Solved Windows Update takes Hours

[MitchSC]

I know this issue has been discussed all over the internet, including this forum, so forgive me for adding more clutter on the topic. I've read everything I can find, and tried every fix short of a fresh install. Nothing helps.

For me the problem started several Patch Tuesdays ago. Checking for Updates takes many hours, then Downloading them takes several more. Last time it was only 4 updates which took about 4+ hours to check, then another 4+ hours to download. Installation seems to be operating normally.

I have two 64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 systems that are both doing the same thing.

Since no one seems to agree on a solution, can someone point me in the right direction on this? Thanks...

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Was this any of the suggestions you've read
When manually installing updates you need to switch your update settings to Never check for updates and restart the machine first.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2797-windows-update-settings-change.html

Make sure KB3020369 is installed if not manually install it this is the main article page with all versions,
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369
These other links do prompt you to download as soon as you click on them just to give you a heads up

Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/down...B0A-35769CBBE6B0/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x86.msu
Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/down...020-EC41D56B074F/Windows6.1-KB3020369-x64.msu

Then manually install KB3172605 main article page with all versions,
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605
KB3172605
Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/down...A9C-6B30C3E1735A/Windows6.1-KB3172605-x86.msu

Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/down...67F-C713F7821374/Windows6.1-KB3172605-x64.msu

After switch your windows update settings back to what you had prior and manually check for updates and the rest should show up shortly.

 

[MitchSC]

I checked to find that I did have KB3020369 already installed. However, KB3172605 was not installed.
Following your instructions, I installed KB3172605 manually, then ran Windows update.
SHOCKED, THRILLED, AMAZED, and VERY VERY HAPPY !!!
It took 2 minutes to check for updates (found 1), and less than 60 seconds to install it.
Thank you so much ThashZone !!!

I've not yet tried it on my second PC, but will do so today.

Question please: This is the 1st I've read that Windows Update must be switched from "auto-check" to "never-check" to do a manual download and install of a Windows update. Why is this step necessary? Thanks again...

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
The separate search for updates clash with each other
Each update has it's own search function and it is much better than the messed up built in one until the newest update client is installed which is included in KB3172605

 

[MitchSC]

I see. Thank you.
I'll post back after updating my 2nd PC.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
No problem
Which update showed up ?

 

[MitchSC]

Kb3177723

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Okay well that update just surfaced yesterday so it seems your current now

Might help if you want too to reset the update services.... for a fresh start
Try using this to reset the update system it's very good,
Use Option 2 on the list after right clicking it and select run as administrator
https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Reset-Windows-Update-Agent-d824badc

Download it to your downloads folder
Right click it and select Extract all to the downloads folder.
Then right click ResetWUEng and select run as administrator
Follow the rest of the prompts
Press any key to continue
Type 2 for that Option on the list and the Enter key to reset update services..
Press y for Yes and then the Enter key I believe twice
After it has completed
Type 15 for that option and the Enter key to restart the machine.
Should say will restart in 60 seconds save your work.... press any key to continue.
After restart go to windows updates and manually check for updates shouldn't take a few minutes.
Here's a screen shot of the options

 

[MitchSC]

Wow. That's incredible. Thanks TrashZone. I'll definitely do that later today. I did run the Windows Update diagnostic, which claimed to have found and fixed a few things.

Will this delete my Update History, or change any Update Settings? Is it a good idea to 1st Create a Sys Rstr Pt?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Thanks
Yes history in the updates section will go away
But installed updates will always be in uninstall a program to search and see what is installed.

You can create a system image although the reset is perfectly safe I have it too on all machines I have

Windows diagnostic never really fixes anything it's a waste of time using it

 

[MitchSC]

Well, I added your Windows Update KB3172605 to my wife's PC, and now her Windows Update is lightning fast!
3 minutes to check for Updates. 1 minute to download (vs 4-6 hours), and 10 seconds to install (1 update).
I'll be nominating you for an Academy award for this one. You just brought my blood pressure down 100 points !!!

I'm curious about one thing. Was KB3172605 considered an "Important" Windows Update? Just wondering why I didn't already have it.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
No it was released as Optional = not even recommended I don't believe
No telling why ?

Glad it all worked out don't think all optional or recommended updates are good though because they aren't
Cheers.

 

[MitchSC]

Well ThrashZone, there is no way I would have ever figured this out without your kind help. Can't thank you enough.

I haven't had a chance to try the Reset Windows Update Tool, but will get to that. As you mentioned, it's easy to search for installed updates thru the Control Panel, so losing my Windows Update History is a non-issue.

BTW: I almost never install the optional updates, but always the important ones. Hope I'm making the right choice there.

So I guess I'll mark this as "solved". Thanks again...

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi
Yep if you ever wonder about an optional section update just ask
Cheers.