Why is World of Warcraft Update Stuck on Initializing? How to Fix a World of Warcraft Update Stuck on Initializing?
by Janani
Updated Jul 14, 2023
WOW Not Updating Stuck on Initializing
If you encounter difficulties with the World of Warcraft (WoW) update, several factors could be responsible. One common issue arises when the update fails to initialize due to problems with the Battle.net desktop client.
Additionally, connectivity problems with your internet, interference from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), conflicts with antivirus software, Windows Defender, or other applications running simultaneously with Battle.net can also contribute to the problem. Moreover, the cache of the Battle.net app might be a potential culprit.
To resolve the issue of the WoW update getting stuck on initializing, several steps can be taken. Firstly, it is recommended to disable other applications and processes running on your device. Next, ensure that the Battle.net client is up to date. It is also crucial to investigate and rule out any potential internet problems. Cleaning the cache of the Battle.net app may also prove beneficial.
Additionally, whitelisting the Battle.net desktop client from Windows Defender can prevent any interference. Updating the drivers on your system is another essential step. Lastly, if any game files are corrupted or outdated, it is advisable to rebuild them to rectify the issue. By following these steps, you can address the problem of the WoW update failing to initialize effectively.
Why is World of Warcraft Update Stuck on Initializing?
If your World of Warcraft (WoW) update is stuck on "initializing," it can be caused by various factors. Here are some possible reasons and troubleshooting steps you can try:
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Network Issues: Poor or unstable internet connection can cause the update to get stuck. Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly.
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Visual Glitch: Sometimes, the Battle.net desktop client may display the update progress bar as stuck on "initializing" when it is actually still downloading. To confirm if it's a visual glitch, check if the Battle.net client is consuming any network resources in the Task Manager and observe if the WoW folder size is increasing after some time.
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Battle.net Client Cache: The client's cache files may have become corrupted or outdated, causing the update issue.
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Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the Battle.net client from connecting to the necessary servers. Ensure that the client is whitelisted or exempted from any blocking or scanning features in your firewall or antivirus program. You may need to consult the documentation or support for your specific firewall or antivirus software for instructions on how to do this.
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Background Processes or Resource-Hogging Programs: Other resource-intensive programs or processes running on your computer can interfere with the update process.
If the issue persists after trying these steps, you may want to reach out to Blizzard's support for further assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting steps or guidance tailored to your situation.
How to Fix a World of Warcraft Update Stuck on Initializing?
There are many fix methods available that could solve troubleshoot the World of Warcraft Update Stuck on Initializing issue. Here are those fix methods with which you could fix the World of Warcraft Update Stuck on Initializing issue.
1. Conduct Initial Checks
Before proceeding with the major fixes, perform the following preliminary checks:
Pause and resume the stuck update.
Restart the stuck update after canceling it.
Restart the Battle.net desktop client.
Check the World of Warcraft forum to see if other users are encountering the same issue. If so, it may be a backend problem that Blizzard will resolve.
Configure the Battle.net desktop client to run as an administrator. This will grant the client elevated system rights, allowing it to access restricted system files. If you're unfamiliar with the process, refer to our guide on how to always run an app as an administrator on Windows.
Ensure that your device meets the minimum system requirements for the game. Also, verify if your video card is on Blizzard's list of supported video cards.
2. Delete the Battle.net Client Cache
The Battle.net desktop client stores cached data for quick execution of processes, similar to other software. Over time, these files and folders can accumulate, become corrupt, or go missing, leading to issues with the client or installed games. To rule out this possibility, delete the client's cache folder and let it rebuild:
Close the Battle.net client if it's running.
End all Battle.net or World of Warcraft processes in the Task Manager.
Navigate to the following path: C:ProgramDataBlizzard EntertainmentBattle.net
Delete the Cache folder.
Restart your device and attempt to download the update again.
3. Confirm It's Not a Visual Glitch
Sometimes, the Battle.net desktop client appears to be stuck on "initializing" due to a visual glitch. In such cases, the update may still be downloading, but the client incorrectly displays the progress bar as stuck. To confirm this:
Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Task Manager.
