Windows Update: Keeps checking for updates for over 1.5 hours?

spc3rd · 15 Jun 2016

Good morning everyone,

Problem description:

After logging-on to my computer around 2:00 a.m. (U.S. EST), I went to Control Panel and clicked on "Windows Update." As I'm typing this, WU is still displaying the progress bar, and says "Checking for updates." This has been going on for over 1.5 hours now. I tried to end the process in Task Manager, but get an "Access denied" message.

* Please note that I am not seeing any error codes.

My question: How do resolve this endless 'checking for updates' situation and get WU to actually update my computer with the "Patch Tuesday" updates released yesterday?

[EDIT @ 4:15 a.m.]: I restarted the computer about 15 minutes ago, and the WU "Checking for updates" has stopped (when in the Control Panel & clicking on Windows Update). WU is shown as "Running" in Task Manager under the "Services" tab. I continue to note in Task Manager, my CPU is still hovering around the 50% level.

[Additional steps taken - as of 5:18 a.m.]:

1. Performed scans with ESET, MBAM & SAS - no issues found.
2. Ran sfc /scannow. NO problems found.
3. Ran the Microsoft "Fix-it" tool. NO issues reported.
4. I've attached the CBS below.

At this point, I don't know what to do next and frankly...afraid to try anything without expert guidance from someone here.

Thank you for your time and any help!

Attachment 388066

Scottyboy99 · 15 Jun 2016

I'm no expert so Cbs log means little to me. But in last few months the 'checking for updates' is pretty screwed. Patch Tuesday is a nightmare as for many it takes many many hours to find them. Your best to leave it overnight, eventually it will find them. I started mine about 3 hours ago and it's still checking. It was the same the last couple months. I can only think that MS has deliberately placed Windows 7 updates server traffic in an extremely low priority behind 8 and 10. It's prob part of their ruse to force people towards the bug riddled plague that is Windows 10

spc3rd · 15 Jun 2016

Thanks for the info regarding your own experience with this WU problem, Scottyboy99.
You may well be right about MS screwing around with Win 7 users.

The one thing I don't like is the fact my CPU will continue remaining in the 50% range - until those updates can be installed. Needless to say, it impacts my computer's performance.

Ex_Brit · 15 Jun 2016

I've been trying to check off and on for updates for a couple of days now, "Checking for Updates" seems to be not reaching any server...anywhere at the moment.
Microsoft seems to be losing it lately IMHO.

spc3rd · 15 Jun 2016

Hi Peter,

Much obliged (as always) for your feedback!

I just got an alert about 10 minutes ago that updates are available. But, given the issue(s) going on with WU...I'll likely just have to wait a few days before attempting to download & install them. Maybe things will have settled down a bit by then.

Cheers!

Scottyboy99 · 15 Jun 2016

It's a bit of a joke the whole thing. I don't know how to avoid the 50% cpu utilisation. Presume a reboot doesn't help?

Torchwood seems to give good suggestions on the forum. To quote you could try "quickest way ive found to update, change the WU updates settings from X to Y and back again tick recommended BUT let me choose.."

I'm going to give this a go and see if it helps. Just want to get patch Tuesday done and forgotten about. This date in the diary every month is becoming a real day of frustration and dread!

Ex_Brit · 15 Jun 2016

spc3rd said:

Hi Peter,

Much obliged (as always) for your feedback!

I just got an alert about 10 minutes ago that updates are available. But, given the issue(s) going on with WU...I'll likely just have to wait a few days before attempting to download & install them. Maybe things will have settled down a bit by then.

Cheers!

Hi,
I guess the saying "patience is a virtue" applies here.
Whilst I'm not getting 50% CPU utilization as others are reporting my CPU is a bit hotter than usual when WU is running.
Regards.

spc3rd · 15 Jun 2016

(For Scottyboy99):

I did change my WU settings back last month (when I experienced an issue with WU, which Torchwood happened to be one of the people who helped me with that problem). It's set to what you mentioned, i.e. "Let me decide...".

(For Ex-Brit):

Although, my temps are remaining around 43 degrees C, I can readily hear the fan(s) on this machine running faster than they normally do, especially when I go on-line (or try to download/install those updates).

Thanks again Scottyboy99 and Peter for your respective follow-up posts! :)

Ex_Brit · 15 Jun 2016

If it's any consolation, reports are posted all over the web via several different OS platforms about this same issue, so maybe Microsoft servers are problematic at the moment.
It wouldn't be the first time but I guess we notice it more because they are usually very reliable.
Maybe they're sulking at all the bad press regarding forced 10 upgrades etc. LOL.

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DavidE · 15 Jun 2016

Many are having this issue with Win 7 updates, including me.
This month after the PT updates were published, it took me over 6 hours to check for available updates.
After that it took less than 15 minutes to download, install, and restart.
It should only take 1-2 minutes to check for updates, that's the way it use to work for me.

This same PC takes less than 15 minutes to find, download, install, and restart with Win 8.1 and Win 10.

After i get the latest Win 7 PT updates installed it takes a minute or two to check for updates, until the next PT updates are released.
Every month it takes longer for me to "Check for Updates" with Win 7 after the PT updates are published.