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How to Fix Windows 7 Not Downloading Updates Issue? (2018 Guide)

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If you are an avid Microsoft Windows 7 user, then there are chances that you have faced update issues. We are sure, you can quite relate to Windows 7 not downloading updates. And, it is quite annoying to see the update stalled at 0% when downloading.

So, the next quick question is what to do? What is the Windows 7 update fix? Here are some reliable solutions, which will resolve the update glitch.

Tip: It is advisable to update Windows 7 to protect your PC from threats and vulnerabilities such as Spectre, Meltdown, WannaCry, and Uiwix. The attacks can affect the ARM, AMD, and Intel processors to varying degrees.

How to resolve: As a Windows 7 user, you may install requisite antivirus (AV) software that is compatible and up-to-date with patches for Spectre and Meltdown. This will enable easy reception of Windows 7 updates.

Next, let’s focus on the solutions when Windows 7 won’t update.

Windows 7 Not Downloading Updates (2018 Guide to Fix)

As we explore the solutions, you may want to run some quick checks.

Recommended Checks:

  • Check if your PC has a 32-bit (x86) or a 64-bit (x64) Windows.
  • Check if the Service Pack 1 (SP1) is installed.
    • Go to Start button, right-click Computer , and click Properties .
    • In the System section, look for the system type.
    • Also, look for information on the installation of Service Pack 1.
  • Make a backup of all the data before updating.
  • Change the power option, so that your PC is not disrupted during the update process by entering into the sleep mode.

The Solutions:

#1: Check with Built-in Troubleshooter

You may try using the built-in troubleshooter of Windows 7 to diagnose the problems on the PC. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to the Start
  2. Key in ‘ troubleshoot ‘ in the Search bar .
  3. Click on the Troubleshooting
  4. Locate ‘Fix problems with Windows Update ‘ in the Troubleshooting window, under System and Security
  5. In the elevated window that appears, click Next .

Note: Follow the instructions to troubleshoot Windows Update.

#2: Try Resetting Windows Update Service

One of the solutions that you can try when Windows 7 update service is not running is to try resetting the Windows Update Service. Try the following steps:

  1. Hold Windows key + Press R .
  2. In the Run dialog box , key in services.msc and click on OK .
  3. In the Services window, navigate and find the Windows Update
  4. Click on that service and click on Restart the service in the left pane.

The Windows Update will restart. Now, check if the update problem still persists.

#3: Download and Install Prerequisites for Windows 7 Update

You may download the prerequisites required for the Windows 7 update like .Net 4.6.1 or Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11).

The downloading of the tools will ensure a smooth update process. Apart from which, you could also ensure that you have tested the integrity of the .Net Framework installation. Try the following steps:

  1. Hold Windows key + press R .
  2. In the Run dialog box that appears, key in Control Panel and click Ok .
  3. Look out for the .NET Framework 4.6.1 and enable the checkbox next to the entry.
  4. Click Ok , and Reboot .
  5. In the case, the checkbox is already enabled, they clear the box and reboot, which will repair the .Net Framework.
  6. Next, enable the checkbox next to .Net Framework again and restart.

In the context of IE, if you are still running an older version of IE like IE 8 on Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), you may want to upgrade to IE 11.

As Windows 7 SP1 running IE 11 (with Enterprise mode) would be supported till the end of Extended Support on January 2020.

#4:  Download and Install Updates Manually

Another reliable solution when Windows 7 won’t download updates is to try updating manually. The process will help you with a fully updated PC.

Try the following ( Estimated Time 30mins-60mins depending on the Internet connectivity speed ):

Updates that can be downloaded and installed manually ( available for both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) editions of Windows 7 ):

Next, restart the PC after installing the updates. And, you may want to check for new updates using the Windows Update.

#5: Install Updates from the Official Convenience Rollup Package

You may want to try installing all updates from the Convenience Rollup package for Windows 7. The installation would automatically upgrade Windows Update client version and fix the update issue.

You will find updates for Windows 7 32-bit (x86) edition, and Windows 7 64-bit (x64) edition on the Microsoft Update Catalog.

On the catalog webpage, you will find Update for Windows 7 (KB3125574), Update for Windows Server 2008 R2 x64 Edition (KB3125574), and Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3125574).

Note: The updates for Windows 7 64-bit (x64) and Server 2008 R2 are the same.

After downloading the Convenience Rollup package install it.

#6: Use Microsoft Fix it Tool

Another effective solution, when the Windows 7 won’t update is to try using the Microsoft Fix it tool.

The tool is definitely worth using, as it scans the PC for errors. And, the tool helps fix the Windows Update related problems.

#7: Try a Clean Boot

You may want to try and put the OS in a clean boot state to identify which application is causing the glitch. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Hold Windows key + press R .
  2. In the Run dialog box , key in msconfig . And, click Ok .
  3. The System Configuration window will appear, on the General tab, select the Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items .
  4. Next, go to the Services tab, and check (tick) Hide all Microsoft services . And, click on the Disable all
  5. Click Ok and Restart your PC.

Note: Remember to change the settings back to the originals after you finish troubleshooting.

Now, check if you are able to download updates with Windows Update.

#8: Try using Custom DNS Settings for the Internet Connection

In the case the problem still persists, you may want to check if the problem is caused due to your Internet connection. As the DNS server of your ISP may have not been updated.

So, you may want to use external DNS settings, which will get you a faster Internet connection. And, this may resolve the Windows Update issue.

#9: Try Turning off Windows Firewall

At times the Windows Firewall may cause the update issues. So, you may want to disable the Windows Firewall and check if it fixes the problem. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Hold Windows key + press R .
  2. Key in Control Panel and click Ok .
  3. On the Control Panel, locate the Windows Firewall
  4. Click on it and Turn Windows Firewall option off , which is located at the menu on the left side of the window.
  5. Click on the options button next to the ‘ Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) ‘ next to the Private and Public network settings.

Now, you may want to check if the update issue is resolved.

Finally, the next time you find that Windows 7 won’t update, you may try some of the solutions and resolve the issue in a jiffy.

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