Solved windows 7 update stuck at "checking for updates..."

[mystraveler]

This was a very helpful post and helped me resolve the lengthy "checking for updates" delay which could take days to resolve. The first couple times I used this it worked perfectly. The last couple however when I got to the 605 and 664 updates at the end of the process I got messages that said "the update is not applicable to the system". Both were 64 bit systems and I used the 64 bit files. I Googled the issue first and got the phonebook so I figured I would check here since you had the best solution the update check issue.

thanks in advance

Just follow my above list, if it is already installed it will tell you it is.
This has "NEVER" failed and I own a computer repair shop. I, like many others have always looked for a way to streamline Windows 7 updates. This is the solution that will accomplish three things.
First KB3020369 is a prerequisite to install the roll up package
second (KB3125574) is a roll up package to reduce the total umber of updated needed at the end
Third (KB3102810) will help with the high CPU usage during updates
Fourth (KB3112343) is the update client first release
Fifth (KB3172605) is the next release
Sixth (KB3161664) is the September 2016 update client release

Although like some others have mentioned, you can cut some of these out and it will indeed update, however this will reduce our actual time needed for installing all security updates...

 

[shatru83]

[Solved] Windows 7 SP1 Windows Update stuck checking for updates
Manually install the following updates in order. First download appropriate version of update for your windows (x86 or x64), Reboot the system and immediate start installing after reboot otherwise it may again stuck on checking updates during installation. If stuck for more than 2-3 minutes, cancel the installation, reboot the system and try again.


KB3020369 - Reboot
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369


KB3172605 - Reboot
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605


Check for update now, your problem must be gone. If you are installing fresh windows 7 with SP1, it will be better to disable internet connection first and install these two update manually, restart the system and then try to check for updates.

 

[mystraveler]

KB3112343 (x86 update)

Hi, just a note to say that the original solve from JDLWeb had a link to KB112343 for the x86 that was actually the 64 bit link. Here is the correct one:

Access Denied

 

[hostelo]

I know this is an old post but this will fix all you update issues:
Here is a 100% guaranteed solution to the updating blues for Windows 7
You should first download these 6 files:
1. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...020-EC41D56B074F/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...B0A-35769CBBE6B0/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x86.msu 2. 64 Bit- http://download.windowsupdate.com/d..._2dafb1d203c8964239af3048b5dd4b1264cd93b9.msu
32 Bit- http://download.windowsupdate.com/d..._ba1ff5537312561795cc04db0b02fbb0a74b2cbd.msu 3. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...6F1-B25B137E3C87/Windows6.1-KB3102810-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...371-1A7F5AC417E9/Windows6.1-KB3102810-x86.msu 4. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...199-5B335EE092F6/Windows6.1-KB3112343-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...199-5B335EE092F6/Windows6.1-KB3112343-x64.msu 5. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...67F-C713F7821374/Windows6.1-KB3172605-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...A9C-6B30C3E1735A/Windows6.1-KB3172605-x86.msu 6. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...7A1-BF8608449C85/Windows6.1-KB3161664-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...0B6-F243DDC20D51/Windows6.1-KB3161664-x86.msu Ok Now that you’ve downloaded everything, here is the precise process. Please don’t skip any steps or it may or may not work properly for you. I’ve included the 32 bit links even though most people have problems with the 64 Bit.
1. Click Start, type in CMD, right click the search result “command Prompt” and left click on run as administrator, click yes
2. In the “elevated” command box, type in NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the first on you downloaded earlier (KB3020369)
3. Click close after in finishes
4. Click back into the command box and again type NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the second one you downloaded (KB3125574)
5. Restart the computer at the end when it asks you to do so.
6. Click Start, type in CMD, right click the search result “command Prompt” and left click on run as administrator, click yes
7. In the “elevated” command box, type in NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the third download (KB3102810)
8. Click close after in finishes
9. Click back into the command box and again type NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the fourth download (KB3112343)
10. Click close after in finishes
11. Click back into the command box and again type NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the fifth download (KB3172605)
12. Restart the computer at the end when it asks you to do so.
13. Click Start, type in CMD, right click the search result “command Prompt” and left click on run as administrator, click yes
14. In the “elevated” command box, type in NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the final downloaded file (KB3161664)
15. Your updates will now work! You’re Welcome

Hi. Im trying this method but in step 4 this installation just hangs here (PIC ATTACHED)

 

[Scorpyix]

This has worked for me every time:

The solution:

Stop the Windows Update Service (wuauserv).
Download and install KB3050265
reboot
Download and install KB3102810
Reboot and check for updates again. All of our machines found their required updates in less than 5 minutes.

