Stuck on updates at 87%

John McDowell 0 Reputation points
2026-08-05T14:14:19.0166667+00:00

I was doing updates and I got a message to reload and update using Windows Repair. This I did from within the updates section. My computer has been stuck on 87% complete for over 12 hours and of course the instruction is to keep the computer switched on so I do not know what to do

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-05T14:14:39.53+00:00

    If Windows Update has been stuck at 87% for over 12 hours, that is not normal.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Force a shutdown Press and hold the PC power button for about 5 to 10 seconds until the device turns off.
    2. Start the PC again Turn it back on and check whether Windows finishes booting normally.
    3. If it still cannot boot normally, force Windows Recovery
      • Start the PC.
      • As soon as Windows begins to load and the spinning dots appear, press and hold the power button for 5 to 10 seconds to turn it off.
      • Repeat this hard shutdown process twice.
      • On the third start, Windows should enter the Recovery Environment.
    4. In Recovery, try Startup Repair first Go to: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair
    5. If available, try uninstalling the update or use System Restore In Advanced options, use the option to uninstall the update if it appears. If a restore point exists, try System Restore.
    6. After getting back into Windows, run Windows Update troubleshooting Go to: Start → Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run
    7. Check for updates again Go to: Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
    8. If update problems continue, repair system files Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: 
         DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
   sfc /scannow
      Wait for sfc to reach 100%, then try Windows Update again.
    9. If Windows does boot and shows pending restart options, use them Select: Start → Power → Update and restart or Update and shut down
    10. Do not edit the registry to bypass the restart/update state That can cause additional problems later.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. DaveM121 914.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-05T14:52:47.0566667+00:00

    That Windows repair process should complete within 1 - 2 hours, it does not take 12 hours to complete, most likely that process has failed.

    You have no other option, press and hold the power button on the case of your PC for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a hard shut down, wait a few seconds, then start your PC, either that process will complete or it may roll back.

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