Windows update (speed of installation)

clark33 · 25 Apr 2012

Hi again,

I needed to install a few updates from microsoft, using the windows update service. The updates downloaded quickly which is fair enough but when the updated went to installation, it seemed to take a very long time for them all to install. I have a netbook and when I update that the installations are fairly quick. Would anyone have an idea why my update files are taking a long time on my laptop as opposed to my netbook?

thanks for advice.

Dwarf · 25 Apr 2012

It all depends on a number of factors. Firstly, not all updates are applicable to every machine, as some might only be to address issues concerned with specific hardware configurations. Secondly, computer specifications - processor speed, amount of memory, whether it has a HDD or SDD, the amount of free space available on the drive, and other background processes.

Joan Archer · 25 Apr 2012

To add to Dwarf's post also some updates take longer to install than others, typically the .net updates and of course the monthly Malicious Software Removal one as that is checking the whole computer.

clark33 · 25 Apr 2012

So basically what your saying is that the updates for once computer can be different to another computer because of system specs? and it would be considered normal that the updates seem to take a while to install?

Joan Archer · 25 Apr 2012

Yes I think that's what Dwarf meant but of course he will clarify it. I would say that is just how it is but then if they are taking hours to install there could be something wrong, perhaps one is corrupt and you would need to do it again.

Perhaps if you tell us which you are having problems with someone would be able to give you a clearer answer.

clark33 · 25 Apr 2012

I dont think its specific updates that are slowing it down. My netbook (using 2gig ram and atom processor) installs them relatively quickly. My Laptop (using 6gb ram and core i3 processer) seem to take an age to install all the downloads. Didnt think that should be the case.

OldMX · 25 Apr 2012

Installing all the updates after a clean install just take a few minutes if you have ram enough to create a ramdisk to hold the TEMP and SoftwareDistribution folders.