Can't use Win7 update

[RobertInTx]

I just had to do a clean install of a retail Win7 SP1 Pro to my laptop. The os loaded, fine, however, Windows update runs, but continuously says SEARCHING FOR UPDATES. I have ran the Microsoft update and BITS troubleshooter, but no change in results. I have run the update program in excess of 12 hours on several occasions. Any ideas?

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

RobertInTx

Hello;

Allow me to welcome you to the HP forums!

This is now a well-known problem with Win7 and Windows Updates -- as MS is focusing their resources on Win10.

I have run into the same problems -- and the steps outlined below fixed them for me:

Download these updates before starting the installation process and copy them to a USB flash drive.

Disconnect the network cable or disable the WiFi.

Install these two updates from the flash drive before connecting to the network and running Windows Update.

KB Links:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3083710
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605

Have to stop the Windows Update service BEFORE installing each of these: net stop wuauserv

NOTE: KB3172605 supercedes KB3161608 which supercedes KB3102810

Good Luck

[Huffer]

Everyone is facing this issue with new Windows 7 updates. I just got one to work after a lot of effort. Need to stop the update service, update to the latest version of the updater and install a big rollup update manually. Finally, after all that, I got it updating. Followed this website:

http://plugable.com/2016/06/08/windows-7-wont-update-what-to-do/

Jump straight to "what to do if there are problems" 'cause there will be. 

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

This worked for one another forum member...install the July 2016 Windows 7 update rollup...

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605

Discussion...

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/windows-7-doesnt-update/m-p/5818...

[RobertInTx]

Unfortunately, when I try to install these files, the windows stand alone installer hangs on SEARCHING THIS COMPUTER FOR UPDATES.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

There is an August update to this as well.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3179573

Apparently, Microsoft may be doing this every month.

There is a September update but there seems to be known issues with it.

[RobertInTx]

Thank you, I will give it a try tomorrow, I am out of time, today. I appreciate everyone's help on this issue.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

You may want to follow the procedure WAWood posted, and then run the August update rollup.

You might have to install those updates to 'kick start' the process.

[Huffer]

And don't forget to stop the Update Service before you try to install the Rollup. 

[RobertInTx]

Thanks again for everyone's quick responses to my problem. By applying all of the updates and patches that were suggested here, my Windows 7 update service is working again. I appreciate everyone taking their time to help me to get to this solution. THANK YOU