Fix Windows 10 Creators Update freeze, crash and blue screen errors

Windows 10 Creators Update (version 1703) is now available for download. However, some users are reporting issues like their update download stuck at 0% or at 95%, the update fails to install, freeze, crash or a blue screen error after reboot. Users also reporting slow performance after update to Windows 10 Creators Update.

Currently, there are three different kinds of update problems users are facing. First, while downloading the update (fail to download or update stuck). Second, update installation issues and finally, blue screen (BSOD), system freeze or crash error after reboot.

We’ve collected few fixes for these update issues. Read below for more details. For blue screen errors, you can check your Windows Stop Code or stop error here.

Note: It’s highly recommended that you reset your PC after upgrading to the new Windows version. This will fix slow performance related issues.

First, let’s talk about download issues.

Fix feature update to Windows 10, version 1703 download issue

If your Windows 10 update fails to download, try below-posted tricks.

• Stop antivirus and VPN/Proxy software before the update.

• You have to wait for the update to install, sometimes it takes hours.

• If you see Windows update error code, you can try recently released ‘Fix Windows Update errors‘ tool by Microsoft to fix this problem. For more details read here.

• Type ‘Troubleshooting’ in the search. Now select View All in left side panel. Select‘Windows Update’ at the end of the open window. Run the troubleshooting. Restart your and try to update again.

• You can also download and run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Fix Windows 10 update download stuck at 0% or 95% issue: If feature update to Windows 10, version 1703 stuck during download or fails to install, it might be that something went wrong with the file itself. Clearing the folder where all of the update files are stored will force Windows Update to download a fresh. Go to

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

and delete everything within the folder, but do not delete the folder itself. To do so, press CTRL + A to select everything and then press Delete to remove the files. Restart and download updates again.

Delivery Optimization service fix: If feature update to Windows 10, version 1703 download still stuck at 0% or at 95%, try the following workaround.

1. Click Start
2. Type Services
3. Open Services panel
4. Scroll down to Delivery Optimization
5. Right-click it, select Properties
6. Change startup type to Manual
7. Reboot PC
8. Scan for updates (and see if the download progresses)
9. Go back in afterward and change the startup to “Automatic (Delayed Start)“If Windows 10 update hangs on “

Stop Windows Update service: You can also repeat this process with the Delivery Optimization service. If stopping the Windows Update service doesn’t bypass the issue on the first attempt, please re-try and stop this additional service. If Windows 10 update hangs on “Initializing…“, try the following workaround.

1. Click the Start button
2. Type services and launch the Services panel
3. Scroll to Windows Update
4. Right-click and select Stop
5. Restart your PC
6. Re-check for updates
7. The update should proceed as expected

Windows Update Reset Script: This script will completely reset the Windows Update client settings. The script will configure the services and registry keys related to Windows Update for default settings. Also, it will clean up old files related to Windows Update.

Download Windows Update Reset Script from Microsoft here.

Fix feature update to Windows 10, version 1703 fails to install issue

If feature update to Windows 10, version 1703 stuck midway while installing the update and not responding, check out below how you can fix this issue.

If your computer stuck at “Preparing To Configure Windows. Please Do Not Turn Off Your Computer.” Follow below steps.

1. Hold down the power button and switch off your machine.
2. Restart your computer and just before windows boots hit the F8 button.
3. Boot into safe mode.
4. login (if necessary).
5. Make sure that any virus scanners at this point are disabled before continuing.
6. Click Start > Accessories > System Restore
7. Click “Next”
8. Pick an earlier restore point and then click next.
9. Click next and follow the prompts and it will start a system restore.
10. Wait till your computer does this System Restore process.
11. Regardless of whether the system restores process fails or passes it should now get you out being stuck at “Preparing To Configure Windows. Please Do Not Turn Off Your Computer.”
12. login if required.
13 Disable Virus Scanner before moving on.
14. Run windows update.
15. now it should run without any problems.

Fix Blue Screen error with system restart loop

If after updating to Windows 10 Creators Update (version 1703) your system gets into Blue screen error with system restart loop, you need to access Safe Mode. There few ways to get info Safe Mode.

