Many users very often encounter update problems in Windows 7. The system constantly displays a message that it is searching for updates, but does not find anything.
There is one solution to this problem. It is enough to manually download and install just one package from Microsoft, which will eliminate this error. Let's look at why Windows 7 Update doesn't find updates.
For quite a long time, Windows 7 Update has been causing serious problems for its users. Unfortunately, I myself belong to the group that, in its own skin, experiences problems with centering on the “seven”. On one of my computers, every time I try, the search ends with the endless message “Searching for an update...”. At first I assumed that the system was looking for updates for a long time, but when I left the computer turned on overnight, it did not bring the desired result. What should I do if Windows 7 Update doesn't work properly?
It turned out that this problem can be solved quite easily. Of course, I do not guarantee that the proposed method will solve the problem for absolutely all users, but for me it was instantly resolved manually - by installing the KB3172605 package and performing several others simple actions. Here's what you need to do to fix the problem.
Step 1: Download the update for your system (but do not install it)
The first step is to download the KB3172605 package directly from the Microsoft website using a web browser. You will find direct links below for 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
You need to download the package, but do not install it yet - we will do this in step 4. First you need to perform two simple steps.
Important! If in the fourth step you encounter a problem installing the above package (for example, a message about system incompatibility is displayed on the screen), then instead of the above, you need to download the KB3020369 package from the links below. But only do this if the above updates are not working.
Step 2: Disable Internet access
Downloaded files should be installed when the Internet is turned off. If you are using Wi-Fi, then click on the icon wireless network in the notification area (bottom right corner of the screen) and turn off the connection. If you are connected to the Internet using network cable, then you can disconnect it from the computer.
Alternatively, click on the network icon right click mouse, select "Network and Sharing Center" shared access", then go to the "Change adapter settings" tab and disable network card, with which you connect to the Internet.
Step 3: Stop the Windows Update service
After disconnecting from the Internet, we need to stop the Windows Update service. To do this, press the combination Windows keys+ R, enter the following command in the “Run” window that appears and confirm its execution by pressing Enter:
services.msc
The System Services window will open. Find the Update Center service in the list ( Windows Update), and then right-click on it and select “Stop”. Make sure the service is stopped and then close this window.
Step 4: Install package KB3172605 (or KB3020369)
Only now can you begin installing the previously downloaded KB3172605 file for your system. Run the installer file and confirm installation.
If you receive an error that the update is not compatible with your operating system, make sure you download correct version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit). If it still gives an error, use the alternative package from the first step.
After installation, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Confirm and wait while the update is installed and the operating system boots.
After the system boots, connect to the Internet and turn on the Windows Update service (right-click on it and select “Run”).
Now go to the Windows Update window (for example, using search string in the Start menu) and then click on the search for updates button.
After about 5-10 minutes, a list of updates available for installation will open. In my case, the search continued for several minutes and thus finally solved the problem with the endless search in Windows Update.
Updating Windows 7 without Windows Update
Sometimes Windows 7 Update does not download updates, especially if there are a lot of them. Most often, this happens after reinstalling the system - we installed a fresh operating system and suddenly the center displays a message stating that several hundred updates are available for installation. Just downloading them one by one takes a lot of time, not to mention installing them. This is often problematic and ends with a message about restoring the computer to previous settings, since so many updates cannot be installed (the solution is to install them in small batches).
Fortunately, after several years, Microsoft decided to do something about this problem, due to the fact that many users do not update Windows 7 properly. latest version. The company decided to put up cumulative packages for download on the Microsoft Catalog website. Packages are constantly updated and are currently available for 32 and 64 bit Windows versions Windows Server 2008 R2 7 and 64 bit.
A huge advantage of this packaging is that we don't have to download hundreds of individual packages via Windows Center Update.
In order to install them, the “seven” must include:
- installed Service Pack 1 (SP1);
- package KB3020369 since April 2015
When these conditions are met, we can download a rollup package that will update our system to the latest version in one click. To do this, follow the following link using a browser Internet Explorer(unfortunately, the following page only works under IE):
Download update rollup for Windows 7 / Server 2008
When you log into the site, a list of found updates will be displayed. Three will be available for download:
- for Windows 7 (32-bit version only);
- for Win 7 computers based on x64 processors (64-bit version only);
- for Windows Server 2008 R2 x64 (64-bit version only).
Download the package that matches the bitness of your Windows and install it as standard by running the installation file. Cumulative package requires a minimum of 4 GB free space on disk.
