Fix for Windows Update stuck on 'Checking for Updates'

[SaT_Admin]

When trying to run Windows Update on some of my Windows 7 systems, it would just continue checking for hours and hours. Maybe if you let it keep running, eventually it will work, I don't know (I've read that some people have left their computers checking for 24 hours). I always cancelled it.

After some searching and experimenting, here is how to fix this problem:

1. Go to Control Panel -> View by Small Icons (upper right) -> System, check if you have 32 bit or 64 bit operating system

2. Download both of these two updates from Microsoft. Be sure to choose the correct version to download:
x86 (for 32-bit)
or
x64 (for 64 bit)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3020369
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605

3. Go to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services -> Right click -> Run as admin

4. Scroll to the bottom of the list, and double click the "Windows Update" service. Click STOP and change 'Startup Type' to 'Manual'

5. Install those two updates. Install KB3020369 first. You may already have it installed. Then install KB3172605

6. Reboot

7. Repeat #3 and #4, but for #4, Click START and change 'Startup Type' to 'Automatic (Delayed)'

8. Go to Control Panel -> Windows Update and check for updates and install and reboot and repeat until everything is installed