How to Remove failed or pending updates from Windows 11

Windows 11 updates are supposed to make your system run better, but sometimes an update gets stuck, fails to install, or endlessly shows as pending. When this happens, you may notice update errors, slower performance, or even see the same update repeatedly failing. Clearing these failed or pending updates can get Windows Update working again and prevent unnecessary headaches.

This guide covers proven methods to remove stuck updates from Windows 11, with steps for every experience level. Whether you prefer graphical tools or command line solutions, these methods help you regain control of Windows Update.

Understanding Failed and Pending Updates

Windows Update downloads and installs patches, security fixes, and feature upgrades in the background. Sometimes, updates fail to install due to network issues, corrupted files, or system conflicts. A 'pending' update is one the system has downloaded but hasn't yet installed - often because the PC needs a restart or something else is blocking the process.

Unfortunately, failed or pending updates often stay stuck in the update queue, blocking new updates or repeatedly trying - and failing - to install. The result is a cluttered update history, error messages like 0x800f0831 or 0x80070020, and sometimes a system that can't get crucial patches. The good news: you can clear these out and get updates working normally again.

Stop Windows Update Services First

Before you attempt to remove stuck updates, you need to temporarily stop the Windows Update services. This ensures that the update files aren't in use, which could prevent you from deleting them.

To do this:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type services.msc and hit Enter.
2. In the Services window, scroll down to Windows Update. Right-click it and choose Stop.
3. Also find Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic Services, and stop them as well.

These services handle downloading and verifying update files. With them stopped, you can safely work with the update cache and related files.

Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary update files. Corrupted files here are a common cause of stuck updates. Deleting its contents forces Windows Update to start fresh.

Follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
2. Select all files and folders inside (but not the folder itself).
3. Press Shift + Delete to permanently remove them. If you get a permissions error, double-check that you stopped the Windows Update service.

Don't worry - Windows will recreate everything it needs here when you run Windows Update again. This step alone often fixes stuck or failed update problems.

Delete the Pending.xml File

Windows sometimes creates a file called pending.xml in the C:\Windows\WinSxS folder. This file holds instructions for updates that were scheduled but didn't finish. If it's corrupted, updates can get stuck in a loop.

To remove it:

1. Open File Explorer to C:\Windows\WinSxS.
2. Look for pending.xml. If it exists, right-click and delete it.

You may need administrator rights. If you can't delete it normally, open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
del C:\Windows\WinSxS\pending.xml

Once removed, restart your computer. This can clear update operations that never completed, allowing new updates to proceed.

Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and resolves many update problems, including failed or pending updates.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Update and click Run.
3. The troubleshooter scans for issues and tries to fix them. Follow any on-screen instructions.

This tool resets update components, clears the update cache, and may resolve most basic update failures or stuck pending updates without manual file deletion.

Manually Remove Specific Failed Updates

If you know exactly which update is causing trouble (for example, KB5028185), you can remove it manually.

Open Control Panel > Programs and Features > View installed updates. Locate the update in question, right-click, and choose Uninstall. If it's not listed, you can also use the Command Prompt (admin) and type:

 wusa /uninstall /kb:5028185 

Replace the number with your actual KB update number. After uninstalling, restart the PC. This can clear out failed installs that won't go away through other means.

Reset Windows Update Components with Command Prompt

For persistent update problems, resetting all Windows Update components by command line is often effective. This process unblocks stuck updates and restores update functionality.

Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter the following commands one by one (press Enter after each):

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

This sequence stops update services, renames the update cache and catalog folders (forcing Windows to rebuild them), then restarts everything. After running these commands, try checking for updates again in Settings.

Restart and Run Windows Update Again

After clearing out failed or pending updates and resetting components, restart your computer. This ensures all changes take effect and that Windows has a clean slate to work from.

Once restarted, go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. In most cases, Windows will redownload updates, offering a fresh install attempt. Keep your PC plugged in, and let the process complete. With any luck, updates will now install without errors or stuck statuses.

Frequently asked questions