Windows 7 update not working

Anonymous
2012-06-05T15:14:05+00:00

I have tried all the solutions on the forum but i still have the problem of windows 7 update not working.My computer has been shutdown for 6 weeks as i have been  away. On startup yesterday th probleme  started.

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.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2012-06-06T10:29:23+00:00

Go into Control Panel >> click on Windows Update item

Click on Change settings (at top left)

under Important updates, click on the down-arrow pull-down

Click on Never check for updates

press OK

Close the Control Panel window

Then Logoff and restart Windows fresh.

When ready, go back into Control Panel >> click on Windows Update item

Click on Change settings (at top left)

under Important updates, click on the down-arrow pull-down

Now make the selection that you need for automatic updates

press OK when done

Close the Control Panel window

Next, do a fresh visit to Windows Update. Kindly advise on results.

If this solves the original issue, kindly click on the MARK It (green) icon.

If this has helped, click on the green Yes  (Helpful) icon as appropos

~ Maurice

Was this answer helpful?

1100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

145 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-03T15:31:27+00:00

    For those of you having trouble getting Windows 7 "Windows Updates" to work,  do what I did and download the offline updater from "Windows Server Update Services Offline" aka wsusoffline dot net.  It is a 100% legitimate updater, designed to update your computer, without using Window's own updater (or having to connect with it).

    I had the same problem yesterday when I reformatted my computer and there was no excuse for it. Never had this issue in the past. Very frustrating to say the least, as I need my machined updated, in order to run certain applications.

    The way the wsus application works, is that it detects your machine and grabs all the necessary operating system updates (you'll be given the option on what type of updates you want to download) for your Windows 7 computer, straight from the Microsoft servers.  So these are real Microsoft updates you're getting.  It's just bypassing the Windows Update app that isn't working.

    Once it downloads and installs all the updates, (you can select the option for it to restart itself after each update is installed, so you don't have to sit there, waiting do it yourself),  you may find the actual Windows Update application, is functional again.   It was a surprise for me to see the notification icon appear with around 80 additional updates, ready to install on my machine.  So it may be that the offline updater, can fix your Windows Update problems, after patching up a few files.

    Right now, my newest updates, are now being downloaded and installed through the Windows Update application, that previously had issues with.  All good now.

    But what a frustrating experience it was, just trying to figure out how to get around this. Shame on Microsoft.

    I can't help but wonder, if they purposely do stuff like this, in order to push us into buying Windows 10...

    I am not ready to make that change yet and I'm quite happy with 7 at this time.

    Anyways, I hope my suggestion helps you all.  Really look into it. It's a simple application. No viruses or malware. Just a straight forward updater.  Google it, if you're on the fence and watch the video tutorials on youtube. Plenty to help you know just how to get it to work.

    Goodluck everyone!

    PS: The WSUS updater, does not install peripheral updates, such as printers, scanners, video cards, sound cards, etc. Just a friendly FYI.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-03T13:14:54+00:00

    Hi I'm having the same issue.  I recently had to reload windows 7 to my computer and when I select the windows update which I know there are updates all that happens is the "Checking for Updates" just continues to search and never finishes.  I have let it go for hours thinking it needed time but it just continues to search.  I have tried many different fixes but nothing seems to work.  please help

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-09-02T16:56:06+00:00

    After days of trying to get a clean install of Windows 7 Pro (64 bit) to update I made it work after manually installing the following updates:

    KB947821-V34

    KB3138612

    KB3145739

    KB3153199

    KB3161664

    KB3172605

    I hope this helps someone else. Good luck!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-08-28T02:24:56+00:00

    Personally, I feel sorry a Microsoft customer paid a third-party to resolve a problem Microsoft is guilty of creating.  When ever one attempts repair of a problem; they are moving away from a 'legitimate' "fix".  A legitimate fix would be returning the computer to the default value as it was when it was new.  Every attempt one uses that changes the program is moving away from how the software was designed to work.  Regards

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments