Windows 7 Searching for Updates on This Computer Hangs: The Ultimate Guide to Fix It

Windows 7 searching for updates on this computer can be annoying, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! This comprehensive guide walks you through multiple solutions to tackle this problem. We assume our readers are tech noobs, so we’ll hold your hand through each step of the process. To make it even easier, we’ll provide the exact keywords to search on Google Images for relevant images for each step (for our internal editors).

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The first and most straightforward solution to try is running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This built-in tool can automatically detect and fix problems with Windows Update.

To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button and type “troubleshooting” in the search bar.
2. Click on “Troubleshooting” in the search results.
3. In the Troubleshooting window, click “System and Security.”
4. Click “Windows Update” and “Next” to run the troubleshooter.

Restart Your Windows Update Service

Restarting the Windows Update service can sometimes resolve issues with updates getting stuck.

Follow these steps to restart the service:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services. msc” and press Enter.
3. Find “Windows Update” in the list in the Services window and double-click it.
4. In the Windows Update Properties window, click “Stop” to stop the service.
5. Wait a few seconds and then click “Start” to restart the service.
6. Click “OK” to close the window and try rerunning Windows Update.

Change the DNS Server Settings

Changing the DNS server settings can help improve the connection to the Windows Update servers.

To change the DNS server settings, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button and open the Control Panel.
2. Click “Network and Internet” and then “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. Click “Change adapter settings” on the left side of the window.
4. Right-click your active network connection and select “Properties.”
5. In the Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
6. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the following addresses:
   • • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
     • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
7. Click “OK” to save the settings and restart your computer. Check if the issue is resolved.

Download and Install Updates Manually

If the automatic update process is not working, you can download and install updates manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Follow these steps to download and install updates manually:

1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/
2. Type the update’s KB number (e.g., KB3020369) in the search box and press Enter.
3. Find the appropriate update for your system (matching your Windows 7 version and system architecture) and click “Download.”
4. After the download, double-click the downloaded file to install the update.
5. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Use the DISM Command

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help fix Windows Update issues by repairing the system image.

1. To use the DISM command, follow these steps:
2. Click the Start button, type “cmd” in the search bar, and right-click “Command Prompt” in the search results.
3. Choose “Run as administrator” to open an elevated Command Prompt.
4. Type the following command and press Enter:
   Arduino
   Copy code
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

5. Wait for the process to complete (this may take some time) and restart your computer. Check if the issue is resolved.

Reset Update Components

Resetting Windows Update components can help fix issues with updates getting stuck.

To reset update components, follow these steps:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt (as described in the previous section).
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   Arduino
   Copy code
   net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptic
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptic
net start bits
net start msiserver

3. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer. Check if the issue is resolved.

Wait It Out

Sometimes, waiting for a more extended period can resolve the issue with Windows 7 updates getting stuck.

Be patient and give Windows Update more time to complete the process. Depending on the number of updates and your internet connection speed, it may take several hours or even a day.

FAQs

What causes Windows 7 searching for updates on this computer to hang?

There could be various reasons for this issue, including corrupted update files, issues with the Windows Update service, or network connection problems.

Can I still receive updates for Windows 7?

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. Upgrading to a newer version of Windows is highly recommended for continued support and security updates.

How long should Windows 7 searching for updates on this computer take?

The time it takes for Windows 7 to search for updates can vary depending on the number of updates available, your computer’s hardware, and your internet connection speed. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.