Thank you! I joined special to thank you. I didn't spend days with this issue, but few hours were a nightmare for me. It were 5 minutes on my side as well until updates appear after KB3102810.

 

[spotify95]

Got it working on my machines, which is great as they've been without updates for ages!

What worked for me was a post from a user on CNet forums:

Only kidding. I'm running mostly Windows 7 machines, but if I had Windows 8 I would certainly have upgraded to 10. As for your updating problem, I've read lots of reports about this, but mostly with Windows 7. The fix that seems to work is downloading and installing one certain update first and by itself. For Windows 7 I believe it's KB3172605 but I can't find the equivolent for Windows 8. Sorry, but it's out there... I'll keep looking.

Link: Is Microsoft punishing me for not upgrading to Windows 10? - Forums - CNET

Manually installed KB3172605 and restarted. Lo and behold on checking for updates it came up with 44 updates, most of which were probably updates that should have been installed ages ago when I had the CPU issues and Windows Update hanging at the checking screen! Think this has finally been resolved

 

[dixonjasmine90]

Hello!

Here are a couple of Methods that could work for you. Please let me know if your issue does -OR- doesn't get resolved.

Here are 3 Methods that I've found, that worked for people in the past.

Note: Try to make sure you Windows Update is/isn't working by letting it "Checking for updates" for at least 1 hour.

Method 1: Difficulty: Easy

1. Download the following tool below.
2. Download this tool: Microsoft Fixit Tool
3. Run the file once it finishes downloading.
4. Once the window appears on your screen, click the "Next" Button.
5. Let the program scan for errors, DO NOT click "Cancel". (This process may take some time.)
6. Once the program finishes scanning, it will list the following errors that have been "Fixed" or "Not Fixed".
7. If any errors were "Not Fixed", report them to me here. Left-Click the "Close the troubleshooter" Button.
8. Restart your computer. Try to update your Windows.
   
   If Method 1 doesn't work proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Difficulty: Moderate

1. Press the Windows Key and the "R" Key simultaneously. [Win+R]
2. A "Run" Box should appear. Type "services.msc" into the search box and press the "OK" button.
3. The "Services" window should appear on your screen. Scroll down to "Windows Update" Service in the Services (Local) section.
4. Right-Click on "Windows Update", then Left-Click "Stop" button. Please wait until the service completely stops. Do not close the Window.
5. Press the Windows Key and the "R" Key simultaneously. [Win+R] again.
6. Remove "services.msc" then type "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\" into the search bar then Left-Click "OK". Windows Explorer should appear on your screen.
7. Delete all contents within this folder. Left-Click + Hold + Drag until you completely highlight all the contents. Let go of Left-Click and press the "Delete" Button and Left-Click "Yes".
8. Close Windows Explorer and return to the "Services" Window. Right-Click "Windows Update" then Left-Click "Start". Wait for the service to completely start then close the window.
9. Restart your computer. Then try to update Windows.
   
   If Method 2 doesn't work proceed to Method 3.

Now this Method doesn't necessarily fix Windows Update right away (does after updates are done) but rather than a bypass or a workaround. I will provide images with this Method sense it's a little tricky.

I hope this works. 99% sure it will! Good luck!

Method 3: Difficulty: Somewhat Hard

• Please download the following tools below.
• Download: WSUS Offline Update
• Go to your downloads file. (Usually C:\Users\"Profile Name"\Downloads) and Right-Click "Extract All..."
• The Extract Window should appear on your screen. Click the "Browse" Button on the window. Navigate and Left-Click the "Desktop" icon then press the "OK" Button.
• Open the new folder that appears on your Desktop.
• Navigate to the following images below.
  
• Navigate to...
  
  
• Navigate to...
  
  
• Checkmark these boxes and click "Start"...
  
  
• This cmd will download all Windows Updates from Microsoft's Database. Please do not exit out of the cmd, it will take a while to complete.
  
  
• After the downloading is done. Close the program and navigate to the following images.
• Navigate to...
  
  
• Navigate to...
  
  
• Checkmark the following boxes and click "Start". Checkmark the other boxes once you have SP1 installed.
  
  
  
  -OR-
  
  
• This cmd will install all downloaded updates. You might have to run this installer more than once due to the fact that SP1 has to be installed first. Then Microsoft Security Updates.
  
  
  
  
• You will have to restart every time the installer completes a certain section of updates.
• Once most updates are installed, your Windows Updater should be working again. Around 100+ installed.

