Windows update not working, hangs while "searching for updates"

Hijin25 said:

ThrashZone said:

Hi,
I can't imagine why someone would not have sp1 installed years ago

Clean install with new media with sp1 on it
Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool

Is this tool reliable?

Hi,
I've personally never used it but many others have with success :)
The only requirement I believe is that the machine must have net framework 4.6.1 installed
To use the iso the tool will offer choices for all you need is a valid activation key but the tool it's self does not ask for a activation key.

locrian9 said:

Just thought I'd post my solution, since I ended up calling Microsoft Support to solve this.

Since Microsoft want to keep their Windows 7 product up to date, they will assist you free of charge. Call the 800-642-7676 and say "technical support". Explain to the tech operator that your PC is hanging while searching for updates.

This is what the tech did:

- Remotely logged into my PC

- Went to Control Panel > Windows Update > Change Settings > Set Important Updates to:
* Never check for updates (not recommended)

- Download the 6.1-KB3020369 "Known as the April 2016 fix" for your version of Windows 7. My version is a 64-bit system, so they downloaded the x64-based versions for Windows 7 and installed it (see link) Access Denied

- Download the KB3172605 "Known as the July 2016 fix" for your version of Windows 7. Again they downloaded the x64-based version for Windows 7 and installed it (see link)
Access Denied

- Then they downloaded the "Convienience package". I can't get the link to work that's directed from this link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/3125574. When you get there, and trying the link they suggest through the "How to get this convenience rollup", the "Microsoft Update Catalog" link that does an auto search for KB3125574, doesn't get through. You might have to call them to get this.

- Then we turned on the automatic updates:
Control Panel > Windows Update > Change Settings > Set Important Updates to:
* Install updates automatically (recommended).

You should try to call their support in order to get the convenience package, because they told me that manually doing these updates is difficult. I couldn't find a way to find it through google search "KB3125574".

I am having trouble carrying out this fix.

First of all the link for KB3020369 is dead so I used this one instead; https://wwwdotmicrosoftdotcom/en-us/....aspx?id=46817 *

Secondly during installation of KB3020369 my computer is hung up on "Windows Update Standalone Installer. Searching for updates on this computer...". How long does this usually take? Or can't I bypass this step? So far its taken an whole hour and still at it with no end in sight.

I kindly ask that you please don't fob me off with negative or useless replies. I am already frustrated and on thinning patience with this as it is since I have the exact same problem as the original poster with no concrete simple clear cut fix, well nothing that's worked so far. Even Microsoft support are useless as usual. I have wasted a whole day getting nowhere before I even found this "fix". What's worse, I have to update my laptop before I can even carry out a "fix" for yet another problem which I won't bore you with, this one involving Microsoft Security Essentials.

*Sorry for the "dots" in the new link. This forum won't even let me post safe links.

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
I have all the updates on my Onedrive I believe the link is still good on post #2 here,
windows update

Hi,
You're welcome Craig glad it worked out :)
Cheers.
Note November security only update is there too :)

Joined for a couple of reasons.

First was to directly thank Mergatroid and everyone else in this thread for posting advice that helped me solve this issue with Windows update not working.

Second, because I've been lurking for years (mainly because Google keeps directing me here when I search.) and decided it was finally time to quit lurking.