and Check

Before doing anything drastic, give the upgrade time. Windows 10 upgrades often appear frozen during the “Working on updates” phase, but they may still be making progress. Check the disk activity light or open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and look at the CPU usage of the “Windows Update” or “Setup” processes. If they’re using CPU, it’s working.

If it’s been over an hour with no progress, try these in order:

Restart your PC normally (if you can). Sometimes the upgrade will resume and complete.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder (see next section).

Clear the Update Cache

Corrupted downloaded update files are a leading cause of stuck upgrades. To clear them:

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
Delete everything inside that folder (you may need admin permission).
Go back to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
Try the upgrade again.

This forces Windows to re-download the update files from scratch. It’s safe and often fixes the issue.

Use the Media Creation Tool

If Windows Update keeps failing, the Media Creation Tool is your best bet. It downloads the full Windows 10 installer and lets you upgrade directly, bypassing Windows Update entirely.

Go to Microsoft’s official download page for Windows 10.
Download the Media Creation Tool (not the ISO unless you need it).
Run it, accept the license, and choose Upgrade this PC now.
Follow the prompts. It will download the latest version and install it, keeping your files and apps.

This method often works when Windows Update is broken. It also gives you the option to create installation media (USB or ISO) if you prefer a clean install later.

Free Up Disk Space

Windows 10 upgrades require a significant amount of free space. For 64-bit versions, you need at least 20 GB, but 30–40 GB is safer. To free space:

Run Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) and select “Clean up system files.”
Delete temporary files from Settings > System > Storage.
Move large files (videos, games) to an external drive.
Uninstall unused applications.

If you’re very low on space, consider using a USB drive as temporary storage or expanding your drive if it’s a desktop.

Disable Third-Party Antivirus and Safe Mode

Antivirus software can block the upgrade process. Temporarily disable it (or uninstall it if disabling doesn’t work) before starting the upgrade. Windows Defender will still protect you during the process.

If the upgrade still hangs, try booting into Safe Mode with Networking:

Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Under “Advanced startup,” click Restart now.
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Run the upgrade from there.

Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers, which can bypass driver-related hangs.

Common Error Codes and What They Mean

Sometimes the upgrade fails with a specific error code. Here are a few you might see:

0x80070020 – File in use. Try disabling antivirus and restarting.
0x800F0922 – Internet or proxy issue, or not enough space in the reserved partition.
0xC1900101 – Driver error. Disconnect non-essential devices and update drivers.
0x80070570 – Corrupted installation media. Re-download the ISO or recreate the USB.

If you get an error, search for the exact code online – Microsoft’s support site often has specific fixes. But the general solutions above (clearing cache, using Media Creation Tool) resolve most cases.

When All Else Fails: Clean Install

If nothing works, a clean install is the most reliable fallback. This erases everything on your system drive, so back up your files first. You can use the Media Creation Tool to create a USB drive, then boot from it and choose “Custom install.” You’ll end up with a fresh, up-to-date Windows 10, but you’ll need to reinstall your applications.

Before doing that, consider using the Reset this PC option in Recovery settings, which can reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files (though it removes installed apps). It’s a middle ground between an upgrade and a full clean install.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a Windows 10 upgrade take?

Typically 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your hardware and internet speed. If it’s been more than 3 hours with no visible progress, it’s likely stuck.

Can I use my PC while Windows is upgrading?

No. You should not use your PC during the upgrade. It will restart multiple times, and interrupting it can cause corruption.

Will my files be deleted during the upgrade?

No, a normal upgrade keeps your personal files and installed applications. Only a clean install or “Reset” removes them.

What if the upgrade fails and my PC won’t boot?

Windows usually rolls back to your previous version automatically. If it doesn’t, boot from a Windows 10 installation USB and use “Repair your computer” to access recovery options.

Is it safe to force shutdown during a stuck upgrade?

It’s risky, but if you’ve waited over 2 hours with no activity, a forced restart is sometimes necessary. Windows will attempt to roll back to the previous version.

Should I upgrade to Windows 11 instead?

If your PC meets Windows 11’s hardware requirements, it’s worth considering. But if you’re already on Windows 10 and it’s working, the upgrade to 11 is also free and can be done later. Fixing the current upgrade first is usually the best path.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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