For all systems Windows family installation of update packages is provided. And the seventh version, although considered the most stable of all currently existing, was no exception. However, she also sets the search first. Updating Windows 7 can take forever for various reasons. Let's consider all aspects related to this. The solutions proposed below help eliminate the unpleasant situation in 99% of cases. And all of them are simple enough to be used by even the most inexperienced user in system settings. But first things first.
Why does the search for updates take forever (Windows 7)?
Let's start looking at the main issue by finding out the reasons for disruptions in the operation of the update service. Among the main root causes, most experts point to malfunctions in the work of the Update Center itself and the system services that are involved in this process.
Now situations with virus influence will not be considered, since each user must take care of protecting his or her computer. Let's look at how to eliminate infinite 7 on your own. There are at least three ways to do this.
Windows 7: endless update. Diagnostics of the Update Center using system tools
Since the endless process of searching for update packages is associated specifically with the Center, it is logical to assume that this service needs to be checked for functionality.
If you use software the system itself, the problem that Windows 7 updates take forever is eliminated through the built-in debugger. You can call it from the Run console (Win + R) by entering the line msdt /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic, after which a window will appear in which you should use the link to additional settings. In the new window, you first need to check the box next to allowing automatic application of patches, click on the run as administrator link and click the continue button. After this, all you have to do is wait for the diagnostic process to complete, go to Update Center and set manual search followed by installation confirmation.
Diagnose problems using a special utility
If someone does not like the method proposed above or is simply too lazy to delve into the debugger settings, you can go another way.
From the official Microsoft website or any other trusted resource, you should download a small program called WindowsUpdateDiagnostic. By the way, it is also suitable for more recent versions of the system.
After the first start of the utility, select the Update Center line and activate troubleshooting. They will be displayed in the results, which may indicate problems with the drivers or with the hard drive. Please note: the program does not fix the problem in Windows 7. The never-ending update is only identified and specified possible reason. So you'll have to install drivers or check hard drive yourself.
Drivers can be installed from Device Manager, but this is a very long process. It's better to use automated tools like Driver Booster with automatic search and integration of drivers into the system.
Downloading an offline update package
If the problem persists, you will still have to pay attention to Windows 7 Update again. The endless search can be fixed using another method.
To do this, you need to download the so-called standalone package with the number KB3102810 to your computer, selecting the appropriate bit depth for the system when downloading (32 or 64 bits). You can download the package, again, either on the Microsoft website or on another resource. But that's only half the battle.
Stopping the Update Center service
In Windows 7, endless updates can only be fixed if you deactivate the service itself, which is responsible for searching for and installing updates. You can try to end the active process in the Task Manager, but, as a rule, this will not lead to anything, and the service will be activated again.
Her complete shutdown can only be done in the corresponding services section, which is accessed through the services.msc command entered in the corresponding “Run” menu line.
Here you need to find the update center line, right-click to open the context menu and select the stop command.
To avoid having to rummage through the service catalog, you can use command line with administrator rights (cmd in the “Run” console), where you should enter the combination net stop wuauserv.
Installing the package and manually searching for updates
Now the most important thing is to install the standalone package. We launch it as standard double click on the downloaded file and agree to the installation offer.
After this, the installation process starts. When finished, you will need to restart your computer. If errors occur during the process of integrating the package into the system, it means that something was done incorrectly at the stage of disabling the update service. You should repeat these steps and run the installer again. In addition, it is possible that the standalone package installation file itself was not completely downloaded (this also happens). In this case, as is already clear, you need to repeat the download or download it from another source.
When the package is successfully installed and the system is rebooted, you should go to the “Update Center” and use a manual search for updates.
If all else fails
Finally, if none of the above helps, in Windows 7 the endless update can be removed by installing the UpdatePack 7 Live service pack (build version 07/31/2016).
Upon completion of its integration into the system, the search for updates will automatically start. It is very likely that a lot of them will be found (in some cases their number can reach two hundred or more). You shouldn’t be surprised, because, in fact, after installing the package, the user receives an almost “clean” system in which no updates were installed.
Note: this pack can only be installed on top of an existing Service Pack 1. If it is not there, the updater will not be installed. The solution is to install SP1 (at least from the official Microsoft website).
