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

[clydebern]

This problem had been driving me nuts over the last year.
I would do a fresh install of Windows 7 for a customer, and the updates would fail to function. This is for Windows 7 Pro or Home, with service pack two.

I tried everything. Hunted the 'net for hours. Finally, I had settled on downloading some 3rd party software that would force-feed Windows its updates. This would work, but it took a while and was a rather inelegant solution.

Then I stumbles across a webpage that has an answer that actually worked.

1. Disable Windows Updates (tell it to never check for updates).
2. Reboot.
3. Download and install Internet Explorer 11.
4. Download update KB3102810 and place it on your desktop (make sure you get the correct one, 64 bit or 32 (X86) bit). Place on your desktop.
5. Reboot.
6. Go into Computer Management (right click on Computer in Start Menu) and select Services.
7. Stop Windows Update service.
8. Start Menu, Computer, C: drive, Windows, delete the entire Software Distribution folder.
9. Double click on update KB3102810 and let it install.
10: Reboot (this will turn update service back on).
11. Go into Windows Updates and check for updates. Give it about an hour, it may take less time but be patient. It will start working.
12. After installing your updates, you can turn Windows Update automatic check for updates back on if you like.

I have tested this on four fresh Windows 7 Home Premium and 3 Windows 7 Pro fresh installs and it worked on all of them.

I had the same problem.
This solution worked for me.
After following the steps, the initial updates cycled for about 12 hours before producing results.
Took another 4 hours to download all initial updates available.
Thank you very much Mergatroid, you are the man!
Thank you also to SevenForums, which is one of the best around.
Clydebern-

 

[timeless]

l shouldnt need to do as many updates given l used KB3125574 (it contains all updates up to April) tho its still taking ages to scan despite only needing say 30 updates if that seeing as lve not seen that many updates over the past few months.

 

[magnaangelx]

thank you

Legit i made this account so i can thank mergatroid for this, my computer finally started the download phase. Now we wait for the instal phase but this method def worked!

This problem had been driving me nuts over the last year.
I would do a fresh install of Windows 7 for a customer, and the updates would fail to function. This is for Windows 7 Pro or Home, with service pack two.

I tried everything. Hunted the 'net for hours. Finally, I had settled on downloading some 3rd party software that would force-feed Windows its updates. This would work, but it took a while and was a rather inelegant solution.

Then I stumbles across a webpage that has an answer that actually worked.

1. Disable Windows Updates (tell it to never check for updates).
2. Reboot.
3. Download and install Internet Explorer 11.
4. Download update KB3102810 and place it on your desktop (make sure you get the correct one, 64 bit or 32 (X86) bit). Place on your desktop.
5. Reboot.
6. Go into Computer Management (right click on Computer in Start Menu) and select Services.
7. Stop Windows Update service.
8. Start Menu, Computer, C: drive, Windows, delete the entire Software Distribution folder.
9. Double click on update KB3102810 and let it install.
10: Reboot (this will turn update service back on).
11. Go into Windows Updates and check for updates. Give it about an hour, it may take less time but be patient. It will start working.
12. After installing your updates, you can turn Windows Update automatic check for updates back on if you like.

I have tested this on four fresh Windows 7 Home Premium and 3 Windows 7 Pro fresh installs and it worked on all of them.

 

[Imaginashawn]

Enabling Updates Manually

Being one that repairs and sells laptops as well as many other devices, this is kinda 'old hat' to me but the fact that Microsoft chose to hide the solution on this in Windows 7 makes it perfectly understandable why a novice has trouble with it.
When the simple tools don't work to enable Windows updates, you can go 'straight to the source' of the problem by making the necessary changes in Administrative tools. There are different ways to get to where you can start windows update yourself.
One way to access it is:

1. Click on Start/Control Panel/System and Security/Administrative Tools
2. Once there, click on the NAME 'Administrative Tools'.
3. You'll see a list in the right pane. RIGHT click on 'Computer Management' and in the drop down menu that appears, choose 'Run as administrator'.
4. Double click 'Services and Applications' in the left pane.
5. Double click 'Services'. In the left pane scroll down to 'Windows Update'.
6. Double click on it to open the properties window.
7. In 'General' tab, 'Startup type' is likely set to 'Disabled' if this is your problem. Click on it and set it to 'Automatic'.
8. Under this is a 'Start' button you need to click on to start the service.
9. Then just click OK and close all your windows. Probably should restart machine before trying to run updates.

Hope this was helpful.

Shawn/Imaginashawn

 

[Mavridis]

This problem had been driving me nuts over the last year.
I would do a fresh install of Windows 7 for a customer, and the updates would fail to function. This is for Windows 7 Pro or Home, with service pack two.

I tried everything. Hunted the 'net for hours. Finally, I had settled on downloading some 3rd party software that would force-feed Windows its updates. This would work, but it took a while and was a rather inelegant solution.

Then I stumbles across a webpage that has an answer that actually worked.

1. Disable Windows Updates (tell it to never check for updates).
2. Reboot.
3. Download and install Internet Explorer 11.
4. Download update KB3102810 and place it on your desktop (make sure you get the correct one, 64 bit or 32 (X86) bit). Place on your desktop.
5. Reboot.
6. Go into Computer Management (right click on Computer in Start Menu) and select Services.
7. Stop Windows Update service.
8. Start Menu, Computer, C: drive, Windows, delete the entire Software Distribution folder.
9. Double click on update KB3102810 and let it install.
10: Reboot (this will turn update service back on).
11. Go into Windows Updates and check for updates. Give it about an hour, it may take less time but be patient. It will start working.
12. After installing your updates, you can turn Windows Update automatic check for updates back on if you like.

I have tested this on four fresh Windows 7 Home Premium and 3 Windows 7 Pro fresh installs and it worked on all of them.

I want to say many Thanx to every one here especialy to Mergatroid and Sevenforums.... I was wondering around many days looking for help about this problem.. I just have been registered to say thanx & who knows someday maybe i can help someone around..

Cheers

Mavridis G

 

[1LostUser]

Try updating Windows Update Agent

This is an on-going problem and I am at my wits end.

What I have: Toshiba laptop with Windows 7 Ultimate SP1, 64bit, no additional software installed since I could never get past the update issue.

The symptom: went attempting to run windows update it says "searching for updates". It never stops "searching for updates" until I close or end the program. I have let it run for 2 days straight.

What I have tried:
1. Did the "clear the cache" fix, (stopped BITS and windows update services, deleted SoftwareDistribution folder, then restarted), no change
2. Attempted to install updates manually, it hangs on "searching for updates on this computer".

3. Even when trying to install the system update readiness tool does not work.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thank you

Admittedly I did not read this entire thread so keep that in mind. I just saw the question and read a few answers and know what I have done in the past.

I've had this issue before and have been able to solve it over half the time by downloading the new Windows Update Agent.
Here is the link I have used
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/949104

MS changed the way they do updates early in 2015? and had some updates after that had broken windows updates after. Anyway, try that link, install the appropriate update for your OS and give it a try.

Also wanted to add that the update rollup KB2993651 initially hosed Windows Update per microsoft and they resubmitted it so you may need to do the rollup as well. Here is a link where they outline a number of windows update issues and steps to try and resolve: https://blog.krissmilne.tech/windows/windows-7/windows-7-stuck-on-checking-for-updates with the KB2993651 update given as one of the first steps to try.

I recently had the same problem on a new install, did the Update Agent, then ran KB2993651 and after that was able to pull in windows updates.



Over and out

 

[IparryU]

IT WORKS!!!!! THANK YOU Megatroid and gocinko!!!

Just made and account to show how I got it working and much thanks to Megatroid and gocinko, you saved me from getting grey hair or going bald XD

After using this Reset_Windows_Update_Full.bat (option3)doing the below (bold is where I added gocinko's info) I was able to get updates in about 30 seconds.