Okay I have tried 2 methods of yours and now on method 3. It seemed to be slowly working and getting some updates done. Now that I feel that it is stuck on something. I am absolutely not the best with computers but I need this computer to start updating so I can update some of my other programs that always fail. Here is what I believe it is stuck on....

Starting WSUS Offline Update (v. 10.6.2) at 16:11:02.91...
Checking user's privileges...
Determining system's properties...
Determining Windows licensing info...
Found Microsoft Windows version: 6.1.7601.17727 (w61 x64 enu sp1)
Found Microsoft Windows Software Licensing Management Tool info...
Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_SLP channel
Partial Product Key: RMV82
License Status: Licensed
Checking medium content...
Medium build date: 11/19/2016
Medium supports Microsoft Windows (w61 x64 glb).
Disabling screensaver...
Checking Windows Service Pack version...
Checking Windows Update Agent version...
Checking Windows Installer version...
Checking Windows Script Host version...
Checking Internet Explorer version...
Checking Windows Defender installation state...
Checking Windows Update scan prerequisites...
Adjusting service 'Windows Update'...
Stopping service 'Windows Update' (wuauserv)...
Waiting for service 'wuauserv' to reach state 'STOPPED' (timeout: 180s)...
Starting service 'Windows Update' (wuauserv)...
Waiting for service 'wuauserv' to reach state 'RUNNING' (timeout: 60s)...
Verifying integrity of Windows Update catalog file...
hashdeep64.exe: Audit passed
16:12:29.35 - Listing ids of missing updates (please be patient, this will take
a while)...

 

[arthurdls]

Thank you to VICKYV... Her solution worked like a charm!

This has worked for me every time:

The solution:

Stop the Windows Update Service (wuauserv).
Download and install KB3050265
reboot
Download and install KB3102810
Reboot and check for updates again. All of our machines found their required updates in less than 5 minutes.

 

[Belgarionbg]

For me this one

KB3172605

was enough. Now everything works ok.

 

[Alsinor]

Hello!

Here are a couple of Methods that could work for you. Please let me know if your issue does -OR- doesn't get resolved.

Here are 3 Methods that I've found, that worked for people in the past.

Note: Try to make sure you Windows Update is/isn't working by letting it "Checking for updates" for at least 1 hour.

Method 1: Difficulty: Easy

1. Download the following tool below.
2. Download this tool: Microsoft Fixit Tool
3. Run the file once it finishes downloading.
4. Once the window appears on your screen, click the "Next" Button.
5. Let the program scan for errors, DO NOT click "Cancel". (This process may take some time.)
6. Once the program finishes scanning, it will list the following errors that have been "Fixed" or "Not Fixed".
7. If any errors were "Not Fixed", report them to me here. Left-Click the "Close the troubleshooter" Button.
8. Restart your computer. Try to update your Windows.
   
   If Method 1 doesn't work proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Difficulty: Moderate

1. Press the Windows Key and the "R" Key simultaneously. [Win+R]
2. A "Run" Box should appear. Type "services.msc" into the search box and press the "OK" button.
3. The "Services" window should appear on your screen. Scroll down to "Windows Update" Service in the Services (Local) section.
4. Right-Click on "Windows Update", then Left-Click "Stop" button. Please wait until the service completely stops. Do not close the Window.
5. Press the Windows Key and the "R" Key simultaneously. [Win+R] again.
6. Remove "services.msc" then type "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\" into the search bar then Left-Click "OK". Windows Explorer should appear on your screen.
7. Delete all contents within this folder. Left-Click + Hold + Drag until you completely highlight all the contents. Let go of Left-Click and press the "Delete" Button and Left-Click "Yes".
8. Close Windows Explorer and return to the "Services" Window. Right-Click "Windows Update" then Left-Click "Start". Wait for the service to completely start then close the window.
9. Restart your computer. Then try to update Windows.
   
   If Method 2 doesn't work proceed to Method 3.

Now this Method doesn't necessarily fix Windows Update right away (does after updates are done) but rather than a bypass or a workaround. I will provide images with this Method sense it's a little tricky.

I hope this works. 99% sure it will! Good luck!

Method 3: Difficulty: Somewhat Hard

1. Please download the following tools below.
2. Download: WSUS Offline Update
3. Go to your downloads file. (Usually C:\Users\"Profile Name"\Downloads) and Right-Click "Extract All..."
4. The Extract Window should appear on your screen. Click the "Browse" Button on the window. Navigate and Left-Click the "Desktop" icon then press the "OK" Button.
5. Open the new folder that appears on your Desktop.
6. Navigate to the following images below.
7. Navigate to...
   
