Windows 10 Update: Update Screen Message: "Working on updates 12%"

dPhelops · 24 Sep 2016

The message "Working on updates 12%" has been hanging on the screen for the last 12 hours on my desktop pc.

I had the same problem, though at a different point in the update process, with my laptop.

I had to abandon the update on my laptop and reinstall.

Do I have to go through all that a gain with my Desktop?

I'm very frustrated and thinking of reverting to Windows 7.

Does anyone have some suggestions to correct the stalled update procedure.

Many thanks

dalchina · 24 Sep 2016

Hi, see mine at #137, and more - maybe #160 for example.. about download issues - if that's the stage you're at.
Cumulative Update KB3189866 Windows 10 build 14393.187 - Windows 10 Forums

Some elected to download the update and install manually.

Which update is it?

dPhelops · 28 Sep 2016

Hi - Thanks for your reply and apologies for taking so long to get back to you.

I have no idea which update it was - it hung for a whole day, so I switched it off from the main power button, switched it back on and it rolled back to a previous state. Now when I click the Power options, it has two extra options.

The options now are:

Sleep
Update and Shut Down
Shut Down
Update and Restart
Restart

I am a bit nervous to update now.

How do I find out which update is lurking in the bushes, so to speak!

Thanks

dalchina · 28 Sep 2016

Hi, you could see what your Update History tells you- if it doesn't make reference to the current one, then look at the last shown, if any, and then you could (e.g.) look at the News section here, where you will ((eventually) work out which updates have arrived in the last couple of weeks.

My last was this: KB3189866 but that, after many experienced problems obtaining it, was superceded (see News).

Realistically, knowing which update it is is somewhat irrelevant at this point.

Here are some scenarios:
1. If the update succeeds and no problems - great
2. If the update succeeds and you have problems after logging in- you can uninstall it
3. If the update fails, and you can't boot or log in - you have a problem

We strongly recommend disk imaging, which lets you recover to a previous working state quickly.
You could create your first image now, then apply the update.

I think you may see its relevance here, and in many other circumstances:

Creating disk images lets you restore Windows and all your disks and partitions to a previous working state, quickly and probably without technical help.

You can recover from:
- a failed disk drive (restore to a new one)
- ransomware (which encrypts your disk)
- user error
- unrecoverable problems from failed updates to problem programs
- unbootable PC (hardware faults aside)

Images also act as a full backup- you can extract files too.

You can even use images to help you move more easily and quickly to a new PC.

Imaging can even help you sleep at night knowing you have a second chance.

Many here recommend Macrium Reflect (free) as a good robust solution and more reliable than some others. It’s
- more feature rich
- more flexible
- more reliable
than Windows Backup and Restore system images.

It's well supported with videos, help and a responsive forum.

There are other such programs, free/commercial, some with simpler interfaces, but Macrium R is one of the most robust and reliable.

dPhelops · 28 Sep 2016

Wow... Thanks very much for such a detailed and helpful response. I'll try that NOW!
Cheers

David