4 Ways to Fix Windows Stuck on Checking for Updates

Quick Tips

• Go to the Services app, right-click, and restart the Windows Update Service.
• If this doesn’t work, you can manually stop and start the wuauserv, cryptSvc, bits, and msiserver services using CMD.
• You can also try deleting the DataStore.edb file from the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore folder.

Basic Fixes

• Check internet connection: Ensure your PC is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
• Check date and time: An incorrect date and time can cause issues checking Windows Updates.
• Restart PC: Restart your PC to eliminate any temporary bugs causing the problem.
• Perform SFC Scan: Perform an SFC scan on your PC to repair corrupted system files.

Fix 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter can help your PC detect and fix problems related to Windows Update Services.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your PC > select System from the sidebar.

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot.

Step 3: Click on Other trouble-shooters.

Step 4: Click on Run next to Windows Update. This will open the troubleshooter, and you can follow the on-screen instructions to fix the problem.

Go back to Windows Updates, and check if the above method fixed the issue.

Fix 2: Restart Windows Update Service

Restarting the Windows Update Service on your PC can resolve the issue by eliminating any bugs and corrupted processes.

Step 1: Open the Services app on your PC using the start menu.

Step 2: In the list of services, scroll down and right-click on Windows Update > select Restart.

This will restart the Windows Update service, and you can try checking for an update once again.

Fix 3: Manually Reset Windows Update Service

You can use Command Prompt to restart all the components of the Windows Update Service. This can resolve any temporary bugs and glitches.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Enter the commands one after the other.

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Go to Windows Update and check if the problem is solved.

Fix 4: Delete datastore.edb File

Deleting the datastore.edb file can resolve Windows Update issues by removing a corrupted database.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. To safely delete the file later, you must stop the update services first. Run the following commands one after the other:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

Step 2: Now, go to the following folder and delete the DataStore.edb file.

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore