Windows is Stuck Installing Update or Configuring Windows

Computer is stuck on one of the following messages: Preparing to configure Windows / Configuring Windows updates / Installing update x of x / Getting Windows ready / Working on updates

Issue:

The installation of one or more Windows updates is probably stuck or frozen if you see a screen like the one below for a long time (20 minutes or more):

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Fix:

Try the following to fix the issue:

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del on the keyboard to see if it brings you to the login screen.

• ​​​Sometimes the installation finishes, but it gets hung up on the notification screen, but hitting Ctrl+Alt+Del will advance it to the login screen as normal.
   

2. Try shutting down the computer by holding down the power button for 10 seconds, wait 10 seconds with it off, then turn it back on. 

   Note: If you shut it down too soon it may interrupt the installation, causing it to start over at the beginning of the installation at best, or causing issues to your computer. Please be patient and only try restarting if Ctrl+Alt+Del doesn't work and you've waited at least 20 minutes.

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