   
8. Navigate to...
   
   
9. Checkmark these boxes and click "Start"...
   
   
10. This cmd will download all Windows Updates from Microsoft's Database. Please do not exit out of the cmd, it will take a while to complete.
    
    
11. After the downloading is done. Close the program and navigate to the following images.
12. Navigate to...
    
    
13. Navigate to...
    
    
14. Checkmark the following boxes and click "Start". Checkmark the other boxes once you have SP1 installed.
    
    
    
    -OR-
    
    
15. This cmd will install all downloaded updates. You might have to run this installer more than once due to the fact that SP1 has to be installed first. Then Microsoft Security Updates.
    
    
16. You will have to restart every time the installer completes a certain section of updates.
17. Once most updates are installed, your Windows Updater should be working again. Around 100+ installed.

I am using method 3 for the second time. The first time I gave up after 12 hours of "this may take awhile" any ideas on what I should try next?

 

[UndeadBob]

Just follow my above list, if it is already installed it will tell you it is.
This has "NEVER" failed and I own a computer repair shop. I, like many others have always looked for a way to streamline Windows 7 updates. This is the solution that will accomplish three things.
First KB3020369 is a prerequisite to install the roll up package
second (KB3125574) is a roll up package to reduce the total umber of updated needed at the end
Third (KB3102810) will help with the high CPU usage during updates
Fourth (KB3112343) is the update client first release
Fifth (KB3172605) is the next release
Sixth (KB3161664) is the September 2016 update client release

Although like some others have mentioned, you can cut some of these out and it will indeed update, however this will reduce our actual time needed for installing all security updates...

Confirmed, worked for me too. Didn't save me the 2 days of failed attempts with other combinations of updates, but thanks .

wsusoffline almost worked, but couldn't figure out the order or when to restart.

 

[Alsinor]

Just follow my above list, if it is already installed it will tell you it is.
This has "NEVER" failed and I own a computer repair shop. I, like many others have always looked for a way to streamline Windows 7 updates. This is the solution that will accomplish three things.
First KB3020369 is a prerequisite to install the roll up package
second (KB3125574) is a roll up package to reduce the total umber of updated needed at the end
Third (KB3102810) will help with the high CPU usage during updates
Fourth (KB3112343) is the update client first release
Fifth (KB3172605) is the next release
Sixth (KB3161664) is the September 2016 update client release

Although like some others have mentioned, you can cut some of these out and it will indeed update, however this will reduce our actual time needed for installing all security updates...

Confirmed, worked for me too. Didn't save me the 2 days of failed attempts with other combinations of updates, but thanks .

wsusoffline almost worked, but couldn't figure out the order or when to restart.

Did not work for me, the fourth and sixth updates said they were not Applicable to my system.

Correction after a second restart and a twenty 20 minute give or take 5 minutes wait it has started working.

 

[UndeadBob]

Yea, to clarify, I stopped the update service before each one and restarted after the ones that requested restart.

The "check for updates" still takes about 10 minutes on a full duplex 1Gb internet connection (not just lan), so the lag is on their end.

 

[Darkfalz]

I get this stupid bug every few months. I can usually fix it by clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder or running the MS fix but on my laptop, I have tried both multiple times with no luck. svchost stuck, churning up 100% of a CPU core 24-7. I also manually installed all the latest updates with the offline installer but it's still stuck.

I am convinced this is deliberate by MS to try to force Win7 users on to Win10. Only option left is a reinstall of Windows on this machine.

 

[Ohmster]

I get this stupid bug every few months. I can usually fix it by clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder or running the MS fix but on my laptop, I have tried both multiple times with no luck. svchost stuck, churning up 100% of a CPU core 24-7. I also manually installed all the latest updates with the offline installer but it's still stuck.

I am convinced this is deliberate by MS to try to force Win7 users on to Win10. Only option left is a reinstall of Windows on this machine.

Huh, well that totally sucks. I have had good luck with installing all of the necessary updates with Windows Offline update. You download the updater plus all of the up to date updates you need, and then run it on the host computer. It will perform all necessary updates, up to date, and then you should be able to move on. Give it a try:
WSUS Offline Update - Update Microsoft Windows and Office without an Internet connection

 

[cjsacksteder]

Solved for Me Too, Thanks

I'm not sure exactly which post in this thread helped me, but I wanted to say thanks very much to everyone who posts helpful information here. It is the best site of all for Win7 problems.

