As a World of Warcraft player, it can be frustrating when an update gets stuck on “Initializing” on your Windows computer. There are several reasons why this could happen, including issues with the game files, server maintenance, or problems with your computer’s settings. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue and get back to playing the game.

Method 1: Restart the Battle.net App

The easiest solution is often the best: try restarting the Battle.net app. This will often clear up any issues with the client, allowing you to resume the update. To do this:

1. Close the World of Warcraft tab if it’s open.

2. Right-click on the Battle.net app, and then click Exit.

3. Re-open the Battle.net app and try to install World of Warcraft again.

Method 2: Check Your Internet Connection

Another common reason why the update might get stuck is a problem with your internet connection. If this is the case, you may need to take a few steps to troubleshoot the issue.

1. Check your network connection to ensure you’re connected to the internet.

2. Restart your router or modem to see if that resolves the issue.

3. If you’re on a wireless connection, try connecting your computer directly to your modem or router to see if that helps.

Method 3: Scan and Repair Game Files

Sometimes, errors or issues with the World of Warcraft files can cause an update to get stuck. In this case, it may be necessary to scan and repair the game files to fix any issues.

1. Open the Battle.net app and navigate to the World of Warcraft tab.

2. Click Options, and then select Scan and Repair.

3. Wait for the scan and repair to complete. This may take some time, depending on the size of the game.

Method 4: Reinstall the Game

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reinstall the game. This will require you to uninstall World of Warcraft, then reinstall it from scratch. Here’s how:

1. Open the Battle.net app and navigate to the World of Warcraft tab.

2. Click Options, and then select Uninstall Game.

3. Follow the prompts to uninstall the game completely.

4. Once the game is uninstalled, re-download and reinstall it.