Windows Update provides important service packs and patches, as well as other pertinent updates necessary for the Windows operating system and other software to function as they should. The feature can also be used to update drivers for commonly used hardware devices, and all these are routinely released on Patch Tuesday, usually, the second Tuesday of each month, though Microsoft can also release urgent fixes on other days as they arise. If you’re unable to use the automatic updating feature, you can check for new updates on a weekly basis, most of which are installed automatically. However, Windows Update needs input from time to time, so you’ll get a notification icon on the taskbar in such cases. When you get the “Important Updates are Pending” popup screen regularly, it could be that the update process was slow either due to the internet speed or a slow system, so the process will remain under ‘pending’ and each time you log in, you’ll get the ‘Important Updates are Pending’ popup as an automatic prompt. Microsoft has configured Windows Updates in such a way that you can now disable updates, but it is mandatory to install them. You can pause these updates temporarily, but most users find it annoying to restart the system leaving their work unattended to, while they wait for the whole update process to complete. If not properly configured, Windows will restart your computer at its own time, sometimes without notifying you, and after a reboot, it can take so much time to update your system, whether you’re in a hurry or not. When you get the Important Updates are Pending popup screen, try the solutions below to resolve the issue in Windows 10. Fix Windows Update issues with one of these great tools!

FIX: Important Updates are Pending pop-up screen

1. Reset the reboot flag

The first thing to do in this case is to reboot your computer, if you haven’t done so, then reset the reboot flag. To do this: Can’t access Registry Editor? Things aren’t as scary as they seem. Check out this guide and solve the issue quickly.

2. Download and run the latest System Update Readiness Tool

There are two parts to installing an update: running in the context of the WUA or at shutdown/startup. In the WUA context, the installation finishes successfully and the WUA logs it as successful. However, if that process remains or fails at shutdown/startup, then the update is not installed. The WUA doesn’t report this failure because it doesn’t understand it. This happens as a defect in the patching mechanism when the servicing stack and agent are written and/or maintained by two different groups so none of them know what the other does. In this case, download and run the System Update Readiness Tool to see what it says about the computer. This System Update Readiness Tool is used because inconsistencies are found in the Windows servicing store, which may prevent the successful installation of future updates, service packs, and software. It checks your computer for such inconsistencies and tries to resolve issues if found.

3. Run System restore

The Important Updates are Pending popup screen can be caused by a security app block or corrupted system files. Run System restore to get your computer back to a point before the issue began. To do this: Check out our detailed guide to create a System Restore Point like a real technician!

4. Run an SFC scan

This will fix any file system corruptions it finds during the scan. Epic guide alert! Everything you need to know about System File Checker is right here!

5. Reset Windows Update components

The steps here are part of modifying the registry. Ensure you follow these steps correctly, and carefully.  Back up the registry before you modify it, then restore it if a problem occurs. Learn everything there is to know about the Windows Update Reset Script from our detailed guide!

6. Install pending updates

Disable any security apps or software installed on your computer, temporarily, and check for updates via Windows Updates on your Settings. Install the pending updates again, and restart your computer to see if the ‘Important Updates are Pending’ popup screen disappears.

7. Schedule an update

Instead of ignoring the Important Updates are Pending pop-up screen, you can schedule the updates for a later time when you’re freer to let the computer update automatically. Usually, Windows gives you the option to Restart now, Pick a time, or Snooze to get the update reminder later in about three or so days. So schedule the time you feel works for you then let it update then.

8. Check Group Policy Editor Options

The Group Policy Editor Options for Windows Updates can be configured in this way:

Check out our guide on how to fix Windows 10 automatic update problems!

9. Turn off notification balloons

10. Check Event Viewer

If you get the ‘Important Updates are Pending’ popup screen, something may be preventing it from restarting. Check Event Viewer for any clues. Confirm if the update was successfully installed by checking Settings>Update & Security>View. Looking for the best Windows 10 event log viewer? Here are our top picks.

11. Stop Windows Update completely

12. Disable update on restart using Group Policy

Enable the Do not display ‘Install Updates and Shut Down’ option in Shut Down Windows dialog box in Group Policy to make install updates and shut down option disappear. The normal shutdown only option will be displayed. Disabling update and shutdown option in Group Policy is a permanent option, which means the shutdown and update/restart and update options won’t be shown in the shutdown dialog box. Go to Settings>Windows Update and select Install Updates and restart your computer from here.

13. Bypass updates using the command line

You can do this temporarily to bypass updates on restart/shutdown by stopping Windows Update service before restarting or shutting down your computer. To do this: To restart the system, type shutdown –r –t 0. You can also run all commands simultaneously by typing: net stop wuauserv && shutdown –r –t 0 so you can shut down or restart your system without installing updates. Let us know if you managed to fix the Important updates are pending issue on your computer by leaving a comment in the section below. RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

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