Windows Update hangs on "checking for updates". Haven't been able to install updates since Oct. 2011

Anonymous

Hey there everyone,

I'm having an issue with Windows Update on my Windows 7 64-bit computer. My last most recent update check was on 10/3/2011 and my last actual update was on 9/29/2011. What is basically happening is that Windows is telling me that I need to check for updates. I click on Check for updates, and it basically acts like it is checking for updates, but never moves beyond that. I can leave it checking for hours, and nothing will happen. It won't get me to the screen where I can actually select updates, nor does Windows even acknowledge that I checked for updates.

I've already tried using the Windows Update Fix tool, but there was no success with that at all. I thought that maybe it was my firewall or internet settings, and it's not that either. Does anyone have any suggestions. Thanks!

Peter

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

Hi,

Try the following methods

Method 1:

1. Click Start

2. Type ‘cmd’ in the search bar.

3. Right click Command prompt and choose “Run as Administrator”

4. At the command prompt, type the following, commands and then press ENTER after each command:

a. net stop wuauserv

b. net stop bits

c. net stop cryptsvc

Please do not close the Command Prompt window.

Method 2: ****Rename folders pertaining to Windows Update.

At the command prompt, type the following commands, and then press Enter after each command:

a) ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old

b) ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

At the command prompt, type the following, commands and then press ENTER after each command:

a) net start wuauserv

b) net start bits

c) net start cryptsvc

Close the Command Prompt window and check the issue if issue reoccurs

0 comments

237 additional answers

Anonymous

2016-05-19T16:16:46+00:00

I am in the same boat very frustrating for sure looking for a fix as well not sure i need them updates anyway after factory recovery working pretty good.Anyway good luck to you !!!
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2016-05-19T16:35:13+00:00

Could some one tell me where these folders are for windows updates.I went threw the process but never seen a folder please and thank you.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2016-05-19T19:06:04+00:00

For those that are still having the issue when updating Windows 7 past the SP1. Microsoft just announced a bundle of updates that might just resolve the issue. Read the article at the following link and then download it. Microsoft Service pack convience update.

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/weighing-up-windows-10-microsoft-makes-it-easier-to-keep-running-windows-7/?ftag=TRE684d531&bhid=77175943

http://techreport.com/news/30148/microsoft-releases-update-rollup-for-windows-7-sp1

http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Install.aspx?q=3125574&referringpage=Search.aspx

Download and install the following update update first.

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

Id say go to the SP-1 then download this update directly from Microsoft..

Jess
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2016-05-31T07:13:22+00:00

I have followed the methods 1. and 2. and nothing has changed. My update window just keeps on going with "checking for updates" and nothing happens. Maybe, if I live so long, it may eventually do something but, at my age, I don't think I can wait that long.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments