Windows Update Windows 7

[Sisyphusson]

I recently downgraded my preinstalled windows 10 to windows 7. I attempted to run Windows Update, but it hung on "Checking for Updates" for over 15 minutes. I ran the WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.diagcab and it found a Windows Update error 0x8024402c. I attempted the easy fix from  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/883821 for this error and it didn't work.  Do you have any suggestions on how to resolve this issue?

Thanks!

[Karthik]

So, as I understand you downgraded Win 10 (Preinstalled) to Win7.

Here are few questions, did you install a retail version of Win 7 after buying it or from any other source?

The tool you are running is to help you upgrade and not downgrade, hence you get an error.

You might run into upgare issues and few other if you have not done a clean install, hence let us know the exact situation.

[Sisyphusson]

I installed a retail version of Windows 7 purchased recently, and the install was a clean install.

[WAWood]

Sisyphusson

Regarding Windows Update appearing to NOT work in Windows 7 ...

I continue to support a bunch of Win7 PCs, some of which were rolled back from Win10 because the owners disliked Win10 so much.

But, I have noticed that recently, Windows Update has been performing really slowly on ALL these machines.

The symptoms are that it searches for HOURS -- and does not appear to make any progress! OR .. it finds stuff, but then goes into downloading for HOURS ... and does not appear to make any progress!

Anyway,  check for a Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Downloads\ folder.  This is where Windows Updates stores the updates it downloads and its working files.  IF it exists, Windows Update is working -- even though you see no progress.  Over time, the folder will grow until all the Updates have been downloaded.  Then, it will shrink as the Updates get applied.  When done, Windows should remove it. If it does not, you can remove the contents of that folder, but do not remove the folder itself.

And yes ... updates are taking hours (or days!) when they used to take only a few minutes.

So basically, there is nothing wrong with your PC. 

And -- if you RESET it, you are only going to make matters worse as that will start the Update process from scratch, and the last time I did that, it took three full days (!) to find, download, and apply all the updates.

NOTE: If waiting doesn't work, then try running this repair utility: 
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windowsupdatefixer.html

Good Luck

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I also advise that you should install both of these patches,  restart the PC and see if that works...

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

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3102810

[Sisyphusson]

Thanks! These seem to be working. Windows update is now downloading updates.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[brti]

I have a similar problem, but when I go to download the first update you listed I don't know if I need the one for X64 windows 7 or x64 embedded windows 7.  And just like the issue at hand the "Windows Update standalone Installer"  (i chose x64 for 7) is taking a considerable amount of time "Searching for Updates on this cpu."  A bit of backstory - I have been unable to download any windows update (i don't even get notifications ones are available, and yes I have it set to notify me) since February of this year.  I also cannot believe it takes sooo long to do updates. One person said 8 hours, another said 3 days! That is totally unacceptable. My cpu won't even stay one for 8 hours with no activity before shutting down.  I am most concerned these days due to wannacry. i have a 2010 HP G62-225DX notebook which works great otherwise. I did temporarily shutoff my antivirus.  I JUST SAW HOW MANY POSTS WERE MADE TODAY and guess I'm down the cue a tad. Perhaps I will take anothers suggestion and try that 'Geek' link to try to solve the problem quicker.  Again I have no real problem yet, but I ought to be getting updates so thats not a good thing.  p.s. If anyone can share the link that Microsoft sent allowing a rare update for XP against wannacry, I still have one of those machines too (a Dell, boo hiss.) BIG thanks y'all. HAPPY 4TH 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @brti :

See if following the guidance at the link below is of help...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-update/windows-7-update-problems-read-th...

[brti]

Paul,

 That link Solved my problem. I was able to get Windows Update ...err... updated, quickly. BIG thanks!  Can you send me another magical link, this time having to do with the "Build 7601 - this Copy of Windows is not genuine" that appeared recently near the Tray and is visible constantly?  I have not upgraded anything.  This cpu is from 2010...it is genuine W for past 7 years.