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The Kitchen Table

Computer help please

samkarenorkaren

5 years ago

I have a 7 y/o Gateway laptop with Windows 8 (I think cuz I didn't upgrade to 10)
Was doing Restart and update but my screen has message "Keep your PC on until done...installing update 1 if 1"
I did shut it down manually this morning cuz I was going out. When I turned it on again same message came up.
It's been over 2 hours now. Do I just let it run or is there a way to cancel it?
Any help is appreciated

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Comments (12)

Elizabeth
5 years ago
It is hard to say not knowing the size or type of update it is. I would let it run for a while and see what happens.
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
5 years ago
I'll let it run until I go to bed in 6 hours
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olychick
5 years ago
Why not let it run while you sleep? That's how I have to update everything because my internet is so slow. Or I take it to someone's house who has high speed.
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
5 years ago
I guess I could leave it on. Never did it before
User
5 years ago
Yup, just leave it on. And next time it does updates, do not turn off or restart your laptop until it's finished.
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
If you can get to Control Panel or the Desktop, go to the Control Panel and trigger another Windows Update. This behavior can happen when an update hiccups or is interrupted.
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
5 years ago
I'll try that Elmer and let you know
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
5 years ago
Nope...won't let me out of this screen
olychick
5 years ago
Here's an article that might help you. https://www.lifewire.com/when-windows-update-gets-stuck-or-frozen-2624439
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
5 years ago
Olychick...Thanks. light is flashing so the install isn't stuck. Article says I can try ctrl alt delete. Will give it another hour and try that
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Try olychick's suggestion, part of which describe better than I can what I do.

What I said wasn't exactly what I do, but what I do is more complicated and perhaps not suitable for all to follow. In case you're stuck, here's enough to try if you want:

When a PC seems stuck, I reboot it the "not recommended way" - I hold down the on/off switch for 10-15 seconds until it shuts off. Then restart it. While it's restarting, I hold down or press fast and repeatedly the F8 key. That should get you into starting choices in BIOS. Choose Safe Mode with networking.

The PC should boot up. Then go to Control Panel, find the Windows Update choice (I forget what the words are in the menu tree) and tell the PC to update Windows.

Or, a better choice if System Restore is enabled, trigger System Restore (NOT RECOVERY !) . Choose a date several weeks back. It will role Windows back before the failed update. Then after that concludes (can take 10-30 minutes, depending), you can trigger a Windows update the normal way or wait until it does it on its own. Keep the PC on for a few days to give it a chance to get back to normal.

Good luck.
samkarenorkaren
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks guys for the help. Will try again tonight and let you know.

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