Windows Update -Slow checking for updates

Question

Split from this thread.

FWIW, when I download the 64-bit System Update Readiness Tool, it produces a dialog named "Windows Update Standalone Installer" that itself appears to stall as it displays an endlessly scanning progress bar labeled, "Searching for updates on this computer..."

In fact, i believe that in the past several days, I've downloaded every one of the suggested (and confusing) KB patches that supposedly can fix this problem, but when I run their installers, they each themselves freeze at a dialog labeled, "Searching for updates on this computer..."

So none of the so called fixes seem to be able to be completed.   Literally everything associated with the windows update process, appears to produce an endless scanning bar, as the computer either 'searches for updates' or 'searches for updates on this computer'.  Total, relentless constipation!!!!

Maybe what we need, is.... Dulcolax for Windows.....!

Answer 1

A lot of problems arise from setting Windows Update to automatically update. Select Start, All Programs, Windows Update, Change Settings. Under Important Updates is a box showing the current setting. Click on the Arrow down to the right and change the selection to “Never check for updates”. Click on OK and restart your computer.

For a Windows 7 32 bit computer download and install:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=53335

For a Windows 7 64 bit computer download and install:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=53332

Select Start, All Programs, Windows Update, Change Settings. Under Important Updates is a box showing the current setting. Click on the Arrow down to the right and change the selection to “Check for Updates but let me choose whether to download and install them”. Restart your computer.

Current as of 1 August 2016

July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

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

Try Method 3: Microsoft Download Center -The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center.

August 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 :

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