Follow or try some of the instructions here.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/971058/how-do-i-reset-windows-update-components

You're a helpful guy zep but I don't think this user may find those instructions follow-able.

Jane, do you have any family members or friends nearby who might be able to help you with the page zep found for you, if you need it?

Perhaps just downloading the windows up date troubleshooter from that page. Maybe it will spit out some useful information or at least pin point something.

You're right fudd that page is a bit overwhelming to say the least.

Thanks, guys! I'll give it a try.

jane

Just to mention, the W10 updates on my desktop also get "stuck" & it won't/can't wake from sleep, but holding down the button for a hard restart does correct it. I don't think W7 had this problem, so prb'ly a W10 "update" software glitch.

I have Win7 on five desktop systems. Two of them have a similar problem. Win updates fail unless a reboot is done and updates are checked manually immediately after. I have been through the fix routines outlined at the link above to no avail. No other issues, the systems are all stable other than this Win Update glitch.

That's why I got a Mac. No problems with updates whatsoever.

Really used to dread downloading MS updates.

Glad I made the switch.

You can pause current downloading Windows updates when you don't want to be disturbed. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Enter net stop wuauserv
3. Enter net stop bits
4. Enter net stop dosvc
5. Close the Command Prompt window.

This method works by stopping Windows update services temporarily. After rebooting, these services will resume to work.

@Charles Parks

From what I understand this method to stop Windows 10 update actually disables the service instead of pausing it. A disabled service will not start after reboot.

Do you do this on your Machine and the services return to normal after a reboot ?

Current win 10 creative version may have a setting to Pause updates for some.. Think win10 home doesn't though.

We are all Guinea's for Windows for business versions.. after the masses get updated, 4 months later business versions get same updates.

I reiterate my stance on MS Windows anything. I'll stay with my Mac where system updates are seamless and I don't have to nervously stand by wondering if the download will be successful.

And every upgrade is just that. I'm never told that support will disappear because my operating system is too old. The operating system updates are simply that, and each update is supported until my computer dies.

Perhaps it's time you all switched to a Mac. Yes, it costs more, but it's worth it to avoid the hassle of owning a computer whose manufacturer withdraws support from an operating system you like.

Actually most people can do almost everything they need now that they currently do on their Win or Mac with a much less costly Android device.. Why even bother with Mac or Windows and just buy throw away 100 dollar Chinese tablets. They'll even do double duty as cell phones :)

Adding to my old post.

Another update, another three days of hard shutdowns. This one was worse. Could not pause, it kept restarting except it never restarts, just spinning circle forever.

Finally got it in after three days of frustration. I had to use my husbands computer to get anything done while I waited to get my computer to finally finish.

His computer is a Win 7 and never has any problems.

I truly dislike Win 10, seems to be nothing but frustration for me. Every now and then, I get flashbacks to Win 95 and all the restarts.

Jane

When time permits

Run the windows up- date trouble shooter next, as outlined below.

https://www.howtogeek.com/247380/how-to-fix-windows-update-when-it-gets-stuck/

This situation suggests to me that there are corrupt operating system files, bad drive sectors, or both. If this were my PC, go for the nuclear option. 1) Copy off important data files you want to keep 2) Note down the program files on it that were loaded at a prior time (in case you need to load them again) and then 3) do a Restore to a date many months ago.

If that doesn't work, I'd then do a Recovery (which wipes the hard drive and gives you a fresh start). This isn't a situation to continue to struggle with and from your information, it seems to have been going on for months. Good luck

zep, I tried that when the earlier update came in. Didn't fix the problem.

Elmer, I appreciate your suggestion however I will only consider that when I can't take it anymore! Getting close, but not there yet.

Jane

You're far more patient than I, Jane. This thread started in January.

One of my PCs hiccuped doing a Windows update last week. I tried and failed to do a Restore. The next day I did what I suggested for you, I copied off files that hadn't been backed up in the preceding week and then triggered a Recovery. All's well now for me.

As a safety precaution I use a separate backup drive. I'm a little wary of putting all my documents in the cloud, so I'm following my instincts and back up the entire system at least once a month.

At this point if your computer is working well, it would be an especially good time for a backup.