Windows update questions [View all]

I got the popup that there was an update. I finished what I was doing and closed everything running, chose update and restart at 7:56 a.m. 45 minutes later, the screen still says 'Getting Windows ready, don't restart your computer'
Every time I update, this happens. I am usually impatient and use escape or C-A-D to urge it along. I'm trying to be patient this time.
I have a Dell laptop with Windows 10. I have over half the memory free.
My question is if I'm seeing that message, are the updates getting installed, or is the laptop just sitting there taking up space? Is it ok to urge along it by using Esc or C-A-D?


Thank you.