This problem had been driving me nuts over the last year.
I would do a fresh install of Windows 7 for a customer, and the updates would fail to function. This is for Windows 7 Pro or Home, with service pack two.

I tried everything. Hunted the 'net for hours. Finally, I had settled on downloading some 3rd party software that would force-feed Windows its updates. This would work, but it took a while and was a rather inelegant solution.

Then I stumbles across a webpage that has an answer that actually worked.

1. Disable Windows Updates (tell it to never check for updates).
2. Reboot.
3. Download and install Internet Explorer 11.
4. Download update B3083710, KB3102810, KB3020369, KB3050265, KB3172605 and place it on your desktop (make sure you get the correct one, 64 bit or 32 (X86) bit). Place on your desktop.
5. Reboot.
6. Go into Computer Management (right click on Computer in Start Menu) and select Services.
7. Stop Windows Update service.
8. Start Menu, Computer, C: drive, Windows, delete the entire Software Distribution folder.
9. Double click on updates below and let it install.
B3083710
KB3102810
KB3020369
KB3050265
KB3172605
10: Reboot (this will turn update service back on).
11. Go into Windows Updates and check for updates. Give it about an hour, it may take less time but be patient. It will start working.
12. After installing your updates, you can turn Windows Update automatic check for updates back on if you like.

I have tested this on four fresh Windows 7 Home Premium and 3 Windows 7 Pro fresh installs and it worked on all of them.

 

[Gintonic]

Hi, I registered just to thank Mergatroid and paulsilvio76. This solution FINALLY helped after I was trying to make the updates work on my fresh Win7 install for 2 days. I'm going to screenshot this thread and keep it somewhere safe in case I ever run into this problem again. Thank you both so much!

 

[Lin0]

A million thanks to gocinko - your suggestion is perfect.

[SOLVED]
gocinko,
Thank You. I was in such bad shape that my system could not run multiple updates - so I had to manually install each of your listed updates, then restart and repeat until the last one. Restarting one last time and upon startup immediately the system began to download the rest of the updates it needed. I tip my hat to you. Many many thanks gocinko

Had similar issue. Factory restored 7 and couldn't get windows update to stop hanging. Factory restore, get as far as you can with windows update before it hangs, force restart then manually install these.

KB3083710
KB3102810
KB3020369
KB3050265
KB3172605

I can't remember if I was forced to upgrade to IE11 to download but if the windows links don't work IE11 will sort. Restart whenever prompted then about 200 or so updates will appear. Takes a couple hours to install the 200 no way to avoid it.

 

[sbaumg2s]

This problem had been driving me nuts over the last year.
I would do a fresh install of Windows 7 for a customer, and the updates would fail to function. This is for Windows 7 Pro or Home, with service pack two.

I tried everything. Hunted the 'net for hours. Finally, I had settled on downloading some 3rd party software that would force-feed Windows its updates. This would work, but it took a while and was a rather inelegant solution.

Then I stumbles across a webpage that has an answer that actually worked.

1. Disable Windows Updates (tell it to never check for updates).
2. Reboot.
3. Download and install Internet Explorer 11.
4. Download update KB3102810 and place it on your desktop (make sure you get the correct one, 64 bit or 32 (X86) bit). Place on your desktop.
5. Reboot.
6. Go into Computer Management (right click on Computer in Start Menu) and select Services.
7. Stop Windows Update service.
8. Start Menu, Computer, C: drive, Windows, delete the entire Software Distribution folder.
9. Double click on update KB3102810 and let it install.
10: Reboot (this will turn update service back on).
11. Go into Windows Updates and check for updates. Give it about an hour, it may take less time but be patient. It will start working.
12. After installing your updates, you can turn Windows Update automatic check for updates back on if you like.

I have tested this on four fresh Windows 7 Home Premium and 3 Windows 7 Pro fresh installs and it worked on all of them.

Wow, that worked very fast. After i failed for more than 1 month to get Windows Update search showing me updates your instruction succeeded after kind of 30 minutes.

