window 10 update is stuck on checking for updates

Anonymous
2019-08-14T17:32:10+00:00

I bring up windows 10 update and the computer goes to checking  for updates and just keeps checking.  I tried troubleshooter for updates but it gets stuck on aalso.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-08-14T17:34:17+00:00

    Hi Cru. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Guardian Moderator here to help you.

    I'll give you everything possible for fixing failed Windows Updates, so that at least something will work before you work through them all:

    Some Updates will sort themselves out in a few days so I'd wait to see. If not or they are bothering you then here are steps you can take:

    1. There is a new guided walk-through from Microsoft for repairing Windows Update that leads up to resetting components if necessary: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10164/.... Try running that first.
    2. If that fails try manually resetting Windows Update Service:

    Open administrative Command Prompt and type following commands one-by-one followed by Enter key.

    net stop wuauserv

    net stop cryptSvc

    net stop bits

    net stop msiserver

    Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

    Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

    net start wuauserv

    net start cryptSvc

    net start bits

    net start msiserver

    Close Command Prompt and see if Windows Updates works then

    1. You can also install the Updates manually that fail to install which are logged at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Installed Update History, and then search for those to download and install from this Catalog: http://test.catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/sit...

    A running log of Update History with known issues is here:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/446461...

    1. If they continue to fail and interfere, then you can block them using one of these methods: https://www.howtogeek.com/224471/how-to-prevent...
    2. What I'd do at this point if you haven't yet is install latest Version 1903 by installing Media Creation Tool from this link and choose Upgrade This PC Now: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

    This is the most stable way to change to the newer version and because it reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files and programs in place, fixes most problems. It also brings all Windows Updates to date.

    If there are any hurdles during install then these steps can overcome them: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    1. If problems with Updates have become chronic and especially if you have other performance problems, go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

    1. Be aware that what we have found is that in Windows 10 everything depends on the quality of the underlying install, the same reason enthusiasts have never run Factory or Upgrade installs because they know there would be endless issues.

    For example there have been zero return problems by those who follow the gold standard Clean Install here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... It is better and faster than any previous version of Windows, and a better install than any amount of money could buy. So when you get time I'd study over that to see if it's something I can help you do.

    1. There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls Windows while shedding factory bloatware that can cause issues and affect performance, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

    _____________________

    Good news! There are major changes in Version 1903 giving back control over Updates to the consumer. Microsoft has heard us at the highest level who announced this here:

    https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/201...

    _____________________

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  1. DaveM121 799.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-08-14T17:33:47+00:00

    Hi cru59

    1

    Restart (not shut down) your PC

    2

    Click your Start Button, type winver and hit Enter

    On the resulting dialog, what Version No. and build No. of Windows 10 are you running?

    3

    Open the Settings App (gear icon on your Start Menu)

    Go to Update and Security - Windows Updates

    What update(s) are showing as pending on your system?

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-08-14T17:39:03+00:00

    Hi cru59

    My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

    Before carrying out this procedure, disconnect from the Internet. That means turning off Wi-Fi and disconnecting from a wired connection. If you don't, Windows 10 will indicate some files are in use and cannot be modified or the command will be non-responsive. Also, you should restart your computer after disconnecting from the Internet. The easiest way to do it is to enable Airplane mode from the Action Center - Windows key + A.

    Open Start, type: CMD

    Right click CMD

    Click Run as administrator

    Type each of the following then hit Enter

    taskkill /f /fi "SERVICES eq wuauserv" (Do this multiple times)

    net stop cryptSvc

    net stop bits

    net stop msiserver

    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

    rmdir C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore

    rmdir C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

    When complete, hit Enter, then restart, then try updating again.

    If that does not work..

    1. Open Start, type: CMD

    Right click CMD

    Click Run as administrator

    Type each of the following then hit Enter

    Run these codes:

    Net Stop bits

    Net Stop wuauserv

    Net Stop appidsvc

    Net Stop cryptsvc

    Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak

    Ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak

    Net Start bits

    Net Start wuauserv

    Net Start appidsvc

    Net Start cryptsvc

    After running these commands, check if your issue is fixed.

    Try this additional tips to see if they work:

    Troubleshoot Windows Update Problems in Windows 10 Using These Five Tips

    https://windows10.help/blogs/entry/23-troublesh...

    You can also try installing the update manually:

    https://www.groovypost.com/howto/manually-insta...

    If you are not yet on the latest Feature Update, try upgrading:

    Go to the following page then click 'Update Now'

    https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/win...

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2019-08-14T17:42:31+00:00

    Version 1903

    OS Build 18362.267

    On the windows Updates it is just  the dots of checking for updates, no updates show as pending.

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  4. DaveM121 799.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-08-14T17:50:34+00:00

    Hi cru59

    Since your Build is 18362.267 the last update applied to your PC was KB4505903 which was released on 26 July

    The only update you are missing is KB4512508, you can download the offline installer for that update form the link below (choose the version for your PC. Installing that should fix any problems with Windows 10 Updates . . .

    https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4512508

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