• Business
    • Marketing
    • Biz Tech
  • Cloud
  • Social Media
  • Software
  • Gaming
  • More
    • Alternatives
      • Movie Streaming Sites
        • 1MoviesHD
        • Hurawatch
        • Ifvod
        • Bflix
        • Couchtuner
        • FlixHQ
        • Movieorca
        • Turkish123
      • Anime Streaming Sites
        • Animesuge
        • Animekisa
        • Animedao
        • Anilinkz
        • Wcofun
      • Manga Sites
        • Asurascans
        • Comick.fun
        • Webtoon XYZ
      • Sports Streaming Sites
        • Streameast
        • Myp2p
        • VIPRow
        • NFLBite
      • Photos & Graphics
      • Game Utilities
      • Online Tools
      • Misc
  • Cybersecurity
  • Crypto

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Retro Bowl Unblocked For School, Work And More! {2023 Guide}

Sep 23, 2023

8 Ball Pool Unblocked For School, Work And More! {2023 Guide}

Sep 23, 2023

10 Essential Financial Tips for Young Professionals Starting Their Careers

Sep 22, 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Write For Us
  • Contact Us
Facebook Twitter
Digital Edge
  • Business
    • Marketing
    • Biz Tech
  • Cloud
  • Social Media
  • Software
  • Gaming
  • More
    • Alternatives
      • Movie Streaming Sites
        • 1MoviesHD
        • Hurawatch
        • Ifvod
        • Bflix
        • Couchtuner
        • FlixHQ
        • Movieorca
        • Turkish123
      • Anime Streaming Sites
        • Animesuge
        • Animekisa
        • Animedao
        • Anilinkz
        • Wcofun
      • Manga Sites
        • Asurascans
        • Comick.fun
        • Webtoon XYZ
      • Sports Streaming Sites
        • Streameast
        • Myp2p
        • VIPRow
        • NFLBite
      • Photos & Graphics
      • Game Utilities
      • Online Tools
      • Misc
  • Cybersecurity
  • Crypto
Digital Edge
Home»PC Errors»Windows 7 Searching for Updates on This Computer Hangs – The Ultimate Guide to Fixing the Issue
PC Errors

Windows 7 Searching for Updates on This Computer Hangs – The Ultimate Guide to Fixing the Issue

Michael JenningsBy Michael JenningsApr 20, 2023Updated:May 11, 2023No Comments6 Mins Read

Windows 7 users may encounter the issue of “searching for updates on this computer” hanging when trying to install updates. This comprehensive guide provides you with detailed solutions to fix this issue, even if you are a tech noob. Just follow the step-by-step instructions provided for each solution.

Contents hide
Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Solution 2: Restart Your Windows Update Service
Solution 3: Update the Windows Update Service
Solution 4: Download and Apply the Most Recent Servicing Stack Update (SSU)
Solution 5: Download Updates Manually (WSUS Offline Update)
Solution 6: Change the DNS Server Settings
Solution 7: Reset Update Components
Solution 8: Run System File Checker
Solution 9: Use the DISM Command
Solution 10: Install Driver Easy
Solution 11: Install the Official Microsoft Patch
Final Words

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help identify and fix issues with Windows Update.

Step 1: Click on the Start button and type “troubleshooting” in the search bar.

Windows 7 troubleshooting

Step 2: Click on “Troubleshooting” from the search results.

Windows 7 Troubleshooting control panel

Step 3: Click on “Fix problems with Windows Update” under the “System and Security” section.

Fix problems with Windows Update

Step 4: Click on “Advanced” and check the box next to “Apply repairs automatically.”

Windows Update Troubleshooter Advanced

Step 5: Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows Update Troubleshooter Next

Solution 2: Restart Your Windows Update Service

Restarting the Windows Update Service can sometimes resolve issues with updates hanging.

Step 1: Press the “Windows key + R” to open the Run dialog box.

Windows key + R

Step 2: Type “services.msc” in the Run dialog box and press Enter.

services.msc

Step 3: Scroll down and find the “Windows Update” service.

Windows Update service

Step 4: Right-click on the “Windows Update” service and select “Restart.”

Restart Windows Update service

Solution 3: Update the Windows Update Service

Updating the Windows Update Service can also help resolve the issue.

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website at: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx

Step 2: Search for “KB3172605” in the search box and press Enter.

Microsoft Update Catalog KB3172605

Step 3: Download the appropriate update for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).

Download KB3172605

Step 4: Install the downloaded update by double-clicking on the file and following the on-screen instructions.

Install KB3172605

Solution 4: Download and Apply the Most Recent Servicing Stack Update (SSU)

Servicing Stack Updates (SSUs) improve the reliability of the update process.

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website at: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx

Step 2: Search for the latest SSU for your version of Windows 7 in the search box and press Enter.

Microsoft Update Catalog latest SSU Windows 7

Step 3: Download the appropriate update for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).

Download latest SSU Windows 7

Step 4: Install the downloaded update by double-clicking on the file and following the on-screen instructions.

Install latest SSU Windows 7

Solution 5: Download Updates Manually (WSUS Offline Update)

WSUS Offline Update is a tool that allows you to download and install Windows updates manually.

Step 1: Download the WSUS Offline Update tool from the official website at: https://www.wsusoffline.net/

Step 2: Extract the downloaded archive to a folder on your computer.

Extract WSUS Offline Update

Step 3: Run the “UpdateGenerator.exe” file.

UpdateGenerator.exe

Step 4: Select the appropriate version of Windows 7, and click “Start.”

WSUS Offline Update Start

Step 5: Once the updates are downloaded, run the “UpdateInstaller.exe” file and follow the on-screen instructions.

