Does Windows Update Take Long? What Affects Update Time and How to Speed It Up
Does Windows Update take long? Discover what affects update duration, how long common updates take, and tips to speed up Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates.
Windows Update is essential for keeping your computer secure, stable, and compatible with the latest software — but one common question for users is: Does Windows Update take long? The answer depends on many factors, including your device, connection, update type, and system configuration.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain why Windows updates vary in duration, what influences update speed, how to check progress, and practical tips to make updates faster and smoother on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Why Some Windows Updates Take Longer Than Others
Windows updates are not all the same. There are three main types, and each affects how long the process takes:
1. Security and Cumulative Monthly Updates
These are typically smaller patches released monthly.
- Purpose: Fix security issues and bugs
- Average time: 5–30 minutes
- Less disruptive than feature updates
2. Feature Updates (Major Version Upgrades)
These can be substantial OS upgrades (e.g., Windows 10 to a later build, or large Windows 11 updates).
- Purpose: Add new features and major improvements
- Average time: 30 minutes to several hours
- Often requires multiple restarts
3. Optional Driver and Quality Updates
Device drivers or quality patches that may be installed independently.
- Time varies widely
- Often quick but can vary by hardware
Major feature updates take the longest because they involve large data downloads, file preparation, system service updates, driver installations, and configuration changes.
What Factors Influence Update Speed?
Several aspects can make a Windows update faster — or slower:
1. Internet Speed
Faster downloads = quicker installation start
- Slow connections delay the download phase
- Once downloaded, major updates switch to installation
2. Update Size and Type
A small patch may complete quickly, while a full feature update can take longer than an hour or more.
3. Hardware Specs
- SSD vs HDD: SSDs install updates much faster
- RAM size: More RAM can reduce processing delays
- CPU power: Faster processors shorten installation steps
Older machines or systems with slow storage generally take longer.
4. Background Processes
Open applications and running services can slow update tasks, as Windows needs exclusive access to certain system files.
5. Disk Space Availability
Windows Update needs temporary space to unpack and install files; low free space can drastically slow progress or cause errors.
Typical Update Phases and Estimated Time
Understanding the stages gives insight into where time is spent:
1. Checking for Updates
Windows contacts Microsoft servers.
Time: Less than 1 minute
2. Downloading Updates
Size matters here — feature updates are hundreds of MBs to multiple GBs.
Time: Minutes to hours (dependent on connection)
3. Preparing Installation
Windows analyzes system and prepares files.
Time: 5–20 minutes
4. Installing Updates
Actual installation phase, usually requiring one or more restarts.
Time: 15 minutes to several hours
5. Finalizing and Configuring
Windows applies settings and optimizes performance.
Time: 5–15 minutes
Total time can stretch longer if system restarts are required multiple times.
Feature Updates vs Security Updates: Time Comparison
| Update Type | Typical Duration | Restart Required |
|---|---|---|
| Security/Cumulative Update | 5–30 minutes | Rarely |
| Quality/Driver Update | 5–30 minutes | Sometimes |
| Feature Upgrade (Large Update) | 30 minutes–Several hours | Yes |
Feature updates resemble OS upgrades and can look like a “mini‑installation” of Windows because they modify core components and services.
How to Check Windows Update Progress
Windows provides visual indicators during updates:
- Blue/Black screen with progress percentage
- Status text (“Configuring updates”, “Restarting”, etc.)
- Estimated time remaining — this may fluctuate and is not always precise
If progress appears stuck for more than a reasonable timeframe (e.g., over an hour with little change), it may still be working in the background — patience is often key.
Tips to Speed Up Windows Updates
Here are practical steps to shorten update time:
1. Ensure Sufficient Free Disk Space
Windows needs room for temporary files during update.
- Recommended: 20 GB free or more
- Use Disk Cleanup or Storage settings to clear space
2. Install Updates Regularly
Smaller, frequent updates are faster than one large backlog update.
3. Use a Fast Storage Drive
Upgrading from an HDD to an SSD dramatically accelerates update stages.
4. Pause Background Activity
Close large apps, pause downloads, or halt heavy background tasks before updating.
5. Use a Fast Internet Connection
Especially for feature updates, faster downloads shorten wait times.
6. Update Drivers First
Outdated drivers can interfere with installation and slow the process.
Common “Slow Update” Scenarios and Fixes
Stuck on “Configuring updates”
- Let it run — this phase often processes many tasks in the background
- If stuck for many hours, use Safe Mode and retry
Looping Reboots
Corrupted updates can cause restart loops.
Fix:
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Run:
sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Retry update
Failed Download
Attempt manual update via Windows Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool.
Does Restart Time Count as Update Time?
Yes — when Windows restarts to install updates, the update process continues during boot and shutdown. These phases should be included when estimating total update duration.
Windows Update History and Time Savings
The Windows Update History page lets you see which updates were installed and when. A well‑maintained system with frequent updates often installs future patches faster because only incremental changes need to be applied.
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Update history
Is It Normal for an Update to Take Hours?
Yes. Particularly for feature updates or systems that haven’t updated in a long time, the process can legitimately take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours — especially on older hardware or slow networks.
Patience is often necessary during major upgrades. However, if there’s no progress for hours at a particular percentage, that could indicate an issue requiring troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Windows Update slow down my PC while running?
Yes — background update tasks use CPU and disk resources, which can make the system feel slower during the process.
Q: Will my files be safe during a long update?
Yes — Windows Update does not delete user files, though backing up important data before major feature updates is best practice.
Q: Why does Windows Update take longer after a fresh install?
Initial updates may require multiple cumulative patches and feature upgrades, increasing total time.
Q: Can I use the PC while updates download?
Usually, yes — you can use your PC while updates are downloading and preparing, though performance may be affected.
Conclusion: Yes — Update Time Varies Widely
Windows update times are influenced by:
- Update type (security vs feature)
- Hardware performance
- Internet speed
- Disk space and system workload
Security and quality updates are brief, while feature updates can take longer and involve several phases and restarts.
Keeping your system updated regularly, clearing space, and preparing ahead of major updates can make the process significantly faster and less disruptive.