Updated November 7, 2026 · The Computer Hospital, Midtown Houston
"Working on updates — 35% — Don't turn off your computer." An hour later it still says 35%. Or the computer restarts, says "We couldn't complete the updates, undoing changes," and does the same thing every day. A stuck Windows update is frustrating, but how you handle it matters: forcing the power off at the wrong moment can turn a slow update into a computer that won't start.
Is it really stuck?
Feature updates (the big twice-a-year ones) can take an hour or more, especially on older computers with hard drives. Signs it's still working:
- The percentage changes, even slowly.
- The drive activity light on the computer is flickering.
- The spinning dots are still moving.
Signs it's genuinely stuck: the same percentage for several hours with no drive activity at all, or the same "undoing changes" loop every time you restart.
Why updates get stuck
In our shop, a stuck update almost always comes down to some kind of operating system corruption — damaged Windows files that the update can't work around. Common ways that happens:
- A slow or failing drive. This is a big one. Updates read and write a lot of data, and a drive that's wearing out can make an update crawl or fail. If the computer was already getting slow, suspect the drive — see hard drive warning signs.
- Not enough free space. Updates need room to unpack. A nearly full drive is a common cause of repeated failures.
- A driver or program that conflicts with the update — often older security software, printer software or hardware drivers.
- Damaged Windows files from earlier crashes, failed updates or power loss.
- A USB device or dock plugged in during the update.
What you can safely try
If it's stuck on the update screen
- Wait — give it a few hours if you can, ideally overnight, plugged in.
- If nothing has changed at all, hold the power button until it turns off, wait a minute, and turn it on once. Windows will often finish or roll the update back on its own.
- If it gets stuck again, don't keep forcing it off. Bring it in.
If Windows starts but the update keeps failing
- Back up your important files first.
- Check free space: Settings → System → Storage. Clear room if the drive is nearly full.
- Unplug USB drives, docks and other accessories, then try again.
- Run the built-in troubleshooter: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update.
- Note the error code under Settings → Windows Update → Update history. It points to the cause.
What not to do
- Don't pull the power repeatedly during an update.
- Don't choose "Reset this PC" without a backup — it can remove your files and programs.
- Don't download "update fixer" tools from ads or pop-ups; many are junk or worse.
How we fix stuck updates
We work from the least disruptive fix to the most, so you keep your programs and settings whenever possible:
- Confirm the problem. We restart the stuck update ourselves and watch what it does.
- Identify the update. We find exactly which update is failing and check for reports of known problems with it — sometimes Microsoft has already published a fix or pulled the update.
- Attempt a repair when what we find points to one, and check the drive's health, since a failing drive makes any repair short-lived.
- In-place upgrade. If the update still won't complete, we reinstall the newest version of Windows over the existing one. This replaces damaged system files while keeping your files, programs and settings.
- Test with a clean install. If nothing fixes it, we install Windows fresh on a separate test drive. That tells us whether the problem is Windows itself or the computer's hardware — before you spend money on a reload.
- Reload and bring you back up to date. When a reload is the answer, we back up your files, install Windows clean, install your programs, and configure the computer so it's ready to use — not just a bare copy of Windows. Windows reinstall is $79 as an Internet Special (regularly $125); program setup and data transfer are additional.
See clean install or repair Windows? for more on that decision.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a Windows update take?
Monthly updates usually take minutes. Big feature updates can take an hour or more, longer on older computers with hard drives.
Is it safe to turn off my computer during an update?
Avoid it if you can. If it has truly been stuck for hours with no activity, one forced restart is usually OK — but don't do it repeatedly.
Why does my computer keep saying "undoing changes"?
The update is failing and rolling back. Common causes are low free space, a conflicting driver or program, damaged Windows files or a failing drive.
Will fixing it delete my files?
Not if it's done carefully. An in-place upgrade keeps your files and programs, and we back up your files before any repair that could affect them.
Windows update stuck? Bring the computer to 3512 Travis Street in Midtown — no appointment needed for in-shop visits — or call (713) 472-4357. Pickup, diagnosis and return delivery inside Beltway 8 is $99.
Related: Windows reinstall & repair · computer won't start · Windows 11 upgrade checklist
Computer Hospital · Houston since 1986
Need help with this issue?
Bring us the symptoms and the steps already tried. We can discuss an appropriate evaluation and explain your service options before any paid work begins.