KB5089573 not installing or stuck in Windows 11
- Windows 11 version 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8524)
- Windows 11 version 24H2 (OS Build 26100.8524)
Daniel Okafor5 min readQuick answer
If KB5089573 fails to install or gets stuck during download on Windows 11, running the Windows Update troubleshooter or clearing the cached update files usually solves the problem. Restarting core background update services can also clear hung installations. Because KB5089573 is an optional preview update, you can also safely skip it until the next mandatory cumulative update.
KB5089573 is an optional preview update released on May 26, 2026, for Windows 11 version 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8524) and Windows 11 version 24H2 (OS Build 26100.8524). Preview updates give users early access to non-security quality improvements and fixes scheduled for the following month's patch release. However, preview builds frequently encounter installation problems, including getting stuck at progress percentages such as 20% or 100%, failing with non-specific error messages, or continuously looping during the reboot phase.
When an update gets stuck, it usually points to corrupted cache files, blocked background services, or damaged system components on your PC. Because KB5089573 is a non-security preview patch, your device remains fully safe and functional even if this specific package fails to apply. If you prefer to get this update installed now, follow the step-by-step methods below to resolve the issue.
Method 1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Illustration: the Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters page under Settings > System
When to use this method: Use this as your first step whenever an update stops progressing or throws a generic failure code. The built-in troubleshooter diagnoses background update services and resets temporary flags without affecting your personal settings.
Steps:
- Click the Start button on your taskbar and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I on your keyboard).
- In the Settings window, ensure "System" is selected in the left navigation panel.
- Scroll down the main pane on the right side and click on "Troubleshoot".
- Select "Other troubleshooters" to view the list of built-in repair tools.
- Locate "Windows Update" near the top of the list and click the "Run" button next to it.
- A diagnostic window will open displaying "Detecting problems". Allow the tool a minute to scan your background services and system configuration.
- If the troubleshooter detects an issue, click "Apply this fix" and follow any additional instructions displayed on the screen.
- When the process completes, close the Settings window and restart your computer.
What to expect: After restarting, return to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for updates" to re-attempt downloading KB5089573.
Method 2: Reset Windows Update services and clear cached files
Illustration: the Windows Update page in Windows 11 Settings
When to use this method: Use this method if KB5089573 is stuck downloading at a specific percentage or fails repeatedly after downloading. Clearing the update store removes corrupted temporary files that prevent complete installations.
Steps:
- Click the Search icon on your taskbar, type "cmd", right-click on "Command Prompt" in the results, and select "Run as administrator".
- When the User Account Control dialog asks for permission to make changes, click "Yes".
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to stop the main update service, then press Enter: net stop wuauserv
- Type this command to stop the background intelligent transfer service and press Enter: net stop bits
- Type this command to stop the cryptographic service and press Enter: net stop cryptsvc
- Keep the Command Prompt window open. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution" into the box, and press Enter.
- File Explorer will open to the SoftwareDistribution folder. Select all files and folders inside this directory by pressing Ctrl + A, then press Delete. If prompted for administrator permissions, click "Continue".
- Return to your administrator Command Prompt window. Type the following command to restart the update service and press Enter: net start wuauserv
- Type this command to restart the background transfer service and press Enter: net start bits
- Type this command to restart the cryptographic service and press Enter: net start cryptsvc
- Close Command Prompt and restart your PC.
What to expect: Windows 11 will build a completely clean update cache. Re-checking Windows Update will force KB5089573 to download afresh without lingering corrupt files.
Method 3: Repair system files using DISM and SFC
When to use this method: If system files involved in update servicing are damaged, Windows Update will stall or fail during the installation phase. Running these deployment tools fixes underlying system corruption.
Steps:
- Open the Search menu on your taskbar, type "cmd", right-click "Command Prompt", and click "Run as administrator".
- Click "Yes" on the User Account Control prompt.
- Type the following command to scan and repair the system component store, then press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Wait for the process to complete. A progress bar will advance across the screen. Ensure it reaches 100% and states that the operation completed successfully.
- Next, type the System File Checker command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
- Leave the window open while the verification process runs until it reaches 100%.
- The utility will report whether it found corrupted files and successfully repaired them.
- Restart your computer once the scan finishes.
What to expect: Damaged system files required for patch installation will be replaced with clean copies, allowing KB5089573 to stage smoothly.
Method 4: Pause and resume Windows Update
When to use this method: Because preview updates like KB5089573 are non-essential, server congestion or temporary client glitches can block the download session. Pausing resets the download channel without manual command-line steps.
Steps:
- Open Settings by clicking Start and choosing Settings.
- Click "Windows Update" at the bottom of the left sidebar menu.
- On the right side, find the "Pause updates" section.
- Click the drop-down menu that defaults to "Pause for 1 week" and click "Pause for 1 week".
- Wait until the page updates to show that updates are currently paused.
- Restart your computer.
- After restarting, go back to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click the "Resume updates" button located at the top of the window.
- Click "Check for updates" to prompt your system to connect to update servers again.
What to expect: The stuck download session will be dropped, and Windows Update will initiate a clean attempt to pull KB5089573.
If nothing worked
If KB5089573 refuses to install after trying all methods, keep in mind that KB5089573 is an optional preview update for Windows 11 version 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8524) and Windows 11 version 24H2 (OS Build 26100.8524). You are not required to install preview builds to maintain your computer's security posture.
All non-security fixes included in this May 26, 2026 preview package will be automatically rolled into the mandatory Patch Tuesday update released the following month. If you continue to experience failures, you can safely ignore KB5089573 and let your computer update normally when the mandatory cumulative release arrives.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is KB5089573?
KB5089573 is an optional preview update released on May 26, 2026, for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, bringing OS Builds to 26200.8524 and 26100.8524.
Is KB5089573 mandatory for my PC?
No, KB5089573 is a non-security preview update. You can skip it without missing essential security patches, as its fixes will be included in next month's cumulative update.
Why is KB5089573 stuck at 20% or 100% downloading?
Updates usually get stuck due to corrupted temporary update cache files, background transfer service interruptions, or file integrity issues on your system drive.
Checked against Microsoft's release notes on ; re-checked when a new build ships.
Writes Thea's error-code and app-breakage guides. Each fix is checked against Microsoft's documentation and community reports, and updated when a new Windows 11 build changes the steps.
More from Daniel Okafor