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

2016-06-04T14:42:23+00:00

I've tried the "2 Method" approach

Why do you try approaches that are four years old? The general windows update issue has not been going on since 2012 and has nothing to do with the original topic.

Regards, VZ
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2016-06-03T22:19:43+00:00

Hi!

Use the USB Media creation tool and boot to it. All the files needed to complete upgrade are on the media. It will finish the upgrade without being online.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2016-06-03T20:37:50+00:00

Unfortunately Windows 10 won't download a set up file it wants you to be online in order to finish the install. I get to 99% complete and it stops. If i could find a way to download the files and the setup then turn off my internet but i can't find a way to make that happen. ideas?
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2016-06-01T20:58:52+00:00
Hi!

Some say they got it fixed, but I never did. If you are will to upgrade to W10, disable W7 wuauserv and reboot. Disconnect or shutdown the wireless/wired internet. Then upgrade. USB Media creation tool, I think is the least trouble. I also think save nothing is the better option.

Do not forget to back up personal files and retrieve purchased product keys and W7 product key just incase. Before you upgrade.

There is a 32 bit and a 64 bit version of Produkey.

To disable wuauserv go to W7 services and find Windows Update, right click and select properties.
- Stop service
- Startup type: drop down and select disable
- Restart
- Then run Produkey
If need more help reply back.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments