How to fix "Windows could not search for new update" error?

I would suggest using the Simplix Pack. Will install all updates up tp Sept 10 2020 without all the telemetry crap.
Please read carefully.

Simplix Pack to update Live Win7 System/ Integrate hotfixes into Win7 distribution | My Digital Life Forums

shinho73

See if I can help you.

Microsoft is still supplying updates for Windows 7 to Jan 2020 without End Service Updates (ESU)

Please download, unzip and run the below batch script file
Rename Software Distribution Folder .old .zip
It will turn off your Windows Update Service, rename SoftwareDistribution Folder to SoftwareDistribution.old, restart Win Update Service and restart your computer.
Then try win update again.

Snick

shinho73

OK! Doesn't always fix Win Update. Not easy sometimes!

Where did you obtain the Win7 ISO or DVD please?

Now lets check to see is Win update services are running on your machine
Click , in searchbox type services.msc and click it
Select Windows Update from the list, double click it.
Change the startup type to Automatic if it is not set
Click on Start button, (if the start button is not highlighted click on Stop and then click on Start)
Click on Apply, OK.
Do the same steps for Cryptographic Services and Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
Were those services running? If not and you started them, restart your computer.

Try Win update again. If it doesn't work still, and that may be the case.

Lets check for corrupt or missing system files
Please run sfc /scannow from administrative CMD
Click in searchbox type CMD, right-click it when it appears and choose Run as Administrator
at > type sfc /scannow yes there is a space between c and / or copy and paste it.
Try Win update again. If it doesn't work still, and that may be the case.

Would you please download and run AutoSURTx64 from my OneDrive.

The program will find errors and attempt (operative word) to fix most of them. If you peruse the CheckSUR.log which you can open in notepad or notepad++ you will see the results. (F) is what needs to be fixed and if it is followed by (Fix), well, it is fixed.


When AutoSURTx64 completes, CBS Folder will appear on your desktop, please delete everything except CBS.log and CheckSUR.log, zip/compress the CBS Folder & post. Be advised our upload limit for Zipped/Compressed Folders is 4MB!

You may have to separate the files, zip/compress them individually and post or in the alternative, upload to a cloud storage such as OneDrive or Google Drive.

I have 450,00+ replacement folders and files if needed. If there are registry errors, may need to Repair Install. Piece of cake, I do them all the time.

FYI: recently I installed Win7x64 Home Premium and win update was broken, had to perform a Repair Install to fix it.

Snick

Volume Z

What leads you to belive SP1 isn't installed.
I asked OP where Win7x64 Ultimate was obtained.
Should include SP1.

Snick

Volume Z

You're a windows update expert aeh?

OP didn't say what the error code is, could be several including the one you posted, & didn't say where the Win7 Ultimate came from.

Why all the hate and discontent?

Geez!

Snick