Windows Update won't update-does nothing

[Lizlodude]

I keep trying to update my machines (Windows 7 SP1), just standard security updates etc. via Windows update, but now when I click "Install updates" it says it's downloading updates, but just stays there. I've left it for 5 hours and restarted multiple times; there's no network activity at all and it never changes the progress, any ideas? Both my laptop and desktop have the same issue. 

[ArmswieldTheHero]

I had the exact same problem, I'm pretty sure windows did it on purpose to get you to switch to windows 10, I switched and it fixed it along with other problems, but created a whole slew of new problems.

[Lizlodude]

I had considered that, I hope they didn't go that far, I need Windows 7 for another year

 

[filledk]

i know that Windows 7 Update has allways been pretty much broken...

Edit:
you can always use WSUS OFFLINE UPDATER!
http://download.wsusoffline.net/

[Lizlodude]

yup, but it completely borked just now, I kinda still want security patches 

[LabRat]

congrats, hope you like windows 10.............. microsoft's getting away with too much.

[Lizlodude]

I don't really have too much problem with the OS itself, but I don't want to update now

 

[GoodBytes]

There is a bug in Windows 7 update system. Microsoft released a patch to have it fixed, but you need to get it.

So you can either wait for a very long time, or you can get this:

 

[Sintezza]

You could also start a similar project that i´m currently working on.

Grab an clean iso, and download all security updates that are needed one by one by hand.

And the .Net Framework security updates bij hand.

And then slip stream them into the iso with NT lite or RT7 lite.

And then re-install the system.

This might solve the problems with Windows update not working.

 

Every month there will be a 2 patch days on which MS releases new security updates, and also bad telemetry updates.

You just can continue downloading those security updates by hand, and install them manualy to stay up to date eventualy.

And ofc update your iso monthly.

 

[GoodBytes]

2 minutes ago, Sintezza said:

You could also start a similar project that i´m currently working on.

Grab an clean iso, and download all security updates that are needed one by one by hand.

And the .Net Framework security updates bij hand.

And then slip stream them into the iso with NT lite or RT7 lite.

And then re-install the system.

That is true, you can do that with Windows. It's been a very long time, but i recall seeing tools to help you do this.

[Sintezza]

10 minutes ago, GoodBytes said:

That is true, you can do that with Windows. It's been a very long time, but i recall seeing tools to help you do this.

Yeah its allot of work if you start a project like this for the first time.

I just finnised slipstreaming all the security updates into the iso.

Still have to do the .Net updates, and a few optional updates.

 

I know somebody who has a clean official up to date English iso of windows7 updated till june, posted on OCN forum.

But its not allowed to link to such things according to the rules and regulations on this Forum.

 

But from that topic, i got the idea to start this project for myself.

Since i´m Dutch, the English iso wasnt that usefull for me personaly.

But its a great way of fixing Windows 7 and stay up to date.

[tmoto2]

Try that:

 

1. Go to computer management -> Services and Applications -> Services -> click on Windows update -> click stop the service

2. Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution delete the content in that folder

Turn windows update back on (reverse step one)

 

That helped me a couple of times whe the updates just stop installing or downloading, it is worth a try.

 

[Lizlodude]

tmoto2's solution worked, thank ya much!

[Marksman]

So that's why i have 408 Recomended updates to be done