I had about 8 hours into this one darn Win7 laptop that had never been updated (not mine!) and tried all kinds of things. Got SP1 on but hung thereafter. No errors shown in the c:\windows\windowsupdate.log.

For me, KB3020369 (April 2015 Security Stack) went on with WUSA but KB3172605 hung on "searching for updates".

Stupid me: had to stop wuauserv first. 3172605 went right on and it started chewing away at 175 updates.

You folks that spend a lot of time posting helpful information and the folks that run the site are very generous with your time. Thanks again.

 

[gulls777]

Just did a fresh install of windows 7 sp1.

Took 18 hours to check for updates.

System is i5-3210M, 8GB RAM with 7200RPM spinner.

 

[gulls777]

After first round of updates, it would check for updates just in 2 minutes till the system got full updated.

 

[caliskier]

This has worked for me every time:

The solution:

Stop the Windows Update Service (wuauserv).
Download and install KB3050265
reboot
Download and install KB3102810
Reboot and check for updates again. All of our machines found their required updates in less than 5 minutes.

Thank you for your help, this worked for me as well. Wow only 4 posts and you blessed so many folks. If it helps anyone, my machine hung on the first install, after about 10 min, I stopped it, restarted windows and ran the install again. It did it in like 10 seconds. reboted, did the second install and it ran in 10 seconds, and like others have said, took about 15 min for windows to tell me it found updates.

 

[ChrisWortley]

This worked for me - thank you

I know this is an old post but this will fix all you update issues:
Here is a 100% guaranteed solution to the updating blues for Windows 7
You should first download these 6 files:
1. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...020-EC41D56B074F/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...B0A-35769CBBE6B0/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x86.msu 2. 64 Bit- http://download.windowsupdate.com/d..._2dafb1d203c8964239af3048b5dd4b1264cd93b9.msu
32 Bit- http://download.windowsupdate.com/d..._ba1ff5537312561795cc04db0b02fbb0a74b2cbd.msu 3. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...6F1-B25B137E3C87/Windows6.1-KB3102810-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...371-1A7F5AC417E9/Windows6.1-KB3102810-x86.msu 4. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...199-5B335EE092F6/Windows6.1-KB3112343-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...199-5B335EE092F6/Windows6.1-KB3112343-x64.msu 5. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...67F-C713F7821374/Windows6.1-KB3172605-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...A9C-6B30C3E1735A/Windows6.1-KB3172605-x86.msu 6. 64 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...7A1-BF8608449C85/Windows6.1-KB3161664-x64.msu
32 Bit- https://download.microsoft.com/down...0B6-F243DDC20D51/Windows6.1-KB3161664-x86.msu Ok Now that you’ve downloaded everything, here is the precise process. Please don’t skip any steps or it may or may not work properly for you. I’ve included the 32 bit links even though most people have problems with the 64 Bit.
1. Click Start, type in CMD, right click the search result “command Prompt” and left click on run as administrator, click yes
2. In the “elevated” command box, type in NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the first on you downloaded earlier (KB3020369)
3. Click close after in finishes
4. Click back into the command box and again type NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the second one you downloaded (KB3125574)
5. Restart the computer at the end when it asks you to do so.
6. Click Start, type in CMD, right click the search result “command Prompt” and left click on run as administrator, click yes
7. In the “elevated” command box, type in NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the third download (KB3102810)
8. Click close after in finishes
9. Click back into the command box and again type NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the fourth download (KB3112343)
10. Click close after in finishes
11. Click back into the command box and again type NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the fifth download (KB3172605)
12. Restart the computer at the end when it asks you to do so.
13. Click Start, type in CMD, right click the search result “command Prompt” and left click on run as administrator, click yes
14. In the “elevated” command box, type in NET STOP WUAUSERV and press enter, after service is stopped, install the final downloaded file (KB3161664)
15. Your updates will now work! You’re Welcome

I’ve just joined the forum in order to say that this post worked for me. I was having problems with Windows Update. I could see that the service WUAUSERV was spending hours active - and using significant CPU. I followed all the steps above. The only time I had problems was when I applied KB3125574. Apparently, this is a rollup update. At the time, I was having problems with rollup updates (separate problem – now solved) and so this update failed - after 30 minutes of activity - and then took a further 30 minutes to revert. Everything else went well:- either the fixes installed OK or they were already installed. Since then (Nov 2016), I have not had problems with WUAUSERV or with the windows update process. Thank you.