Conclusion
As you can see, there is nothing particularly critical in the problem considered. It can be eliminated quite simply using all the proposed methods. It goes without saying that such solutions only apply to a system in which no potentially dangerous or active threats have been detected that could disrupt or block the Windows Update service. In all other cases, such solutions help. When it comes to preferences, the user decides exactly what to do, although you can use comprehensive diagnostics first, and only then install a stand-alone package or service pack. Which one should you choose? Actually, it makes absolutely no difference. And users’ opinions about installing either one or another update differ, so you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Some Windows users 7 encounter problems with standard Update Center operating system. He is constantly looking for new updates, cannot load them, and continues to look for others.
A problem like this can cause a lot of trouble. Firstly, the latest patches will not be installed on your computer, which may reduce work efficiency OS. Secondly, while the search is ongoing, processor and physical memory heavily loaded. This may not be very noticeable on powerful PCs, but on “weak” ones it is very unpleasant. This article describes what to do if Windows Update can't complete searching for updates.
Setting up automatic search
Firstly, you need to disable endless search, which loads the operating system. Subsequently, you will be able fix the problem and activate it back, if you want. But even without updates, Windows still works stably. Many users disable them on purpose and do not experience any problems.
You will need to do the following:
This is followed by restart your computer to stop searching. Now your system will not try to search for new updates. If you need to enable this function, you can do this in the same menu.
Stopping a service
In some cases, the above method may not work. For example, when you try to reboot, the computer will spend a long time trying to download and install some kind of patch. And after turning it off and on manually, all settings return to initial state. To fix this problem, you need completely disable the service responsible for the work Update Center.
After these steps, the search for updates will be completed. To run it, you must return the service configurations to their original state.
In some cases, stopping the service and starting it again may solve the problem. Try this before resorting to more complex methods if your computer takes a long time to search for new patches.
Correcting errors in system files
Often such problems arise as a result damage to important system files. This may occur as a result system failures, actions virus programs , incorrect installation of previous updates and so on.
In Windows OS there is special utility, with which you can automatically find and correct such errors. It does not have a GUI, so users need to launch the system command prompt to use it.
This is done as follows:
If you would like to copy this line, you need to use context menu by right-clicking inside the window. The Ctrl + V combination in the console does not work.
After that Windows will scan everything system files . All detected errors will be corrected. After this, you should restart your computer and start searching for updates again. If it still takes too long- need to search other ways to solve the problem.
Microsoft has released special update for their operating systems, which fixes the possibility of such freezes. Download links are located on the official website of the developer, so you can download the patch without resorting to services Update Center.
- For owners 32-bit version Windows - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49542
- For Windows with 64-bit architecture - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49540
You need select the interface language of your OS and click on the red Download button. Then just run the downloaded file, wait for the installation to complete and restart your computer. In most cases, this patch solves all problems that arise.
Microsoft Troubleshooter
Another way to solve the problem is to use the Microsoft Troubleshooting Tool. Its action is somewhat similar to “sfc /scannow”, with the difference that it was created specifically for Update Center and can make a significant difference more problems. Besides, it has a graphical interface, which makes it easier for users unaccustomed to working in the console.
Do the following:
Wait until the operating system scan is completed. If the utility detects any problems, it will report it and automatically apply fixes.
Clearing the update cache
To do this, open the command line (cmd) as administrator and write one by one:
net stop wuauserv
ren %windir%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.OLD
net start wuauserv 
And finally, the last step in solving error 0x8024402c - Delete the files in the Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder. Actually, this was done in the third solution to the problem, but there the folder was renamed to SoftwareDistribution.OLD, and a new one was automatically created, and here the action is similar, but simply with clearing the contents without any renaming.
What I actually did was delete everything that allowed me to delete it from the SoftwareDistribution folder. I rebooted without much hope, launched WindowsUpdateDiagnostic and lo and behold! It showed that error 0x8024402c was fixed and there were no more errors!
I rebooted the computer again, opened the update center, spent about 15 minutes “Searching for Windows updates...” and finally it gave me a list of updates asking me to download and install them.
In Seven, such a malfunction can most often be encountered after clean install systems. When trying update in the Update Center - this is not immediately possible.
The process can go very for a long time and one gets the impression that the system does not search at all, or does it for an infinitely long time. 
Using the official fix
Based on the bit depth installed system on the official Microsoft website you can download a special patch KB3102810, which is intended specifically to eliminate this problem.
For Windows 7 x86(32 bit) any version. 
For x64(64 bit processors). 
Loading, launch installation. However, this method does not always help, so we move on to the next one. 
If the update didn't help
You can resort to searching for a solution to the problem specifically for your type of error, or you can download standalone package Windows 7 updates – UpdatePack7R2. 
