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

Anonymous
2012-01-13T20:52:46+00:00

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

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.

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Anonymous
2012-02-13T16:39:04+00:00

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

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-05-31T08:28:16+00:00

    First: why is that convience rollup only released now, its been long long long over due...

    2: why doesnt MS provide an relatively up to date Windows 7 setup file with all updates integrated and usb3 support? Why does ms not give genuine customers access to this?

    3: even a cleanly installed Windows 7 with integrated rollup still hangs for long time searching for updates

    4: this means the ms update process stinks and is slow and inefficient.

    5: the rollup is hidden for normal customers who arent tech savy. They still go to the horrible slow and inconvient troubles with regular 300 updates with multiple reboots and hours long proces..

    6: Apple and Linux show how fast updates can be applied... So what is the problem here? Overegineering? Checking for superseded by superseded by superseded updates? Update procuct v1 while later v2 is installed during the same update proces?...

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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

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  4. 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.

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