Windows 7 Update Center gets stuck checking for updates

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Many Windows 7 users who have recently tried to install the latest updates on their computers reported they couldn’t because the Windows Update center wouldn’t work.

The most common cause for this type of issue can easily be eliminated because users have confirmed they had disabled their antivirus program during the update attempt.

This issue is so annoying that users are even considering upgrading to Windows 8.1, hoping that a new Windows will unblock the Windows Update center.

Windows 7 users are complaining that Windows Update gets stuck while checking for updates

I reinstalled windows 7 after a error with windows automatic repair, and now windows update will not work.[…] I have tried the automatic repairs from Microsoft, removing downloaded files in software distribution folder, using CCleaner, and disk cleanup. I am running no antivirus programs because of this to make sure that’s not a problem. I am also considering updating to windows 8.1 because maybe a new windows will help. My only issue with that is I don’t want to loose any files.

On top of that, here are some more common error messages related to this issue:

• Windows 7 update checking for updates forever – Sometimes, Windows is not even able to find updates, leaving you stuck in an infinite loop of checking for updates.
• Windows 7 update stuck installing – There’s a chance Windows will actually download updates, but actually get stuck installing them.
• Windows 8.1 update stuck on checking for updates – It’s also common for Windows 8.1 to get stuck during installing updates.
• Windows 10 update stuck on checking for updates – The same thing goes for Windows 10.
• Windows 7 update stuck downloading – There’s a chance Windows 7 will manage to find updates, but get stuck downloading them.

Can I still update Windows 7? Yes, you can! Learn everything about Windows 7 updates from our article!

What to do if Windows 7 Update Center gets stuck while checking for updates

Table of contents:

Fix: Windows Update got stuck in Windows 7

Solution 1- Use the Microsoft Update Catalog

The Microsoft Update Catalog is a very reliable method, but the catch is that you have to use Internet Explorer, otherwise you can’t access the site.

Launch Internet Explorer > go to the Update Catalog.

Select the latest updates > add them to your update basket.

Click on View Basket > download the content of your basket to your desktop

Epic guide alert! Everything you need to know about keeping your Windows 7 forever!

Solution 2 – Go to Microsoft’s Download Center

There you go, you can update your Windows 7 without using the automatic update feature.

Solution 3 – Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Download the troubleshooter from Microsoft, launch it, and follow the on-screen indications. Once the process is completed, restart your computer.

Solution 4 – Run the built-in Update troubleshooter

Besides Microsoft’s troubleshooting tool from above, Windows 7 also has a built-in troubleshooter. So, you can also run this tool to solve your update problems.

In case you don’t know how to run Windows 7’s troubleshooting tool, follow the instructions below:

Update Troubleshooter stopped working? Here’s how to fix the problem with our guide!

Solution 5 – Delete the Software Distribution folder

The Software Distribution folder is a specific folder where all data and files of Windows updates are temporarily stored. If there’s something wrong with this folder, you won’t be able to install updates.

So, we’re going to delete this folder, in order to make your Windows Update mechanism work again. Here’s how to do that:

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Solution 6 – Make sure the Update service is running

As its name says, Windows Update service is essential for installing Windows updates. Now, if you’ve wanted to skip some update in the past, there’s a chance you got this service disabled.

So, we’re going to check if this service is disabled and re-enable it, if needed. Here’s how to do that:

Go to Administrative Tools > Services

Solution 7 – Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe)

Check out our guide and learn to use System File Checker like a real technician!

Solution 8 – Reset the content of the Catroot2 folder

Solution 9 – Run the System Update Readiness tool (CheckSur.exe)

This tool runs a scan for inconsistencies that may prevent servicing operations. After you run the tool, the CheckSur.log file is saved in the following location: .

In the Windows Update Standalone Installer dialog box, click Yes.

Solution 10 – Change DNS server settings

Some users also suggest that changing the DNS server can also help with faulty updates. That’s mainly because your network operator’s default DNS servers are not working so well.

So, we’re going to change the DNS server settings to widely-used Google DNS.

Here’s how to do that:

Here’s what to do if the DNS server cannot be reached. It’s really simple!

Solution 11 – Perform System Restore

And finally, if none of the previous solutions worked, we’ll perform System Restore. There’s a chance something got disrupted in your system, so (hopefully) System Restore will solve that.

Here’s how to perform System Restore in Windows 7:

Solution 12 – Use WindowsUpdateLoopFix

If you want to quickly fix this problem, it’s advised to use the WindowsUpdateLoopFix script. This script was available on the Microsoft Answers forum, but it has since moved to GitHub for ease of management. At the time of writing, the original post on Microsoft Answer’s forum has over 1600 upvotes, so the script should be safe to use and it won’t cause any damage to your PC.

It seems that this issue appears because KB3020369, KB3172605 and Windows Update Agent for Windows 7 (v7.6.7600.256) updates are missing from your PC. By using this script, the updates will be downloaded and installed automatically. To use this script, just follow these steps:

After the script is completed, the issue should be resolved.

We hope these workarounds help you to fix the Windows 7 update issues.

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