Fix: An update is being prepared for your device but it’s not quite ready yet

The message “An update is being prepared for your device but it’s not quite ready yet” is one you might encounter when a Windows update is nearing completion. It’s a common sight for users in the process of installing updates. If, however, the message persists for an extended period, it could indicate an underlying issue.

Essentially, this message means that Windows’ attempt to apply a new update is temporarily delayed because the update is either not fully prepared or is incompatible with your device. This issue can stem from a variety of causes, such as Microsoft’s servers preparing a feature update that isn’t immediately optimized for all devices.

Other potential causes might be a temporary communication problem between your device and the Microsoft update servers or the need for prerequisite updates to be installed first.

Furthermore, ensuring that your device maintains a stable internet connection and has enough storage space can help prevent many common issues related to updates.

In this article, we’ll outline the nature of this error and provide straightforward, efficient solutions for you to try.

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is an inbuilt tool that identifies and fixes common issues preventing the successful installation of updates.

After the scan, the troubleshooter will display any detected issues and often suggest remedies that can be applied directly from the program. Here is how to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys simultaneously.
2. Navigate to Updates & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
   
3. Click on Windows Update, then select Run the troubleshooter.
   
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to address any issues the troubleshooter identifies.
5. If no issues are detected, click Close the troubleshooter.

Solution 2: Reset the Windows Update Services and Cache

For a Windows update to install correctly, certain services need to be enabled and functioning. Glitches sometimes disable these services, causing installation issues.

To solve these problems, we must reset the affected components and services to their default settings. We’ve prepared a batch file that utilizes the Command Prompt to perform these actions. Simply download and run the file with administrative privileges.

1. Download the batch file from this link.
2. If prompted, click on Download anyway.
   
3. Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as administrator.
   
4. In the security dialog, choose More info > Run anyway.
5. Confirm your action by clicking Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
6. After the process is complete, restart your computer and check if the update issue has been resolved.

Solution 3: Download Show or Hide Updates from Microsoft

If the previous solutions didn’t work, it’s possible that the update simply isn’t compatible with your device. Microsoft might have unintentionally released this update for your computer, and if it’s not needed or compatible, you can temporarily hide the update using Microsoft’s official Show or hide updates tool. Here’s how:

1. Download the Show or hide updates tool by clicking on this link.
2. Double-click the downloaded file and click Next to continue.
   
3. Select Hide updates on the next page.
   
4. Wait for the tool to detect issues related to Windows updates, then review the list of available updates on your device.
5. Tick the box next to the update you wish to hide and then click Next.
   
6. The tool will then proceed to hide the selected updates. Once finished, it will display a summary of the hidden updates.
7. To complete the process, click Close the troubleshooter and restart your computer.
   

Note: If you prefer not to hide the update and want to continue attempting the installation, consider using the Windows Update Assistant as an alternative method.