I'm having an issue with the software updater. It's been stuck (for a few months) on important system updates. There's over 9 of them now. I've tried to find instructions on how to deal with this, but they aren't clear on exactly how to deal with this.
I'm now also experiencing what seems to be kernel issues because my system hangs on a blank black screen with a flashing cursor whenever I power off. And this morning got an error message about the kernel.
And about 3 wks ago, whenever I copy files to my external, Zorin is corrupting some of them, making them unusable and un-deletable.
IDK if that has anything to do with the software updater, but thought I should mention it all just in case.
Thanks. Mine was set to Canadian servers. I switched it to Main Server... then hit the "update all" to clear up the back logged updates, but it was a no go. With in 3 seconds of clicking it, it went from "Cancel" (because it was going to update) back to the update all.
And the updates are still stuck as before saying "installing" but nothing is happening.
I am not able to update each individually. If you look at the screenshot you will see it is disabled because they are "installing"... and are stuck that way.
This is the software updater that is in the Zorin menu - for updating all software, not the Gnome updater.
I didn't know Freedesktop, Gnome and KDE come as either flatpaks or snaps. Did you look at the screenshot I posted in my original post? This is all main system stuff that is stuck installing, not programs.
Well, there was lots to update. I REALLY appreciate the help. I had no clue these were flatpak related. 100 good karma tokens for you!!
Even though it's updated through terminal now, the software center is still listing them all with "installing" next to them. (same as before) Is there a way to clear those out of there?
And how do I prevent this from happening in the future?
In my experience, I'd say that downloads and updates SEEM to be blocked but are actually in progress. In practice, GNOME Software graphically shows us progress that doesn't really match the actual one. In fact, always in my experience, downloads and updates always completed when I did them, I just had to wait.
You should find that in System Tools. But to come for Your Stuck Problem I would suggest that You end the Process. First You should disable the automatic Updates in the Settings of the Program. Click on the 3 Lines beneath the Min/Max/Close Buttons and choose Preferences and turn off the automatic Updates. Then let the Program open and open the System Monitor. In the Process Tab You look for gnome-software:
Lol, I realized after that this is the Gnome software. I'm really sorry. I'm lacking in linux knowledge. I'll get there.
I've actually marked the threat as solved. Storm's post fixed the issue - I'm going to bookmark this thread bc both your answers are fantastic. Thank you SO much for helping me. I super appreciate it!!
super grateful for the help! Thank you, thank you! 
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I'll get there.