Update & Upgrade Problems

Fix Microsoft 365 Stuck on Downloading Updates

Bushra Parveen Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where Microsoft 365 updates hang indefinitely on the "Downloading updates" prompt without making visible progress.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Stuck on "Downloading Updates"

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to install routine updates for Microsoft 365 applications.
Observed behavior: The update process remains stuck on the "Downloading updates" screen for hours, preventing the successful installation of the latest Office builds.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and save all your open documents before attempting to restart or repair the Office update process.

Solution 1Recommended

Restart the Office Update Process via Task Manager

Forcing the stalled update process to close often allows the Microsoft 365 update service to refresh and complete normally.

Sometimes the background update service encounters a temporary glitch and stops downloading. Manually ending the process forces the system to drop the stalled connection and start fresh when you trigger the update again.

Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard, or right-click the Windows taskbar and select Task Manager.

End the Stalled Process

In the Processes tab, look for 'Microsoft Office Click-to-Run (SxS)' or any Office update executable. Right-click on it and select 'End task'.

Check for Updates Again

Reopen a Microsoft 365 application like Word, navigate to File > Account, click on 'Update Options', and select 'Update Now' to resume the process.

Restart the Office Update Process via Task Manager

Update Resumed: Many users report that after ending the stalled process, the application eventually installs the update normally upon restarting.

Solution 2

Repair the Microsoft 365 Installation

If the update process is continuously failing due to corrupted files, using the built-in Windows repair tool can resolve underlying installation issues.

Solution 3

Clear the Office Cache

Clearing temporary Office files can resolve download conflicts when the update process thinks files are already downloaded or corrupted.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If Microsoft 365 updates continue to disrupt your workflow with endless downloading screens, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, easy-to-use alternative that bypasses heavy background update stalls, while maintaining seamless compatibility with all your existing Microsoft Office files.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer. The lightweight package installs in seconds without hanging.
3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Double-click your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files to open and edit them immediately in WPS Office.

Free and lightweight Office suite with fast installationFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsSmooth and user-controlled update process without unexpected freezingFamiliar user interface for immediate productivity and easy migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a Microsoft 365 update normally take?

Depending on your internet connection speed, a routine Microsoft 365 update typically takes between 2 to 10 minutes. If the screen is stuck on 'Downloading updates' for more than 30 minutes, the process has likely stalled and requires intervention.

Will I lose my data if I end the update process in Task Manager?

No, ending the update process (Microsoft Office Click-to-Run) will not delete your personal files or documents. However, it is always recommended to save your work and close any active Office applications before managing background processes.

Can I disable automatic updates in Microsoft 365?

Yes. You can turn off automatic updates by opening any Office app, navigating to File > Account, clicking on 'Update Options', and selecting 'Disable Updates'. Note that staying updated is highly recommended for security and feature improvements.

Installation & Activation