Why are Windows updates so slow (and long) with Windows 7

Anonymous
2012-01-02T23:18:56+00:00

original title: We'll search the Windows forum for an answerWhy are Windows updates so slow (and long) with Windows 7

I have a new netbook with windows 7 starter.

Last night when I tried to shut down, I got a message about updating and not to shut down.  If I recall correctly, the download consisted of 49 items.

Today when I turned the computer on, after I entered my password, the computer told me to not shut down and stage 3 was in process.

Then it switched to a "Windows 7 Starter" screen (Windows 7 Starter with the windows logo at the bottom of a patterned blue screen, the same screen I get when booting up before the password screen appears.)  There is no other info on the screen.

It has been a couple of hours since the screen appeared and nothing else appears to be going on.  For the first 40 minutes, the hard drive light was on almost constantly, since then there is an occasional "blink" of the hard drive light.

Is this normal?

If so how long should I expect the process to take?

If not, (how would I be able to tell), what happens if I turn the computer off (assuming I can), and is there any way of recovering?

Anything else I should do?

Suggestions:

1.  Provide the user with some indication that something is happening, and show progress so we know its not just locked up.

2.  Offer an option where the user can delay the long configuration (or whatever is happening) so that if the computer is needed for critical work related use, the user won't get fired.

Thanks

tom

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
2012-01-03T15:00:42+00:00

Hi,

 It seems to be an issue with the updates installation.

Please follow the article mentioned below:

An update is not installed successfully when you try to install the update in Windows Vista and Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-13T14:14:11+00:00

    I have a Dell Laptop,Inspiron with Windows7. One update has been installing for the last 2 hours. It tells me not to unplug or turn off the computer. Normally I follow the instructions. As my beard grows longer and changes color the one update has not installed... What can I do to help speed up the installation? Please help me. Thank you, Bob

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-02-29T19:24:34+00:00

    Not to long ago I could reload a windows 7 machine 30 minutes, patches, including sp1 in 1 to 1.5 hours.

    I think the last reload, updates I did was around 8 hours for updates. There aren't that many more, and processor / ram usage is outrageous. Any linux fresh install, run updates, about 30 minutes.

    I take it the noob developers microsoft hired seem to think they need to change things to remain relevant. Yet are incapable to comprehend why customers are rejecting there bad changes.

    Windows XP is successful because it is an operating system. It is the layer between hardware and software, (definition of an operating system). What tasks the computer performs is up to the customer, and it is the customer that installs software to meet their specific needs.

    Loading a bunch of useless **** on an operating system that most of is disable anyway doesn't not make a new version and is far less that ground breaking. It "is" a pathetic attempt at trying to remain relevant.

    So if you have nothing useful to offer for development, screw something up.

    Chrome, Android, Linux are taking over for good reason.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-02-29T02:29:08+00:00

    Very Correct...    So it doesn't make sense for them to be playing with Windows 7 update server ect...

    Although, I have to agree, This is unacceptable. 

    I personally HATE 8 and 8.1 and 10...   but i change it all around and make it look like Windows 7.

    Windows 8 and 10 are fluke social media Operating Systems that have tons of holes and still breaks tons of programs...

    I am a Forensic Tech who owns one of the Midwest computer shops in the Kansas City area...

    I have run pc's since they were first thought of... and i use MAC and tons of other OS's...

    Believe me when i tell you, you better know what ur doing before you install an OS they is given to the masses for free...

    Sompin really wrong there.  What?  You guys didn't like all of us Beta testers and Protesters tell you that ur **** is broke and how to fix it?    (just a little plug to Mickysoft there)  LOL

    LEAVE WINDOWS ALONE... and give it another 10 years before you blow it all away fools...

    Best stable operating system you ever created freaks...      LISTEN...

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-02-13T14:21:38+00:00

    Last month I have trouble with Internet application ( I mean IE11, Firefox, Chrome) where a specific page couldn't access, it seems crazy an network issue, but from another PC (on  the same lan network) page loading without nay problem, therefore I started to search about these issue, unfortunately I couldn't get right information to solve these issue even from Microsoft pages.

    It seems problem becomes form win registry, no way to repair and  solve these issue (even if a lots of registry repair tools, warning!!! promises best solution, and causing big mess), so no way and I have format and install again Windows 7 home premium, install process it doesn't take big time, after complete with installation process  I know it need to update windows (correction and new files added), so process it carry out several hours!! more 4 hours, someone told me could be network issue, when is a DSL service with 20 MB???

    Conclusion crazy update process take more time than install process??? I think whatever can be posted Microsoft and developer team doesn't take any care, but they promoted to update to windows 8 or windows 10, I don't think these latest OS is a good way for customers when they experience with current products have been headache, by the way these new products  causing messing  nothing change without considering news features (some contents have been change or delete and you never know) and how about update process??? my guest  nothing will change, it will same worst experiences!!

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