Windows 7 update install time taking a very long time

Anonymous
2010-11-23T05:04:32+00:00

Well I have a Windows 7 OS, and I shut down my laptop yesterday but then it automatically went in sleep mode as I slept. As I awoken it in the morning I see its at installing updates 32 of 45. Though I see the same thing in the night with no change.  I also see my hard-drive light flashing like it normally does when it's doing something but is this normal and if not what can I do? Also this computer is only 3 days old, and I have not made a recovery media due to lack of media I can use to use for the back up.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2010-11-24T04:01:53+00:00

Hi ChaosDragon92,

You may restart your computer, then use the below steps and check if this helps resolve the issues-

Method 1: You may use the windows update troubleshooter and check if it lists and resolves any issues -

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Open-the-Windows-Update-troubleshooter

Method 2: Also I would suggest you to check in the update history if you are getting any error codes for the failed updates. If you get any errors, do provide us the same to assist you better. To check the recent updates installed on your computer.

View updates history -

a. Click Start, Settings and then control panel (all items view). Click on the Windows Update icon.

b. Click on view update history link.

c. To view the details of a single update select and right click on a listed windows update, then click on view details. Click Close when done.

You may also refer to the below link for additional assistance and check if these assist you-

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Troubleshoot-problems-with-installing-updates

Method 3: **** Use the system update readiness tool –

Download the System Readiness Tool.The System Update Readiness Tool checks your computer and tries to resolve certain conditions that could interfere with the installation of updates or other software.Here is a link to download System Readiness Tool; you may do it according to the exact configuration of the computer:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821

****After you download and then run the System Update Readiness Tool, restart your computer. Then check if you are able to install the updates properly.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Meghmala – Microsoft Support

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think

Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

123 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-05-20T00:26:10+00:00

    thanks I'll look at that.  

    So my fix that has worked on two machines is a script that stops services and renames folders for Windows updates. I found it online but Microsoft has a manual step on their site to reset this. I downloaded KB3153199, reboot then run Windowsupdatediagnostic.diagcab let that run for some time. I recall to was 15 to 20 minutes or so but let it run. It then prompts you to go check for updates. I did that and let that run for about the same amount of time and now updates are showing up. I patched all recommend and rebooted. CPU returned to normal and everything seems good. Knock on wood.... 

    Tried that this time and it still took 2.5 hours.  All the KB did was use a stand alone windows update program.  It is no different than the online version.

    I checked the log file for windows update and it showed it stalled out for 2.5 hours doing nothing at all.  not a single freaking think.  The log file output just stopped and was on hold for 2.5  hours then started back up with menial tasks.

    I think it's just another added annoyance by MS to trick users into upgrading.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-05-19T21:41:20+00:00

    stupid that it doesnt work,

    try belarc advisor

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-05-15T20:05:53+00:00

    thanks I'll look at that.  

    So my fix that has worked on two machines is a script that stops services and renames folders for Windows updates. I found it online but Microsoft has a manual step on their site to reset this. I downloaded KB3153199, reboot then run Windowsupdatediagnostic.diagcab let that run for some time. I recall to was 15 to 20 minutes or so but let it run. It then prompts you to go check for updates. I did that and let that run for about the same amount of time and now updates are showing up. I patched all recommend and rebooted. CPU returned to normal and everything seems good. Knock on wood....

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-05-15T16:39:49+00:00

    I have a new fix that I've successful tested on two machines. I'll post it later today. thanks

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments