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

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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

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237 additional answers

Anonymous

2016-01-22T12:03:04+00:00

I had exactly the same problem - see my solution at Windows Update remains at "Checking For Updates" indefinitely...
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Anonymous

2015-12-22T21:43:07+00:00

I spent 4 hours on the phone and remote connections with MS help desk. A lot of little checks & changes were done, but at the end of it all you've just got to be outstandingly patient. My check & install took about 18hours.

I've got 6Mbs download but just 0.5Mbs upload, I think a lot of this checking involves diagnostic 2-way communication (up & download). Both connection speeds are a factor, and we are talking about just over 7 years of bug corrections being dealt with.

Try this though, run as administrator, it could help;

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_10-update/hard-reset-windows-updates/2e26953d-58c4-4704-b627-4a743e87e15c?tm=1447931905306
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Anonymous

2015-12-22T21:26:53+00:00

Has anyone learned anything new on this? I am reinstalling Win7 on a laptop to use and cannot get Windows Update to get beyond the 'Checking for Updates'., same as all those above.
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Anonymous

2015-12-20T15:08:03+00:00

None of these methods work worth anything. Its is and miss. I have tried reinstalling windows ultimate 64bit, Windows 7 pro 64 and windows home 32. All version have the same issues upon being updated to SP1. I have even installed versions with service pack 1 and the same issue occures. I can then upgrade the windows update and updates will work for a short time but even this does not work all the time and a total reinstall is then needed. This issue did not always happen and yes I have tried different computers. So my question is what has Microsoft done to cripple the Windows 7 update?????????????????????? I need a fix that works reliably. I am running a home theater pc and Windows 10 is useless.

Jesse Marshall
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