How to Fix “Updates are Underway” Error in Windows 11

What Causes the Updates Are Underway Error in Windows 11?


Updates-Are-Underway-Error-in-Windows-11

If you are a Windows 11 user, you might have encountered the ‘Updates are Underway’ error message while trying to update your system. When this error occurs, you will not be able to update or install any new updates, which can be frustrating for any user. However, there are various reasons why you might be experiencing this error. Some of the common causes of this error are listed below:

  • Corrupted System Files: One of the primary reasons why you might be seeing this error message is because of corrupted system files. Over time, your system might accumulate broken files or registry entries due to malware infections, software installation errors, or other reasons. These files can prevent your system from updating correctly, resulting in the ‘Updates are Underway’ error.
  • Hardware Issues: Your computer’s hardware components, such as the hard drive or RAM, might be malfunctioning and preventing the system from updating. These issues can cause your system to freeze or crash, leading to the ‘Updates are Underway’ error.
  • Insufficient Disk Space: Your system might not have enough disk space to download and install the necessary updates. Windows requires a specific amount of disk space to perform updates successfully. If your system runs low on disk space, the updates might fail, leading to the ‘Updates are Underway’ error.
  • Third-party Software: Third-party software installed on your system can interfere with Windows updates and cause the ‘Updates are Underway’ error. Some security software or firewalls can block Windows from downloading updates or cause conflicts with other software.

Knowing the causes of this error can help you troubleshoot the issue better. In the next section, we will provide you with some solutions to fix the ‘Updates are Underway’ error in Windows 11.

Restart your computer


Restart your computer

If you encounter any update issues on Windows 11, the first thing you can try is to restart your computer. It may sound simple, but rebooting your system can fix many problems, including update issues. When you restart your computer, it clears the memory and shuts down all processes before booting up again. This can help resolve any conflicts during the update process. Before restarting your computer, make sure to save any unsaved work and close all applications.

To restart your computer on Windows 11, you can click on the Start menu and then click on the power button. Select “Restart” from the options, and your computer will reboot. You can also press the Windows key + X and select “Shut down or sign out” and then click “Restart.”

If you are still experiencing the updates are underway error after restarting your computer, you can try the next solution.

Advanced Solutions to Fix Updates Are Underway Error in Windows 11


fixing updates are underway windows 11

Are you facing the updates are underway error in Windows 11 and still wondering how to fix it? Well, this is not uncommon, and many users face this issue while updating their system. However, there are some advanced solutions that you can try to fix this error efficiently.

The following are the advanced solutions that you can try to fix updates are underway error in Windows 11:

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter


windows 11 update troubleshooter

The first solution to try is to run Windows Update Troubleshooter. It is an inbuilt tool that can diagnose and resolve the issues related to Windows updates. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Press Windows key + I to open the settings menu.
  • Click on Update & Security and then on Troubleshoot from the left pane.
  • Now, click on Additional troubleshooters and select Windows Update.
  • Click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

This should fix the updates are underway error in Windows 11. If the issue persists, try the next solution.

2. Delete Software Distribution Folder


delete software distribution folder windows 11

If the Windows update troubleshooter does not resolve the issue, delete the software distribution folder and try updating your system. The software distribution folder stores temporary files used by the Windows update service. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Type the following commands and press Enter after each command:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver
  • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver

Close the command prompt and check for updates again. If the issue persists, try the next solution.

3. Reset Windows Update Components


reset windows update components windows 11

If the above solutions do not resolve the updates are underway error, try resetting the Windows update components. This solution involves stopping the Windows update service, renaming the software distribution folder, and then restarting the Windows update service.
Here are the steps to follow:

  • Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Type the following commands and press Enter after each command:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver
  • Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver

Close Command Prompt and restart your system. Check for updates again. Hopefully, one of these solutions will help you fix updates are underway error in Windows 11.

In conclusion, the updates are underway error in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it can be easily resolved with these advanced solutions. Try these solutions in the order they are given and hopefully, you’ll be able to update your system without any issues.

How to Fix Updates are Underway in Windows 11

Introduction

Updates are necessary to keep your computer running smoothly and securely. However, some users experience an error message that says “Updates are underway” when trying to update their Windows 11 operating system. This error can cause frustration and delay important work. The good news is that there are several ways you can prevent the updates are underway error in Windows 11.

Ensure your PC meets the Hardware Requirements for Windows 11


Windows 11 Hardware Requirements

Before upgrading to Windows 11, you should check if your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements. You can find the hardware requirements on the Microsoft website or use the PC Health Check app to verify your system compatibility. If your PC does not meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, you may encounter the updates are underway error.

Free up Space on your Hard Drive


Free up space

Windows 11 updates require a significant amount of space on your hard drive. If you don’t have enough space available on your disk, you might encounter the updates are underway error. To free up space, you can uninstall unwanted apps, delete old files and folders, clear the recycle bin, and use disk cleanup. You can also move files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Disable Automatic Updates


Disable automatic updates

Another way to prevent the “updates are underway” error is to disable automatic updates temporarily. Automatic updates can kick in at inconvenient times and disrupt your work. To disable automatic updates, go to settings, click on Windows Update, and select pause updates for up to seven days. This will give you time to prepare for the update and ensure your PC has enough space to complete the update without errors.

Run a Clean Boot


Run a clean boot

Third-party software or services running in the background can interfere with Windows 11 updates. To prevent this, you can run a clean boot by disabling all non-Microsoft services and startup programs. To do this, open the start menu, type “MSConfig,” and press enter. This will open the system configuration tool. Under the Services tab, check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box, then click “disable all.” Under the Startup tab, click “open task manager,” and disable all startup programs. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

The updates are underway error message can be frustrating, but there are several ways to prevent it. Ensure your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, free up space on your hard drive, disable automatic updates, and run a clean boot. These tips will help ensure a smooth and successful Windows 11 update.

When to Seek Professional Help for Updates Are Underway Error in Windows 11


Seek Professional Help for Updates Are Underway Error in Windows 11

If you are facing the Updates Are Underway Error in Windows 11, you might be wondering when to seek professional help to fix this issue. Here are some indications that you might need to seek help from a professional:

1. You don’t know what caused the error


You don't know what caused the error Windows 11

If you are not sure what caused the Updates Are Underway Error in Windows 11, it might be a good idea to seek help from a professional. A professional can diagnose the problem and provide a solution to fix it. It might be a hardware or software issue, and a professional can help you identify the cause and fix it.

2. You have tried everything but the error persists


You have tried everything but the error persists Windows 11

If you have tried all the possible solutions and the Updates Are Underway Error still persists, you might need to seek professional help. A professional can access the system and take advanced actions to solve the issue. They can also suggest other troubleshooting methods that you might not be aware of.

3. You are not comfortable making registry changes


You are not comfortable making registry changes Windows 11

Modifying the Windows Registry can be tricky, and it is not recommended for inexperienced users. If you are not comfortable making registry changes but need to do so to fix the Updates Are Underway Error, it is best to seek help from a professional. They can identify the root cause of the issue and fix it without compromising your system’s integrity.

4. You don’t have the necessary skills and knowledge


You don't have the necessary skills and knowledge Windows 11

If you have limited knowledge of computers and lack the necessary skills to fix the Updates Are Underway Error, it’s best to have a professional do it for you. They can save you time and effort by diagnosing and fixing the issue quickly and efficiently. You can also learn from their expertise and ask questions to improve your understanding.

5. You don’t want to risk causing more problems


You don't want to risk causing more problems Windows 11

If you don’t want to risk causing more problems to your computer, it is best to seek help from a professional. They can make sure that the solution they provide will not create new issues and will not damage your system. A professional also has the tools and expertise to fix any problems that may arise during the troubleshooting process.

Seeking professional help for the Updates Are Underway Error can be a wise decision. It’s best to have someone with experience diagnose and fix the issue for you. Paying for professional help might cost a bit more, but it might save you a lot of time, effort, and frustration in the long run.

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