Windows updates won't download

I've been notified of new updates in the past few days, but they won't download. The window constantly says "Downloading xxx updates, 0% completed". Okay, I cut back the number. Same result. Then I tried just ONE update. Still the same: "Downloading 1 update, 0 KB, 0% completed", even after an hour.

I've run a full virus scan (Norton Internet Security), run Malwarebytes, but neither show any problems. I'm baffled. Any ideas?

One more thing...When I looked at Windows Update History, it showed a Windows 10 Upgrade that failed. I did NOT request an upgrade and had heard that Microsoft was now sneaking this in the back door. Could this be the problem?

Hi,
Could be
I'd use Option 3 bat file download to reset the update services... for you,
Windows Update - Reset

Then see if KB3020369 is installed,
If it is see if KB3172605 is installed

If neither are installed do so manually,
When manually installing updates you need to switch your update settings to Never check for updates and restart the machine first.

KB3020369
Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...020369-x86.msu
Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...020369-x64.msu

KB3172605
Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...172605-x86.msu
Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...172605-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.

I downloaded the .bat file, ran as administrator, and after several minutes got this message:
Failed to reset Windows Update history due to wuauserv service failing to stop.

Okay, I rebooted, tried again, and got the same command prompt, but this time it said the service was stopped. I checked Windows Updates and nothing is showing, so I'll go on to the next step.

Edited: I realized I ran Option 1, so I repeated with Option 3, which just completed. Still no updates showing. I'll continue tomorrow.

Hi,
You'll need to manually install the 2 updates I already posted :)
Try these links if you feel better about it
KB3020369
Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...020369-x86.msu

Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...020369-x64.msu

KB3172605
Win-7 32 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...172605-x86.msu

Win-7 64 bit
https://download.microsoft.com/downl...172605-x64.msu

Hi:

In addition to the excellent advice already offered, especially installing all the relevant WU client patches...

INFINITE PATIENCE

Win7 updates seem to have reverted to the glacial process we've experienced for the past year, since the release of Win10.
It seemed to be transiently better for a few days immediately after the Free Upgrade offer ended.
But now it is back to "hurry up and wait" for many folks.

The behavior seems quirky and inconsistent.
It may still relate to MS server availability and perhaps it varies by locale (explaining why some folks have no delays and others do).
It's likely overly simplistic to suggest that all of us have broken systems or need to reset WU.
But the WU client patches and rollups don't always seem to fix the problem.
Perhaps MS really is still trying to make us Win7 users miserable enough to upgrade...

I try to avoid drastic solution,s such as resetting Windows Update, but that's up to each user.

On one of my Win7 boxes (with all the needed, relevant patches), it took ~20 min to get the 6 Office patches yesterday.
This morning, "downloading updates" ran for nearly 90 minutes getting the remaining 5 Windows security patches. It suddenly kicked in and there was no further issue installing them.

So, INFINITE PATIENCE.

Cheers,
MM

I installed the updates, rebooted, and the shutdown took a long time. However, when it came back up, I looked for new updates and it took over 2 hours to get a list of available updates. Still there was a list, and I installed an update for IE, which I rarely use but thought it would be a good test. Worked perfectly, but again, when shutting down took a very long time.

I then opened the update window again and attempted to install two updates for Word Compatibility Pack. No dice. Same as before--0% of 0 KB downloading. I stopped the process, and I suspect this is just a symptom of a bigger error within Windows; i.e. Windows Explorer hangs and has to be closed to restart. It's been doing that for a few days.

I probably need to start a new thread. I thought updating Windows 7 would fix the other problems, but probably not.

Thank you for your help, Thrashzone. I learned a lot, even if it didn't fix the problem.

MoxieMomma, I have to wonder if you're not right. Maybe this is all about upgrading to Windows 10--but I sure hope not.

Hi,
When the search stalls it's usually because the update settings changes did not stick after restarting the machine that makes the stand alone search and windows search clash and spin like a little mouse on the wheel forever :)

Best to download the update to your downloads folder
Disconnect from the internet and restart the machine
Then run the stand alone installer one at a time then.

You can also use for good measure Option 3 here to reset the update system which I also already posted :)
Windows Update - Reset

Update is now working. I didn't have to repeat anything, just rebooted a couple of times and suddenly all was well. I'll see if the updates fix the other problems before I do anything else.

Thanks ago for the help. It's nice to see update working as it's supposed to.