How to fix Windows Update in Windows 10 if it becomes stuck

We reveal the number of ways to jump-start Windows Update if it decides to stop working

Windows Update gets stuck. It's a fact of life. A rubbish fact, mind, but a fact nonetheless. Ever since Windows was capable of updating itself via the internet, it's always got stuck at some point in time. Windows Update being stuck is an inevitability, just like your toast falling butter-side down onto the floor or it always raining on that one day you tell yourself you'll sort the garden out today.

How to fix Windows Update: Delete files in Software Distribution
This trick, thanks to The Windows Club, involves a little more interaction with your computer’s system settings. It shouldn’t cause any damage to your PC – you’ll only really be deleting temporary Windows Update files – but we’d recommend setting up a System Restore point before going any further.

First, you’ll need to stop Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Type "win+x" to bring up the WinX menu, and from here select the command prompt (admin). There are two commands you’ll need to type:

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

Press Enter after you type each one. This will turn off Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

Next, you’ll need to delete the files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. Go to the appropriate folder, select all of the files and press Delete.
If the files can’t be deleted because they're in use, you’ll need to restart your PC. Turn off the two Windows Update services and then try to delete the files again.

Once the folder has been emptied, either restart your computer or manually turn on the Windows Update services. To do this, bring up the command prompt (admin) and type:

net start wuauserv

net start bits

Now run Windows Update and you’ll find that your PC needs to download a number of updates, which can take up to a few hours, depending on your system and connection.