How to fix
Language Pack download stuck
on Windows

Hi, I've been trying to download a new language pack to install on my PC, and the download is stuck at around 80%. I've been waiting for several hours already, and I don't think it should last that long in the first place. This is not the first time I'm trying - I had to reboot my PC in order to stop the download from hanging. Any idea how to fix this?

Windows is a popular operating system used by millions of people around the world. One of the key features of Windows is its support for multiple languages. The operating system allows users to change the display language, keyboard layout, and date and time format, among other things, to suit their personal needs. These changes are accomplished through the use of language packs.

A language pack is a set of files that add support for a specific language in Windows. The pack includes translated versions of system messages, dialog boxes, and other user interface elements, as well as support for specific keyboard layouts and font sets. With language packs, users can switch to their preferred language without having to install a new version of the operating system.

Unfortunately, some users reported that the language pack download is stuck whenever they attempt to add it to their systems. While for some people, the issue revolves around one language pack, for example, Italian, for others, the problem is universal, and they can't install any language packs in Windows at all.

If a language pack download fails to install for you, there are several things you can do, including installing the latest updates, clearing the software distribution folder, checking for corrupted files, and more. Running a PC repair tool [d1] can help you perform many of the manual fixes automatically, so we recommend doing so. Otherwise, proceed with the steps below.

Fix 1. Install the latest Windows updates

Windows updates fix bugs and patch various other issues. Thus, make sure that you have the latest updates installed:

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Here, click Check for updates.
• Wait till Windows downloads and installs all the required files.
• If optional updates are available, install them too.
• Reboot your computer.

Fix 2. Check for system file corruption

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
• When the User Account Control window pops up, click Yes
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• After the SFC scan is complete, use the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Restart your system.

Fix 3. Clear Software distribution folder

• Open Command Prompt (Admin) as explained above.
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
• Press Win + E to open File Explorer
• Go to the following directories and delete the contents of these folders:
  C:\Windows\System32\catroot2
  C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
• Open Command Prompt again and paste these command lines:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
  
• Restart your system.

Fix 4. Reset components related to the internet connection

• Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
• Use the following commands, pressing  Enter after each:
  netsh winsock reset 
  netsh int ip reset
  ipconfig /release
  ipconfig /renew
  ipconfig /flushdns
• Close down Command Prompt.

Fix 5. Download language packs in Clean Boot

You can remove software conflicts in a clean boot state.

• Type msconfig in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to the Services tab.
• Check the Hide all Microsoft services box and pick Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
• In the Task Manager, right-click on every entry and select Disable, then close the Task Manager
• Go to the Boot tab, tick Safe Boot, then click Apply and OK.

Fix 6. Reset Windows

Language pack download might be stuck because there are far more deeper problems on your device. If that's the case, you can always reset your system without losing your files. Before proceeding, uninstall third-party security software using a special tool from its developer and disconnect all unnecessary peripherals such as printers and cameras.

• Right-click on Start and then select Settings.
• Go to Update & Security and pick Recovery on the left side of the window.
• Find Reset this PC section and click Get Started.
• Select Keep my files and Cloud download.
• Next, pick whether you want to reinstall the apps.
• Click Reset.
• Your system will restart, and the process of Windows reset will begin.