Windows 7: Updates Taking Too Long To Install

Extremely Long Time Taken To Install Updates
Approximately 2 days ago Windows tried to install 12 updates. It got stuck on update number 2 for at least 2.5 - 3 hours. I eventually had to do a hard shutdown so I could move on to my linux distros and get some work done. I'm reluctant to boot windows because I fear I'll be forced to do the same. Is there a remedy for this? Thank you. BTW this is Win 7.



Yesterday I had the same problem except this time it was hung-up trying to install update 9 of 11. Went off to do something and came back in 2 hours and it was still trying to install update 9 of 11.
Once again I had to turn power off so I could use the computer. Is there some other way to shutdown when it gets stuck like that? I hate to do a hard shutdown. I'm reluctant to boot Windows for fear the same thing will happen. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

This month's massive round of updates are causing wide spread grief. If it's any comfort, you're hardly alone.

You can either delete the contents of the subfolder where the updates are stored, Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download , and then the updates not installed will be downloaded again
or, download, save, and then run the Fixit found on the following KB article with all programs and web browsers being closed - How do I reset Windows Update components ?

When you run MicrosoftFixit50202.msi you would need to choose the Aggressive mode to delete the contents of the Download subfolder. That also deletes the update history shown in Windows Update when you click the View update history link.

The updates are not uninstalled and they can be viewed by checking Installed Updates.

When the Fixit has finished running restart the system.
The updates that were not installed will be downloaded again.
Suggest you set Windows Updates to " Download updates but let me choose whether to install them "

Then when the Update icon appears in the Notification area , install any offered .NET Framework updates by themselves, NOT with any other updates.
IIRC, they do not require a restart.

Then install the Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer by itself, too, if it has not installed as yet.
If any updates are offered for Microsoft C++ Runtimes, install them by themselves, too.

It use to take longer to install them in separate groups but, this month's massive round of updates appears to have altered that supposition.