Windows 7 Checking For Updates stuck forever

There is no need to install absurd amounts of outdated Update Clients in an absurd order.

Install June 2016's (latest) Windows Update Client, included in KB3172605.

If not already present, also install its prerequiste KB3020369, the April 2015 Servicing Stack Update.

Regards, VZ

Please try the following: Set automatic updates to "Never check for updates" and restart Windows. Install KB3020369 and KB3172605 (in this order).

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605

Regards, VZ

This worked FLAWLESSLY - issue had been driving me nuts for over a week since I reinstalled Win 7 Pro on my old Alienware M17xr3.  Much appreciated VZ!

I am grateful to you Chumzeus, and I am specially grateful to VolumeZ for all the help he has given on this thread.

I installed the update (KB3172605) yesterday. KB3030369 was already installed on my computer, as it notified me when I tried to install it. Following installation, my updates worked perfectly, for the first time in months, and I have now received all the missing updates that have failed to arrive during the past few months. I'm really grateful.

For the benefit of anyone who is planning to install these updates, I would also stress a few points: -

I) There are alternative versions of both these updates, depending on which O.S. you have, and it is therefore important, before you begin, to check which edition of Windows you have, and whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit.

ii) Windows update needs to be switched to 'Never check for updates', and then restarted, before you commence installation. You can switch automatic update back on after you complete the installation.

iii) You need to do a Restart after installing each of these two updates.

Thanks again!

Phil.

original title: Windows 7 Checking For Updates stuck forever - I know this is answered, but the solutions don't work for me. Please see details!

I have installed a legit Windows 7 OS on my laptop. Its not an upgrade, it was a blank hard drive. WIndows 7 installed flawlessly, picked up all my drivers. The only problem is I am having problems with Windows 7 updates. When I choose Windows 7 update, it says "Checking for updates" and stays like that - forever. Even the next day. I did heavy heavy research, found out others are having the same problem...........

[Solved] Windows 7 SP1 Windows Update stuck checking for updates

Manually install the following updates in order. First download appropriate version of update for your windows (x86 or x64), Reboot the system and immediate start installing after reboot otherwise it may again stuck on checking updates during installation. If stuck for more than 2-3 minutes, cancel the installation, reboot the system and try again.  

KB3020369 - Reboot

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369

KB3172605- Reboot

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605

Check for update now, your problem must be gone.  If you are installing fresh windows 7 with SP1, it will be better to disable internet connection first and install these two update manually, restart the system and then try to check for updates.

I had this exact same problem since July 2015.

Finally managed to solve it.

1. Run disk cleanup in safe boot mode.
2. Make sure Windows update cleanup is checked.
3. Run the cleanup.
4. Reboot into normal mode.
5. Try running Windows Update ( It still took around 15 - 20 mins to find updates so be patient but it did eventually work)
6. Install the essential updates as instructed.
7. Reboot as instructed.
8. Run Windows Update again and this time it should only take maybe 5 mins to find updates. (only optional updates will be found if all essential updates have been installed at step 5.)

Hope this works for you.

Cheers.

EDIT - This solution is for Windows 7 but may be applicable to Vista and Windows 8. This solution worked for me on 2 different PC's.

Thank you, hamiltonaccie.  This worked beautifully!!!