Windows 10: [SOLVED] Checking for updates (Forever running)

Hi there,

Previously I had an update which windows kept on updating and undoing the update for some reason. After which i tried to find for a solution online and somehow deleted the entire of the Software Distribution folder located in the C:\Windows folder.

Right now my windows update is unable to find any updates at all as it is forever on the "Checking for updates" section. I've tried using the command prompt to scan the SFC ("sfc /scannow") and also the re-creation of the SystemDistribution folder through stopping the service, deleting it and then starting it again... but it's still the same.

Any ideas of how can I fix this issue? Help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

:)

 

Checking for updates, forever

After running the script you suggested the history was cleared, from memory I don't think there were more recent failed updates (ie since August).

If by "manually downloading updates" you mean "Check for updates", yes many times.

No, it's never been set to metered connection, and no difference via ethernet.

Although the update troubleshooter did nothing for this Win10, as I mentioned in my OP it was after looking at a friend's Win7 which had no updates since Jan-2016 that prompted me to look at this one. I also tried the troubleshooter on the Win7, it reported
a couple of faults but didn't fix. It reported "Service registration is missing or corrupt". It seems MS has not published what this means or how to fix it. One thread has about 5000 me-too "people had this question", still unresolved.

Moving on, since my early post today I ticked I turned off the firewall completely, ticked "Defer updates", Checked for updates . After a long time updates arrived and installed. 5 updates for Windows 10 Version 1511 (including a cumulative update), a Malicious
software removal tool, and another Adobe update, 7 in total. Just those, notably not the anniversary update and none for Office. I'd have expected dozens in this time.

As this is the first time since August I've received any Windows updates I've no idea if it was the firewall off, "Defer", or something else that allowed these through.

 

Checking for updates, forever

Windows Defender seems to be updating fine, curiously!

I ran the troubleshooter again and same as before, it couldn't find the problem

Defer feature updates has always been unchecked as you show

I haven't yet tried any of those registry changes, though not sure which one I should be trying(?)

Could this be relevant - I can't access various folders particularly certain 'public' ones. The folder icons are slightly 'greyed out' with what looks like a shortcut arrow. When I click on such a folder I get "Location is not available" + "Access is denied".
It's a problem because I can't even access the old public Documents folder.

I'm reminded of this because I wanted to restore the update history which was backed up by the script you pointed me to, I can access the first 2/3 files be not this one

ren "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\application data\Microsoft\Network\downloader" downloader.old

The 'application data' folder is denied.

Although Windows Update is still showing no updates have been installed (since running the script), if I go to Uninstall the full list is still available. The most recent non MS update listed is Adobe on 16-Nov, the most recent Windows and Office updates
were 9-Aug

 

Try this thread: Solved Windows10 Update: kb3093266 - What Does It Do? - Windows 10 Forums

A lot of people seem to be experiencing all sorts of issues. I couldn't install it at all - on two PCs. One Pro edition, One Home edition, both 64. Now after reading up on it I'm actually very glad I could not install
this update. A few people have no problems, but for many others it's just another botched update. It is disgraceful behaviour on MS part.

There may be some help in the thread above, but if nothing helps there, at least you can take comfort that it's not your PC, and you are not alone.

Edit: changed could install to "could not install"

 

Hey thanks for the advice but I've got the windows update to work again. *Biggrin
Basically all i did was to download the Windows Update Diagnostic diagcab file from *SEE BELOW* website. Then i run the "sfc /scannow" command line prompt in CMD (as admin). CMD will show that it has fixed some errors but there are also some that it can't solve but I guess that's not a big issue to worry for now.

After restarting, the windows update went back to normal and right now its the KB3093266 issue which you have posted the link on. Will take a look at that post but once again thanks for your help regardless!

Edit - Realized that I can't find the link anymore. Will upload the link to the file below.
MEGA
Ran with eset Nod32 Antivirus - Results were fine if you would to ask.

 

I'm glad you got it working. I'll try again at some time in the order you mentioned. Thanks, Kiryu *Smile

 

I'm surprised, because I had trouble with KB3081444, that update bricked my computer and I was lucky enough to be able to do a system restore to earlier that day. But I took a chance on this update and I'm glad I did because it seems to have improved a lot of things. After that 1444 fiasco, I had windows update shut off completely. And I was installing updates only through the WHDownloader tool. But recently somebody posted a tool where you can show or hide updates and also a way of telling windows updates to notify you only and not to download the updates, through group policy editor.

Ever since the WUshowhide tool, it has been a lot easier to deal with updates. Also I notice that they are not pushing through as many updates, it seems they are combining a lot of things into a cumulative update every couple of weeks, I actually didn't have any updates at all for two weeks before I install that one.

For some reason KB3081444 totally destroyed my video output. But I haven't had any issues with updates since then. But on a whole windows 10 does not feel a solid as windows 8 or windows 7 has been for me. I don't feel I can depend on it yet. Which is why I keep seven and eight in my other PCs.

 

Yeah, I agree, it's weird how different people get different errors (or success). KB3081444 caused me no problems at all. Didn't even think about it as I didn't notice any changes.
If you read my post in the "Solved Windows 10 Update" thread. You will see it works fine for me now. But my case was very unusual I think. It's in the post. I also included a question for you regarding Cortana. Your post was good to read. First solid and positive info I have read about the latest CU, so thanks again.