What to do if Windows 10 update gets stuck?

Installing a scheduled update is the foundation of a smooth running computer. Microsoft has released several updates for Windows 10, and you can download them with the help of Windows Update aka the Windows Installer. There are times, however, when the updating process isn’t quite straightforward. Depending on the adjusted settings on your PC or the overall functional condition of your computer, issues with update installation may occur. One of the latest major complaints from users such as yourself was that the update was stuck on the “Checking for updates” screen. It can be quite frustrating to see the little wheel turning and turning in a perpetual agonizing twirl. After all, you just wanted to install an update, and as a result, you’ve got a computer that can’t do anything. If you keep asking yourself “Why is this happening?”, we have the answers. There can be several causes of an inadequate Windows update. Check the list and take preventive action:

• It is possible that you are using an out-of-date driver, which messes up the system, and it doesn’t work up to its full potential.
• It is possible that your system has a virus; run a scan with Windows Defender and install an antivirus.
• It is possible that you have a case of malicious software installed somewhere on your hard drive; run a clean-up of your PC immediately.
• It is possible that the Registry on your computer has become corrupted or damaged

So, what do you do when the update is stuck at Checking for updates on Windows 10? We will propose several solutions to this issue, but first, you probably need to know the indications of the system malfunction. Check the status of the vital features listed above if your computer is exhibiting these signs:

• random freezes of your PC
• frequent crashes of the system
• errors popping up left and right
• delay in application response

Whenever you are experiencing these issues, it is advisable to run a full backup.

Unfortunately, there is no telling when a malfunction might occur. So, to save yourself the heartache (and headache), make sure you create a full back up of your PC with the programs you’ve downloaded, as well as your sensitive data, as it will be problematic to restore them once the updated version is installed.  After securing your personal data, take these steps to fix the Windows 10 installation glitch on the Checking for updates screen.

Step 1. Deactivate the Windows Update Service.

To do this, you need to Go to Start > All programs > Accessories and right-click on Command Prompt, click on “Run as administrator”. This will allow you to type ‘net stop wuauserv’ and disable the Windows Update service. Wait for the confirmation.

Step 2. Delete two folders from the Registry.

Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and dispose of all the files in folders under the names “DataStore” and “Download”.

Step 3. Activate the Windows Update Service again.

In the same Command prompt window type ‘net start wuauserv’. This will have the Windows update service up and running and will allow you to download and install the updates on your computer.

If your updatehas stuck at checking for updates, take the easy steps listed above. But remember that in the future you might not have time for these tricky manipulations. It is possible that you can forget to start up the Windows Update Service again manually, which can result inthe absence of updates and further malfunction. To break free from this vicious cycle, we suggest automating the process altogether and installing Auslogics Registry Cleaner. This completely free program will clean and repair your damaged registry and, as a result, will significantly enhance your computer’s performance.