1. Use F8 or Shift + F8 to boot into Windows 10 Safe mode. The problem is that most times, Shift+F8 and F8 don’t work, even though they are correct commands.
2. If above option does not work for you. Download Windows 10 ISO and create bootable USB stick or DVD disk. Download Windows 10 ISO from Here and check out our guide to creating Windows 10 bootable USB drive. Now boot from Windows 10 bootable disk and click the Repair Your PC link. Now select ‘Troubleshoot’.
3. That should get you to the Advanced options.
4. Now select Startup Settings.
5. Now click restart to restart your system. After the restart, you should see a screen that allows you to choose from different Safe Mode options.
6. Select number 4 option Safe Mode and boot. Once you get into Safe Mode, disable audio and video drivers. Now restart and boot normally.

Also, check your Windows Stop Code or stop error here.

Fix Windows 10 Creators Update Random Freeze crash and restart errors 

Run winsock reset command

Many users have reported that Windows 10 Creators Update freeze because of internet connection problems. If you’ve experienced similar problems on your computer, you should try the following:

• Press Windows Key + X and choose Command Prompt(Admin) from the menu.
• Enter the following command and press Enter to run it:
  netsh winsock reset
• Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Remove problematic software

Some software’s create problems with Windows 10. Like Speccy, Acronis True Image, Privatefirewall, McAfee, and Office Hub App can freeze your system. Uninstall these programs. Even I faced bluescreen reboot loop issue with a very small font software.

Disconnect all USB devices

Sometimes connected devices create freezing issues or blue screen issues with Windows 10 Creators Update. Disconnect any connected USB device before you turn on your system. When Windows 10 boots, you can connect your USB devices again.

Download latest chipset drivers

Update chipset drivers on your computer. Sometimes old USB 3.0 drivers can create issues with Windows 10. If possible update your USB 3.0 drivers also.

Update network drivers

Bad and old network drivers can also freeze Windows 10 Creators Update. Visit your network adapter manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers. Also, update your Wifi card drivers. And if possible switch to a wired connection.

Turn off Link State Power Management

• Press Windows Key + S and type Power Options. Select Power Options from the menu.
• Find your plan and click Change plan settings.
• Click on Change advanced power settings.
• Now you need to find PCI section and expand it. You should see Link State Power

• Management option. Change the Setting to Off.
• Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Turn Off Location Services

For some users, disabling Location Services can also fix these errors. If you have desktop or laptop without GPS device, disable location service. One service is better. To disable Location Service Go to Settings> Privacy> Location and turn that off.

Disable your dedicated graphic card

This is one of the main reason to Windows 10 Creators Update freeze or crash. If you are facing blue screen error disable your display drivers. Run your computer without a graphic driver to see if an error occurs again or not. Download the latest driver or last official driver for your graphic card. Avoid beta drivers and also do not download from Windows update. To disable your dedicated graphic card, do the following:

• Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
• locate your dedicated graphic card in Device Manager and right click it.
• Choose Disable from the menu.
• Check for latest driver updates for the graphic card.

Disable AMD Cool’n’Quiet and Fast Boot in BIOS

Certain BIOS setting such as AMD Cool’n’Quiet or Fast Boot can also freeze your computer. Disable these features from BIOS and check if the issue is resolved. After you’ve disabled these settings, save changes and restart your computer.

Update your BIOS

Update your systems BIOS drivers. Old BIOS drivers can also create blue screen errors. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest BIOS update. Please avoid this option if you do not know what BIOS update is. It can permanently damage your motherboard.

Flash your SSD

Flash your SSD firmware to newer one can also fix freezing and BSOD issues. You have to be careful while flashing your SSD firmware.

Disable Windows 10 Updates and Drivers

If you are installing fresh Windows 10 Creators Update with ISO, it’s highly recommended that you disable the Windows Update and manually download you system drivers.

Meanwhile, Windows 10 Pro users can defer the updates but Windows 10 Home users have no choice.

Microsoft has provided a separate tool to disable cumulative update or even drivers. You will find more details and download link here.

According to the company, after the update installation, customers should first restart their PCs by selecting Start on the taskbar, clicking the Power button, and choosing Restart (not Shut down).

Download Windows 10 Creators Update Final ISO files

How to Create Windows 10 Bootable DVD/USB Stick with ISO

What’s new in Windows 10 Creators Update