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: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-01-09T09:40:50+00:00

    Thought it was just me too.  Updates are impossibly slow too and it's not a DISM/SFC/FIXIT/etc. problem.  Perfectly clean system.

    I can only surmise that MS has devoted most of their bandwidth to the world for downloading  Windows 10 and have severely throttled all other downloads including windows 7 updates.

    Since you can safely upgrade to Windows 10 without applying the rest of the 7 updates, I surmise (again) that MS took this into consideration and decided to silently nudge people in throwing up their hands and surrender to go the upgrade route.

    With Microsoft, you are forced to surmise way too often.

    Update Feb 19, 2016:  Installed a fresh Windows 7 computer with the intent of upgrading it to Windows 10.   With no Windows 7 updates installed I launched the Windows 10 upgrader and it *failed* after some point and amazingly hundreds of Windows 7 updates came about amazingly fast.   Obviously the 10 upgrader doesn't shut off the automatic updates.  Instead, it's almost as if the Windows 10 upgrader did just enough to either point this fresh system to a new set of update servers or give it the secret sauce to grab Windows 7 updates immediately.   Then another batch of Windows 7 update came about super fast.  After Windows 7 fully updated, I could have easily canceled the Windows 10 upgrade.   So, you might want to start the windows 10 download but cancel it later.    I don't know - I'm just sharing my experience.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-01-09T18:34:43+00:00

    No one should be forced to move to windows 10 (or any other os or app). If things work and you and comfortable and don't need extras (too often useless features), then why change?

    While Microsoft does not seem to

    listen to its customers, it will eventually listen to their customer's wallets. I

    haven't recommended many Microsoft products the past few years.

    Although I really like windows server, I find for the smb market, a small NAS from qnap or synology works just as well, with less maintenance and for a fraction of the cost.

    If Microsoft does not change its attitude, I can see it losing a huge chunk of the market to companies that listen to customers needs.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-01-20T16:20:03+00:00

    how do i  free up space on disk c??  keep getting a pop up saying i need to free up space...i copied all files on disk c to a flash drive...unable to delete anything says i need to either log in as an administrator and or thru system...

    any help with any of these would be great...running windows 7/google chrome browser...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-01-21T14:07:01+00:00

    I have just installed Windows 7 on another Laptop, I was deleting windows old file on C:

    I was told to log in as administrator.  I just click on ok/continue. Delete then completed.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments