Windows updates matter: they fix security holes that malware uses. But they are large, they arrive at bad times, and on a mobile data bundle they can disappear gigabytes. Here is how to handle both problems.
"Working on updates, don't turn off your computer"
This screen can legitimately take a long time, especially on older laptops with hard disks. Before you do anything:
- Wait at least two hours if the percentage or the dots are still moving, and plug the charger in.
- Watch the drive light if your laptop has one. If it flickers, Windows is working.
If nothing has changed for several hours:
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds to switch off.
- Switch it back on. Windows usually either finishes the update or rolls it back by itself.
- If it loops back to the same screen, let it try twice more. After repeated failures Windows opens Automatic Repair. Choose Advanced options, Troubleshoot, Advanced options, Uninstall Updates, and remove the latest quality update.
An update that fails to install
- Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, Windows Update, Run.
- Make sure the C: drive has at least 20GB free. Updates fail quietly when there is not enough room. See laptop running slow for freeing space.
- Restart, then Check for updates again.
Stop updates using your mobile data
When you connect a laptop to a phone hotspot, Windows does not know it is costly data unless you tell it.
- Connect to the hotspot.
- Settings, Network & internet, Wi-Fi, click the network's properties.
- Turn on Metered connection.
Windows will now download only urgent updates on that network, and many apps will also hold back. Do the same for any other network you pay per gigabyte for. Updates then happen when you are on unlimited or office Wi-Fi.
You can also go to Settings, Windows Update, Pause updates for up to a few weeks, for example during exams or a deadline. Do not leave them paused forever.
Choose when it restarts
Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options, Active hours: set the hours you normally use the laptop, and Windows will not restart during them.
Before a big update
Back up your files. Updates rarely lose data, but a failed one on a laptop with a weak hard disk sometimes leaves Windows unable to start. See backing up a laptop.