SP1 vs Windows Update Client

[DarkStar GT]

After installing SP1, I too have the permanently-running Windows Update and am not keen to leave it churning away using up one CPU core completely for an indeterminate time.

Looking around the forum I have seen several methods that have worked for others. The simplest method seems to be:
-- create a System Restore point,
-- stop the Windows Update Service (from Task Manager / Services tab / [Services] button,
-- download and install a new Windows Update Client from https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/3138612 (Mar 2016),
-- reboot.

I chose that particular WU Client as it is the latest without any new prerequisites.

After that I can then choose which further updates I want to take.

Does that sound OK? Are there any pitfalls to watch out for / things to check?

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

AFAIK KB 3138612 was superseded by another patch.

The 3 critical ones for a new install seem to be:

3125574
3020369
3172605

Yes, if it's "stuck" in perpetual "checking for updates" or "downloading" updates, you'll need to first disable WU from services.msc (change to manual and then stop the service) and change the WU settings to "never check for updates" in the WU applet and then reboot.

That should permit those 3 patches to install.
You'll need to reboot again when done.
Then, go back to services.msc and change WU back to Automatic (delayed start) and go back to WU settings and change to "notify but do not install".
Do a manual update check and see what patches are now available....
Everything should work OK now.

MM

 

[DarkStar GT]

Thank you for your reply.

That looks more extensive than the approach I had in mind - looking at those 3 there is much more in them (a 4GB download), not related to this specific Windows Update issue. I would much prefer to do the least possible then be in full control of what further updates I take and when.

I should make it clear that this is not a new install, rather Windows 7 has been running here for several years, with updates now and then, and SP1 being installed a few weeks ago. I wanted to check that all was OK before doing anything-else.

As far as I can tell the method I posted above should work; I understand that it does not bring my system completely up to date.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

If you don't want or need the convenience rollup (3125574), then you can probably skip it.

But if you want to solve the perpetual "checking for updates" or "downloading updates" issue, then 3020369 and 3172605 will most likely fix the problem.

I only have 2 boxes on which to base that conclusion, but, I have several friends for whom it also worked.
And if you read the many threads here and at other fora, you'll see that those 2 patches did the trick for many, many other users.

The whole thing takes about 5 minutes and a reboot or two.
It's basically just a manual install of 2 optional patches to fix Windows Update client.

But it's certainly up to you.

Cheers,

MM