KB5079473 not installing or stuck in Windows 11
- Windows 11, version 25H2
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- OS Build 26200.8037
- OS Build 26100.8037
Maya Reyes5 min readQuick answer
If KB5079473 fails to install or gets stuck during update progress on Windows 11, running the Windows Update troubleshooter or clearing the update cache usually resolves the issue. Resetting essential background services or running system file repairs can also unblock the installation. If automatic updates continue to hang, manually installing the update file directly provides a reliable workaround.
KB5079473 is a cumulative update for Windows 11 released by Microsoft on March 10, 2026. It applies directly to PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows 11, version 25H2. Successfully installing this patch updates your system OS build to 26100.8037 or 26200.8037 depending on the base version installed on your device.
While cumulative updates are designed to download and install automatically in the background, many users encounter issues where KB5079473 fails to complete. In some cases, the download progress bar freezes at specific percentages such as 0%, 20%, or 99%. In other cases, the update appears to install completely but throws an error code during the restart process, forcing Windows to roll back the changes.
According to Microsoft, KB5079473 includes quality fixes and routine system updates for Windows 11. Key details for this release include:
- Release date: March 10, 2026
- Target operating systems: Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows 11, version 25H2
- Updated OS builds: 26100.8037 and 26200.8037
- Update classification: Monthly cumulative update
If your computer is stuck trying to process KB5079473, follow the step-by-step methods below to reset your update components and fix the installation failure.
Method 1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Illustration: the Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters page under Settings > System
Use this method first if KB5079473 fails with a generic error code or hangs during the initial scan. The built-in troubleshooter diagnoses background update services, checks network connections, and clears basic file locks. Afterwards, you can expect Windows Update to re-scan for available patches without hanging.
- Click the Start button on your taskbar and select the Settings gear icon.
- In the left navigation pane, click System, then scroll down the right pane and click Troubleshoot.
- Click Other troubleshooters to view all diagnostic utilities.
- Locate Windows Update near the top of the list and click the Run button next to it.
- Allow the diagnostic tool to scan your system. If it suggests automated fixes, click Apply this fix.
- Close the troubleshooter once it finishes, return to Settings > Windows Update, and click Check for updates to retry installing KB5079473.
Method 2: Clear the Windows Update cache
Illustration: the Windows Update page in Windows 11 Settings
Use this method if the download progress bar freezes for an extended period or repeatedly fails at the same percentage. Corrupted cache files in the local update folder often prevent new packages from staging correctly. Clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder forces Windows 11 to download a fresh, uncorrupted copy of KB5079473.
- Click the Search icon on the taskbar, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt window, type net stop wuauserv and press Enter to pause the update service.
- Type net stop bits and press Enter to stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
- Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
- Navigate to the following folder path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
- Press Ctrl + A to select all files and folders inside SoftwareDistribution, then press Delete.
- Return to the Command Prompt window, type net start wuauserv, and press Enter.
- Type net start bits and press Enter to re-enable the background services.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
Method 3: Repair system files with SFC and DISM
Use this method if KB5079473 rolls back during a system restart or reports missing file errors. Damaged operating system files can prevent update packages from modifying system directories properly. Running Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) along with System File Checker (SFC) replaces missing or corrupted files. Afterwards, your operating system will have the file integrity needed to complete the update.
- Click Search on your taskbar, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
- Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
- Wait for the DISM scan to complete to 100%. This tool verifies core system components against clean copies.
- Once DISM completes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Allow System File Checker to complete its scan and automatically repair any damaged files.
- Restart your computer when the scan finishes.
- After your PC reboots, open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates to install KB5079473.
Method 4: Manually install KB5079473
Use this method if automatic updates continue to hang or fail despite clearing the cache and repairing system files. Downloading the standalone update package directly bypasses issues with the Windows Update download manager.
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- Type KB5079473 into the search bar at the top right and click Search.
- Find the version in the search results that matches your system architecture (x64 or ARM64) and Windows 11 version (24H2 or 25H2).
- Click the Download button next to the matching package.
- In the pop-up window, click the download link ending in .msu to save the installer file to your computer.
- Once downloaded, open your Downloads folder and double-click the .msu file to launch the installer.
- Click Yes when asked to confirm the installation.
- Restart your computer when prompted to finish updating your system to Build 26100.8037 or 26200.8037.
If nothing worked
If KB5079473 still fails to install after using all of the methods above, you can pause updates temporarily or perform an in-place repair.
To pause updates, open Settings > Windows Update and select Pause updates for 1 week. Pausing prevents your PC from continually attempting to install a failing package. Microsoft often addresses update engine issues in subsequent cumulative updates or out-of-band releases.
If you need the security fixes immediately, perform an in-place upgrade using official Windows 11 installation media. Running the setup utility from inside Windows and selecting the option to keep personal files and apps will refresh system files without erasing your personal data or installed programs.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is update KB5079473 for Windows 11?
KB5079473 is a cumulative update released on March 10, 2026, for Windows 11, version 24H2 and version 25H2. It updates your operating system build to 26100.8037 or 26200.8037.
Why is KB5079473 stuck downloading at 99 percent?
Updates often pause at 99 percent while files are extracted and verified. If it stays stuck for hours, corrupted cache files in the SoftwareDistribution folder or interrupted background services are usually responsible.
Is it safe to restart my computer if KB5079473 is stuck?
If the update is stuck while downloading inside the Windows Settings window, restarting your PC is safe. However, if your computer is on the blue 'Updates are underway' screen during reboot, do not force a power off unless the system has been frozen for several hours.
Where can I manually download KB5079473?
You can download the standalone .msu installer directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog website by searching for KB5079473 and selecting the installer that matches your system architecture.
Checked against Microsoft's release notes on ; re-checked when a new build ships.
Covers Windows 11 update releases and the problems that follow them. Tracks Microsoft's release-health notes daily and flags known issues the same day they appear.
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