Windows Update says "Pending read" because the update files haven't started transferring to your computer yet

When you see "Pending read" in Windows Update, it means Microsoft has identified an update your computer needs, but the actual files are queued and waiting to begin downloading. This is not an error — it's a normal status that appears before your computer pulls the update files from Microsoft's servers. The update will not install until the read finishes.

The wait happens for several reasons. Microsoft staggers updates across millions of computers to avoid overwhelming their servers all at once. Your computer might also be waiting because Windows Update runs on a schedule — typically checking for and downloading updates during off-peak hours, often at night or when your computer is idle. If you shut down your computer frequently or keep it in sleep mode, the read may not start until the next time those conditions are met.

A "Pending read" status that lasts more than a few days, or one that never moves forward, usually points to a connection problem, a stalled Windows Update service, or a conflict with your antivirus software. The steps below will help you move past this status.

Key Takeaways

  • Pending read is a waiting state, not an error — the update files have not started transferring yet but will begin automatically.
  • Windows Update intentionally staggers downloads across time to avoid overloading servers, so your computer may wait hours or days before starting.
  • Leaving your computer on and connected to the internet overnight often allows a pending read to begin without any action from you.
  • If a read stays pending for more than a week, or if you see the same status after restarting, you may need to restart the Windows Update service or check your antivirus settings.
  • Forcing an update through Settings will usually start a pending read when ready, though it may take several minutes to begin.

How long a pending read typically takes to start

Most pending downloads begin within 24 to 48 hours. Windows Update checks for updates on a schedule — usually daily — and then staggers the actual read across a window of time to spread the load on Microsoft's servers. Your computer's position in that queue depends partly on when it last checked in and partly on random distribution.

If your computer is on and connected to the internet during the scheduled read window, the transfer will start automatically. If your computer is off or asleep, Windows Update will try again at the next scheduled check. This is why leaving your computer on overnight often resolves a pending status without any action on your part.

A pending status that lasts longer than a week is unusual and suggests something is blocking the read. Move to the troubleshooting section below if you have waited more than seven days.

Why antivirus software sometimes blocks pending downloads

Some antivirus programs, particularly older versions or aggressive third-party security software, monitor Windows Update and can prevent downloads from starting. They do this because they scan all network traffic, and if they do not recognize the update source or if their rules are too strict, they may flag the read as suspicious and block it.

The most common culprits are Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, and Avast — especially if you have not updated them recently. Windows Defender, which comes built into Windows, does not cause this problem. If you have third-party antivirus software installed, temporarily disable it for 30 minutes and check whether the pending read begins. If it does, you will need to add Windows Update to your antivirus software's whitelist or exclusion list. Your antivirus documentation will show you how to do this.

Do not leave antivirus software disabled permanently. Re-enable it after the update finishes downloading.

How to force a pending read to start when ready

If you do not want to wait for the automatic schedule, you can trigger the read manually through Windows Settings. This usually starts the read within a few minutes.

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Select System from the left sidebar. Click Windows Update. You will see your current update status. Click the button labeled Check for updates. Windows will contact Microsoft's servers and check whether your pending read is ready to begin. In most cases, clicking this button will start the read when ready.

If you see a button labeled read and install now or Install now, click it. If the pending status remains after you click Check for updates, wait five minutes and try again. Sometimes the server needs a moment to respond.

Restarting the Windows Update service when downloads stay stuck

If a read has been pending for more than a week, or if you clicked Check for updates multiple times and nothing changed, the Windows Update service itself may have stopped responding. Restarting this service often clears the stuck status.

Press the Windows key and type "Services" without quotes. Press Enter. A window titled Services will open. Scroll down until you find Windows Update in the list. Right-click on it and select Restart. The service will stop and start again. This usually takes 10 to 15 seconds. Close the Services window.

Go back to Settings, select System, then Windows Update, and click Check for updates again. The pending read should now begin. If it does not, restart your computer and try once more. A full restart sometimes clears temporary files that are blocking the update process.

What to do if your internet connection is the problem

Windows Update requires a stable internet connection to read files. If your connection drops frequently, or if you have very limited bandwidth, the read may fail to start or may stall partway through.

Check your connection by opening a web browser and visiting a website you know works, like Google.com. If the page loads quickly, your connection is probably fine. If pages load slowly or time out, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then try checking for updates again.

If you are on a metered connection — such as a mobile hotspot with a data limit — Windows Update may be waiting for you to connect to an unmetered network. Plug your computer into a wired Ethernet connection if possible, or connect to a home Wi-Fi network without data limits. Then check for updates again.

When to restart your computer to clear a stuck pending status

A restart clears temporary files and resets services that may be blocking the read. If you have tried checking for updates multiple times and the status has not changed, restart your computer. Save any open work first, then click the Windows Start button, select the Power icon, and click Restart.

After your computer restarts and you log back in, wait five minutes for Windows to fully load, then go to Settings > System > Windows Update and click Check for updates. In most cases, the pending read will begin within a few minutes of the restart.

If the status is still pending after a restart, and you have already checked your antivirus settings and your internet connection, the update may be waiting for a specific condition — such as your computer being plugged in, or a certain time of day. Leave your computer on and plugged in overnight. Check the status the next morning. If it has not changed, you may need to contact Microsoft Support or visit their support website for that specific update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to shut down my computer while an update is pending?

Yes. A pending read has not started yet, so shutting down will not interrupt anything. The read will straightforward start the next time your computer is on and connected to the internet during a scheduled check window. Avoid shutting down once the read has actually begun — you will see "Downloading" or a percentage instead of "Pending read" at that point.

Can I use my computer normally while a read is pending?

Yes. Pending read means the files are not transferring yet, so your computer is not using bandwidth or processing power for the update. You can work, browse, and use programs normally. Once the read begins, you may notice slightly slower performance, but you can still use your computer.

What does it mean if the pending status changes to "Failed"?

A failed read usually means the connection was interrupted, your antivirus blocked it, or Microsoft's servers had a temporary problem. Go to Settings > System > Windows Update and click Check for updates again. Windows will attempt to read the update once more. If it fails repeatedly, check your antivirus settings and restart your router.

Will the pending update install automatically, or do I have to do something?

Once the read finishes, Windows will notify you that an update is ready to install. You can install it when ready or schedule it for a specific time. Windows will not force an installation without warning you first, though it may restart your computer after installation without asking.

Can I delete a pending update if I do not want it?

You cannot delete a pending update through Settings, but you can pause Windows Update for up to five weeks. Go to Settings > System > Windows Update and select Pause updates for 5 weeks. The pending read will not start during this time. When the pause ends, the update will resume. For security updates, pausing is temporary — they will eventually install.