UpdateInstaller.exe

Solution 6: Change the DNS Server Settings

Changing the DNS server settings can help improve the update process.

Step 1: Click on the Start button and type “network and sharing center” in the search bar.

Windows 7 network and sharing center

Step 2: Click on “Network and Sharing Center” from the search results.

Network and Sharing Center control panel

Step 3: Click on “Change adapter settings” in the left-hand menu.

Change adapter settings

Step 4: Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”

Network connection properties

Step 5: Double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”

Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties

Step 6: Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the following values: Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8; Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Google DNS settings

Step 7: Click “OK” to save the changes.

Solution 7: Reset Update Components

Resetting update components can help fix issues with updates hanging.

Step 1: Click on the Start button, type “cmd” in the search bar, and right-click on “Command Prompt” from the search results. Select “Run as administrator.”

Windows 7 Command Prompt Run as administrator

Step 2: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each line:

arduino
Copy code
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Windows 7 Command Prompt stop services

Step 3: Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each line:

mathematica
Copy code
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Windows 7 Command Prompt rename folders

Step 4: Restart the services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each line:

sql
Copy code
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Windows 7 Command Prompt start services

Step 5: Close the Command Prompt and try running Windows Update again.

Solution 8: Run System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that can scan and repair corrupted system files.

Step 1: Click on the Start button, type “cmd” in the search bar, and right-click on “Command Prompt” from the search results. Select “Run as administrator.”

Windows 7 Command Prompt Run as administrator

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:

bash
Copy code
sfc /scannow
Windows 7 Command Prompt sfc scannow

Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

Solution 9: Use the DISM Command

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help repair the Windows image.

Step 1: Click on the Start button, type “cmd” in the search bar, and right-click on “Command Prompt” from the search results. Select “Run as administrator.”

Windows 7 Command Prompt Run as administrator..

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:

mathematica
Copy code
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Windows 7 Command Prompt DISM RestoreHealth

Step 3: Wait for the process to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

Solution 10: Install Driver Easy

Driver Easy is a tool that can help you update drivers and fix compatibility issues.

Step 1: Download Driver Easy from the official website at: https://www.drivereasy.com/

Step 2: Install Driver Easy by following the on-screen instructions.

Install Driver Easy

Step 3: Run Driver Easy and click “Scan Now.”

Driver Easy Scan Now

Step 4: Update any outdated drivers by following the on-screen instructions.

Solution 11: Install the Official Microsoft Patch

Microsoft has released patches for various issues, including the Windows Update hanging issue.

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Support website at: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us

Step 2: Search for the appropriate patch for your issue and download it.

Microsoft Support patch download.

Step 3: Install the downloaded patch by double-clicking on the file and following the on-screen instructions.

Install Microsoft patch

Final Words

In this article, we have covered various solutions to fix the “Windows 7 searching for updates on this computer hangs” issue. It is crucial to remember that not every solution will work for everyone, and it might require trying multiple methods to find the one that resolves the issue for you. Patience and persistence are key when troubleshooting technical issues.

By following the steps provided in this guide, you should be able to resolve the “Windows 7 searching for updates on this computer hangs” issue and enjoy a smoother Windows Update experience. Good luck!

Michael Jennings

Micheal wrote his first article for Digitaledge.org in 2015 and now calls himself a “tech cupid.” Proud owner of a weird collection of cocktail ingredients and rings, along with a fascination for AI and algorithms. He loves to write about devices that make our life easier and occasionally about movies. “Would love to witness the Zombie Apocalypse before I die.”- Michael

Related Posts

Fix Errordomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain& ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4: Your Comprehensive Guide In 2023

Aug 2, 2023

Solving IndexError: Invalid index to scalar variable Error in Python – A Comprehensive Guide

Jun 1, 2023

[FIXED] Green Check Mark on Desktop Icons

May 5, 2023
Top Posts

27 1MoviesHD Alternatives – Top Free Options That Work in 2023

Aug 7, 2023

17 TheWatchSeries Alternatives in 2023[100% Working]

Aug 6, 2023

12 Zooqle Alternative Torrent Sites That Work In 2023

Aug 6, 2023

Is TVMuse Working? 100% Working TVMuse Alternatives And Mirror Sites In 2023

Aug 4, 2023

SockShare – Is it Working? 22 Best Alternatives in 2023

Aug 4, 2023

23 Rainierland Alternatives in 2023 [ Sites For Free Movies]

Aug 3, 2023

15 Cucirca Alternatives For Online Movies in 2023

Aug 3, 2023
About Us

Digital Edge is the freshest voice in the field of technology and digital media. Our editorial staff is really passionate in their efforts to curate the latest technological breakthroughs in new and emerging technologies from all over the world to help businesses, IT professionals and consumers to stay abreast with all the latest developments.

We pride ourselves in providing quality content from reputed authors and bloggers as well as from passionate observers like you! If you have a unique voice that you would like to unleash on the rest of the world, then please let us know! Our editors go over everything with a fine tooth comb as a result of which any proverbial cracks are paper-thin from which no inaccuracies ever seep through! However, if there is anything you do not agree with or if you want to comment on the swell job that we are doing, feel free to reach out to us as well. We love hearing from you!

Most Popular

What Are The Rules Of Live Blackjack?

Aug 24, 2022

eSports And A New Era Of Gaming

Sep 28, 2022

8 Steps To Create A Software

Nov 26, 2022
Our Picks

Retro Bowl Unblocked For School, Work And More! {2023 Guide}

Sep 23, 2023

8 Ball Pool Unblocked For School, Work And More! {2023 Guide}

Sep 23, 2023

10 Essential Financial Tips for Young Professionals Starting Their Careers

Sep 22, 2023
Facebook Twitter
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Write For Us
  • Contact Us

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.