Though point 6 + 7 are redundant because of point 1.

 

[battleaxe555]

Thanks Mergatroid,
Around an hour to assemble hardware into new box. The ? 4-6 hours of pain to get SP1 and rest of updates on which should have happened automatically.
Fix worked a treat and I have filed it away for future use if MS does not get its act together.

 

[locrian9]

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".

 

[fredrok46]

I'm having the same problem on a fresh Windows 7 install. Windows Update spins forever and never found a single update. It says Most recent checks for updates: Never and Updates were installed: Never.
However it shows 186 updates installed on todays date under Installed Updates.
Under View update History it shows 2 updates with todays date. This must be a Windows problem. They are probably pissed we didn't upgrade to 10.
I'm going to let it run overnight again and see what happens

 

[Redeyejedi]

I just wanted to post what I have learned about this process over five days of tackling this issue on a refurbished PC my father purchased. In order for windows update to work both the Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service must be set to Automatic (Delayed). If either is not started when Windows or an Administrator physically searches for updates the Windows Update bar will just spin forever.

To check click start and type "services.msc" in the Search Box and press enter. Look for Background Intelligent Transfer Service and double click. Click Start to start the service. Set the dropdown for setup type to Automatic (Delayed). Press Apply OK.

Scroll down and repeat above process for Windows Update. Go to Control Panel and search for updates. This fixed my problem after searching the web for days with no answer. I even reinstalled the OS and it still would not start on system boot. Hopefully this helps someone out there.

After trying all the steps except the address change this finally worked. right before this change of delayed start in services, i manually installed KB3020369 & KB3125574 & KB3172605.
and when i went back to check on the control panel, immediately began the check a results for available updates.
I think there are a few things that have to be done just right on a few machines so if you're still stuck after all else, this step worked for me after: stopping WindowsUpdate service, deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder, restart computer, stop WindowsUpdate service, manually installed the three updates (one of which was already installed), restarted computer, changed WindwosUpdate and BackGroun* service to delayed start, went to windows update and was working/pulled available updates and downloaded them right away.

Thanks to all who have contributed their part to helping with this utter madness of forced/planned obsolescence issue. i agree this is an attempt to "coax" the SeveNation to 10up.

 

[LilBro]

Non-working Win7 updater is new GWX

Simple reason why Win7 update doesn't work. Since Redmond killed the GWX craplet, they decided to kill win 7 updater as well. Now the only way to get updates is to move to win 10. Simple marketing. Cause a problem, push ineffective repairs, firce customer to buy new product.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
The problem with that is to upgrade to 10 the update system would have to work seeing 10 was delivered through it

Just a string of bad update clients is all.

 

[blablablator]

windows 7 home update problem

After trying almost every "solution" i first removed the Internet Explorer 11 update. This fixed the problem for me. I think, maybe some of the other solutions needed some time. donno, but it works and im happy,

 

[fredrok46]

I think this is a Windows problem that was caused by the Windows 10 upgrade updates MS installed and then uninstalled after the free upgrade expired.
I have the same problem with the endless search for updates. However, when I look in "Installed Updates" they are already there. Check in Installed Updates and see if any have dates later then when you first had the encountered update search problem.

 

[JustDelSys32]

For those who still has this issue, after days of looking at the update not really doing much.
I did some research and found something that worked for me. Follow the steps in order, and it should work.

Follow these steps, in order.

1. Download and install SP1 from here.
   You need to get either windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe for 32-bit or windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe for 64-bit.
2. Search for CMD in the start menu, and run as administrator. Then execute the command below.
   net stop wuauserv
3. Then install April 2015 servicing stack update for Windows 7 use your version below.
   32-bit
   64-bit
4. After the PC has been rebooted, do step 2. again and stop the service.
5. Now its time to install July 2016 Update Rollup. Select your version below.
   32-bit
   64-bit
6. After reboot, search for updates. Give it like 15 minutes, should be pretty quick after this.

This worked for me after trying to follow 3 different fixes from this post.

 

[ThrashZone]

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