Check if the Battle.net desktop client is utilizing any network resources in the Task Manager.
Open the folder where the game is installed.
After ten minutes, check the overall size of the WoW folder and note down the size of the game files.
If the folder size is increasing and network resources are being consumed, it indicates that the client is downloading the update. In this case, the "stuck on initializing" issue is merely a visual glitch.
However, if the progress bar is genuinely stuck on initializing, it's time to try some fixes.
4. Exclude Internet Issues
If your internet connection is down, it can cause the World of Warcraft update to get stuck in the Battle.net desktop client. To determine if your internet connection is the problem, perform the following steps:
Restart your router to clear its cache.
Test your internet speed using a free internet speed test website. If it's not fast enough, connect to a different network.
Your ISP might be blocking Blizzard servers. Change your DNS settings and retry the update.
If the internet is not causing the issue, proceed to the next step.
5. Terminate Other Processes
Check if any resource-intensive programs are running on your computer that might be consuming network resources or bandwidth.
These programs could be causing the WoW update to hang during initialization.
Stop all active processes on your torrent client, pause downloads in download managers, and disable third-party applications like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Additionally, close any other gaming clients, such as Steam and Bluestacks. Once disabled, try running the update again to see if it completes successfully.
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and released by Blizzard Entertainment in 2004. It is set in the Warcraft fantasy universe, specifically within the world of Azeroth, four years after the events of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. The game was announced in 2001 and marked the 10th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise when it was launched on November 23, 2004.
Over the years, WoW has received nine major expansion packs, including The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, Warlords of Draenor, Legion, Battle for Azeroth, Shadowlands, and Dragonflight.
Similar to other MMORPGs, World of Warcraft allows players to create their own character avatar and immerse themselves in a vast open game world. They can explore the landscape, battle various creatures, undertake quests, and interact with non-player characters (NPCs) and other players.
While the game emphasizes cooperative play to complete quests, enter dungeons, and participate in player versus player (PvP) combat, it also provides options for solo gameplay. Character progression is a central focus, as players earn experience points to level up their characters, acquire better equipment through in-game currency, and engage in a variety of game systems.
Since its release, World of Warcraft has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. It quickly became the most popular MMORPG, with a peak of 12 million subscribers in 2010. By 2014, it had amassed over 100 million registered accounts and generated over $9.23 billion in revenue by 2017, establishing itself as one of the highest-grossing video game franchises.
The game is widely regarded by gaming journalists as the greatest MMORPG of all time and one of the greatest video games overall. Its enduring popularity is evident in its continuous developer support, regular expansion packs, and dedicated player base that has sustained it for over 15 years.
In 2019, Blizzard launched World of Warcraft Classic, a version that allows players to experience the base game before any expansions were introduced. Subsequently, Classic versions for the first and second expansions were released with minor changes. In 2022, an unannounced World of Warcraft mobile spin-off game was canceled by Blizzard and NetEase.
Why is World of Warcraft Update Stuck on Initializing? - FAQ
If your World of Warcraft (WoW) update is stuck on "initializing," it can be caused by various factors. Some possible reasons are Network Issues, Battle.net Client Cache, Background Processes or Resource-Hogging Programs, Visual Glitch and Firewall or Antivirus Interference.
World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and released by Blizzard Entertainment in 2004.
World of Warcraft has received nine major expansion packs: The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, Warlords of Draenor, Legion, Battle for Azeroth, Shadowlands, and Dragonflight. These expansions have introduced new regions, quests, dungeons, raids, playable races, and additional gameplay features to the base game.
Since its release, World of Warcraft has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. It quickly became the most popular MMORPG, with a peak of 12 million subscribers in 2010. The game is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMORPGs of all time and has a dedicated player base that has sustained it for over 15 years.
World of Warcraft Classic is a version of the game that allows players to experience the base game as it was before any expansions were introduced. It aims to provide a nostalgic and authentic experience for players who want to relive the early days of World of Warcraft. \