Windows 7 updates take forever

[alexnt]

Has anyone found a solution to that problem?

I face this problem everyday at work. I talk about fresh windows 7 installations.

Half of these situations are fixed running windows update diagnostic BUT the problem persist for the other half and it is very annoying.

 

The most annoying is that cpu runs at 50% all the time due to svchost for windows update service.

[PalladianPD]

Try installing the updates 20 at a time instead of all at once.

[alexnt]

The problem is that it searches for updates forever even if you try to install an update with standalone installer

[PalladianPD]

Is this on SP1 or a base install?

[Pesukarhu]

I had this problem, left my pc updating overnight but that doesnt probably work at work.

[PalladianPD]

Have you tried updating the windows update utility before searching for updates? Also, I know this is kind of annoying but you can download and roll in most of the updates to the iso then work from a mostly patched baseline.

[alexnt]

I believe the problem is the update client itself. I solved the problem for now but I can tell you that it is a random fix. In some cases you fix it at once but others are more difficult.

Here is what i did:

If it is a fresh install you let the update client update itself and then reboot.

After that you run KB3102810(x86 or x64) then reboot(in the last situation I faced I used the KB3112343, never used it before but worked).

After that you run windows update diagnostic tool but not the built in one of windows, I download it manually and reboot.

Then after you log into windows check for updates.

 

You may need this in some occasions to reset wu service(option 3): http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91738-windows-update-reset.html

You also may need microsoft fix it 50123: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-7

 

 

[zMeul]

2 hours ago, ganja7 said:

I believe the problem is the update client itself. I solved the problem for now but I can tell you that it is a random fix. In some cases you fix it at once but others are more difficult.

Here is what i did:

If it is a fresh install you let the update client update itself and then reboot.

After that you run KB3102810(x86 or x64) then reboot(in the last situation I faced I used the KB3112343, never used it before but worked).

After that you run windows update diagnostic tool but not the built in one of windows, I download it manually and reboot.

Then after you log into windows check for updates.

 

You may need this in some occasions to reset wu service(option 3): http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91738-windows-update-reset.html

You also may need microsoft fix it 50123: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-7

this works and doesn't

I did this exact same thing a couple of months ago and still had to wait on "checking of updates" couple of hours

[alexnt]

On 13/4/2016 at 6:15 PM, zMeul said:

this works and doesn't

I did this exact same thing a couple of months ago and still had to wait on "checking of updates" couple of hours

I know my friend. There are some occasions that it doesn't work and I gave up too. It works at about 80%.

 

But if you don't mind try with this order.

Before you start the procedure boot in safe mode and delete manually the contents of C:/windows/softwaredistribution/download

Find and download windows update diagnostic tool(http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/open-the-windows-update-troubleshooter) and run it then reboot.

Run as admin the reset from the link above(my previous post) and then run the 50123 fix and reboot.

Then try to install KB3112343(if it is stuck at "seaching for updates on this computer" for more than 5 minutes I believe that the problem persists) and reboot when prompted.

Then run once more windows update diagnostic tool and reboot.

After you log in go to control panel and hit the "search for updates" from the left pane and open task manager network tab to watch if there is any traffic.

I hope this works for you.

 

 

[alexnt]

On 13/4/2016 at 6:15 PM, zMeul said:

this works and doesn't

I did this exact same thing a couple of months ago and still had to wait on "checking of updates" couple of hours

As you said: this works and doesn't. Stuck installing in the middle of installation and keeps searching forever and ever. Cpu usage 50% so I disabled updates. I will ask in microsoft forums and I 'll post again if I have an answer.

[zMeul]

2 hours ago, ganja7 said:

As you said: this works and doesn't. Stuck installing in the middle of installation and keeps searching forever and ever. Cpu usage 50% so I disabled updates. I will ask in microsoft forums and I 'll post again if I have an answer.

as this exact moment I'm running my regular weekly updates check - it's been 10 minutes and it's still at it  https://i.imgur.com/UjCwq6e.png

last week was really fast

 

le: it took ~1 hour to check 

Edited April 15, 2016 by zMeul

[alexnt]

1 hour ago, zMeul said:

as this exact moment I'm running my regular weekly updates check - it's been 10 minutes and it's still at it  https://i.imgur.com/UjCwq6e.png

last week was really fast

 

le: it took ~1 hour to check 

I left it all night with no success. Maybe the first updating installed something that created the second updating problem.

I asked in microsoft forums and waiting for an answer. I'll post again as soon as they answer me something...

[alexnt]

On 15/4/2016 at 4:50 PM, zMeul said:

as this exact moment I'm running my regular weekly updates check - it's been 10 minutes and it's still at it  https://i.imgur.com/UjCwq6e.png

last week was really fast

 

le: it took ~1 hour to check 

I asked in microsoft forums and waiting for an answer. I'll post again as soon as they answer me something...

 

 

I got a reply today. I cannot try it as I don't have any pc with stuck windows updates right now but if you like you can try and post if it solves the problem. So download and install KB3245739.

32 bit version:   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=51857

64 bit version:   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=51853

 

Start Windows Update

 

Hope it works!!!!!

 

 

 

[zMeul]

1 hour ago, ganja7 said:

64 bit x86-64 version:   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=51853

huh!?

KB3145739 is a security issue, what's that got to do with anything 

[alexnt]

I have the same question and thought that maybe it has to do with permissions. I had read something about permissions while searching for solution.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-update/windows-7-updates-searching-forever/0c3c4c5e-0e09-44e8-99a7-5d4b518ffe75

[alexnt]

8 minutes ago, zMeul said:

huh!?

KB3145739 is a security issue, what's that got to do with anything 

I have the same question and thought that maybe it has to do with permissions. I had read something about permissions while searching for solution.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-update/windows-7-updates-searching-forever/0c3c4c5e-0e09-44e8-99a7-5d4b518ffe75

[m0k]

After years of searching for a permanent solution - this easy solution seems to have worked for me, give it a try (I will update my post the problem returns):

 

1. Windows Update > Change Settings > "Never Check for Updates"

2. Start > (type) msconfig > Services > (sort by name) then scroll down to "Windows Update" and uncheck that box > Restart.

 

It has been more than a week now and my laptop has not suffered from the CPU usage/memory leak.

I have had this laptop for 6 years now (it’s an old Gateway NV58 with a Core2Duo) and I’m convinced that I don’t need Windows 7 updates anymore. However if I learn of a critical vulnerability that requires updates I will run the update service if needed.

My laptop runs quiet and comfortable once again and I’m glad it has a peaceful retirement ahead of it J