The description describes the functionality of this package, as well as full list keys for installing the kit. 
After downloading, right-click on the package file and select Create a shortcut.
Then right click on Shortcut – Properties.
In the field Object next to the location address separated by a space we register keys. 
The keys indicate the installation of the IE11 browser, completely automatic installation with reboot upon completion.
Windows 8 endlessly seeks updates
If there is a similar problem in the Eight, the procedure is slightly different.
Cleaning the SoftwareDistribution folder
At first turn off Windows Update service. In the window Execute(Win+R) enter “ services.msc». 
We find the corresponding service, right-click - Stop.
Let's get started purification storage directories installation files. To do this, either follow the path C:Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download or enter it in the window Execute.
Delete all files. 
After that again launch service. 
Reboot and start searching for and installing updates
Automatic troubleshooting
Available on the Microsoft website utility solutions to similar problems 0x80240016. A utility called WindowsUpgradeDiagnostic automatically eliminates error. 
After downloading and running in the program window, click Next and wait for the diagnostic process to complete.
Upon completion of the diagnostics, a mark will be placed symbolizing correction problems. 
Then, reboot the computer and manually launch search And installation in the Update Center.
We make corrections manually
You can try to troubleshoot problems using standard system tools.
Start – Control Panel – Troubleshooting.
Then select the first item in the field, as shown in the picture. 
The Update Center will launch, where after pressing the " Next» you can perform the procedure troubleshooting.
In the column Issues found Green ticks indicate that there are no faults.
Reboot and try to update the system again.
Windows 10 won't update via Update
This is what this error looks like in the top ten. 
The picture shows the order of steps in Running the Update and Security settings with arrows.
IN additional parameters The instructions strongly recommend turning on automatic mode.
Computer Troubleshooter
Troubleshooter here starts And customizable in an identical manner as was shown earlier for the figure eight. Therefore, we provide a list of step-by-step pictures of performing the required actions.
At this stage the system will ask us permission to apply the correction, to which you should answer in the affirmative by selecting the appropriate option.
After this you will receive report about the corrections made. 
Enable or restart the update service
We start the system service - turn on service responsible for updates. If it is already enabled, you can try restarting it.
Using a script
Another way to solve the problem is reset parameters update center automatically using a special script.
The script describes the procedure for disabling the update service, resetting parameters and starting it back. In addition, the SoftwareDistribution update center service directories, downloader, and catroot 2, are renamed to catrootold, and their backup copies are created.
To use the script enter commands into a clock editor like Notepad and save it with an arbitrary name (in the example “winupdate-reset”) and the extension “.bat” with ANSI encoding.
Then it will be enough just run received file from administrator name, press any key and wait for the parameters correction procedure to complete.
Press any button again and reboot computer.
This method can work on systems versions 7, 8, 8.1, 10.
Of course, there can be many reasons for this problem. The most effective ones in such situations are discussed above. If they didn't help, we advise look for a solution on the Internet for a specific error code in order to figure out what exactly happened.
Problems may be due to firewall settings, caused by blocked proxy server ports, viruses lurking in the system and many other reasons. In each case, based on the error code, you should approach it individually. Alternatively, you can roll back the system to the restore point when there were no problems with the installation.
Although updates, at first glance, do not bring anything negative for the average computer user in terms of security, they nevertheless introduce additional features, are very necessary for the operation of many programs, therefore installing updates is extremely necessary and recommended.
As practice shows, a very large number of computer users prefer the good old Windows 7 as the operating system for their computer. Despite the fact that system updates for this OS are no longer released, Microsoft offers everyone to install security updates until 2020 and corrections.
Unfortunately, when trying to find and install these updates, errors and crashes often occur. An even more common situation is when the search for Windows 7 updates does not end long time, and it seems like it will last forever. If the situation is familiar to you firsthand, I offer you several options for solving it. except, decision .
Problems with the update service
Before you start doing anything, I suggest manually creating a restore point so that if problems arise, you can rollback to a previous state. Next we do this:
Third party utilities
If for some reason the above method does not suit you, I suggest using additional utilities offered by Microsoft. For example, FixIt, which allows you to fix various system problems. Download the installer from the official website, after which the error elimination process will automatically start. Once the process is complete, try running the updates again.
Another option is to use a special update KB3102810, which can also be found on the developer’s website. Select the bit level of the update, download it and run it, then restart your computer. Usually problems are resolved.
