If Windows 7 updates are not downloading properly, you will need to follow the methods located in the article below to fix it. The usual updating issue is that the downloading updates window simply hangs on at 0% downloaded. Let’s try and fix this. But before moving on with the solution, make sure your internet connection is not marked as a metered connection. Even if it is not marked as a metered connection, turn on downloading over metered connections. Moreover, leave the system in updating position for at least one or two hours and then check the software distribution folder, if its size has increased then wait till updates are finished. Do not forget to create a system restore point before trying the solutions.
Solution 1: Download the Prerequisites Needed for the Install
The Windows 7 updating process needs to be prepared for by downloading and installing the prerequisites such as Internet Explorer 11 and .NET 4.6.1. The updating process will sometimes succeed without these tools but to make sure everything goes as it should, downloading these tools is a must. It’s also to update and verify the integrity of your Microsoft .NET Framework installation, which should be updated fully. Even if you have the latest version installed on your PC, you will need to test its integrity and even repair it if it’s necessary. Navigate to this link and click the red download button to download the latest version of the Microsoft .NET Framework. After the download has finished, locate the file you downloaded and run it. Note that you will need to have constant access to the Internet. It’s also important to have Internet Explorer 11 installed on your computer before you can download and install the updates to Windows 7. Follow the instructions below to do so.
Solution 2: Download and Install the Updates Manually
It’s always a good choice to try and solve the problem yourself instead of waiting for Windows to stop throwing the error. Manual updates are usually much less prone to errors as the process is not executed automatically. The process of installing is somewhat more complicated but it’s nothing too difficult and you will end up with a fully updated PC. Check to see if the search for updates is successful. Note: You may notice that the updates fail to install as soon as you download them. That occurs because the Windows Update service has already started and you will need to disable it before you initiate the installation. Here is how to disable it: You may receive the following error message when you click on Stop: “Windows could not stop the Windows Update Service on Local Computer. Error 1079: The account specified for this service differs from the account specified for other services running in the same process.” If this occurs, follow the instructions below to fix it. While you are still in the Services window, locate the Windows Modules Installer and check to see if its startup type is set to automatic. If it’s not, change its startup type do automatic and check to see if the problem is solved.
Solution 3: Use the Microsoft FixIt Tool
The FixIt tool was specifically designed by Microsoft to help with the updating issues and we highly recommend you try it out, especially if the updating process is stuck at 0%. Some users claim it worked perfectly, others claim it didn’t, but it’s worth a shot. Download the file by navigating to this link. The file can no longer be found on Microsoft’s official website since they abandoned the project, but this link is more than enough. You can also download and launch the Windows Update Troubleshooter, and then follow the instructions displayed on the screen to complete the troubleshooting process. Do note that this will require administrative access and some ample time. Once the process is started, it is recommended not to stop it till it completes. Locate the file in your Downloads folder, run it, and follow the instructions on the screen. The tool will scan your computer for errors. Run the update settings after the scanner finishes and check to see if the updates are installing.
Solution 4: Modify the Permissions for the SoftwareDistribution Folder
Some users claim that the .log file from the location C:\WINDOWS\WindowsUpdate.log contains information that the update service was trying to write to the SoftwareDistribution folder but it failed to do so. We recommend you navigate to the same location and check to see if a similar message is displayed. If it is, follow the instructions below to modify access and give permission to modify the contents of the folder.
Solution 5: Update After Clean Booting the System
The problem may occur because of other services interfering with the updating process. This can only be fixed by running the update in the clean boot without anything unnecessary for the system to work. While you are in clean boot, run the updating process and wait for it to finish. After the updates have downloaded and installed successfully, you can exit the clean boot mode and continue using your PC normally.
Solution 6: Turn off Firewall
Several users have reported that the Firewall caused these issues for them and the only thing they needed to do to fix the problem was to disable the Firewall. We will use Windows Firewall for illustration purposes, you may follow the instructions as per your Firewall.
Solution 7: Install Updates Manually
Installing the updates automatically without warning the users is not recommended in all cases since the process can slow down your computer without your knowing it and it’s not recommended to everyone, but changing the settings like this may help you fix this problem in particular. We have covered similar issues in other articles which may help with this situation as well. If the methods listed above did not resolve the issue for you please do check the following guides: Windows 7 Stuck on Checking for Updates.
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