9 Fixes: Windows 7 Updates Not Downloading

Have you ever been stuck with Windows 7 updates that refuse to download?

Updating your computer or laptop with all your latest patches, fixes, and important updates when using a Microsoft OS such as Windows 7 is essential. Now, Windows 7 is a great operating system, but being able to download updates is an important piece of it.

And as we know, Downloading updates from Microsoft is extremely important if you want to keep your computer safe and secure.  So, Read this article to learn how to download updates correctly and what to do when your windows 7 updates not downloading.

So let’s discuss the various causes and provide recommendations to fix the problem.

Solutions When Windows 7 Updates Not Downloading

1. Make Sure You Are Connected To The Internet
2. Troubleshoot Your Network Security Software
3. Restart Your Windows Update Service
4. Check if your device has Internet Explorer 11 & .NET 4.7
5. Run The Windows Update Troubleshooter
6. Disable Anti Virus / Firewall Software
7. Update after a clean boot
8. Use the FixIt tool
9. Install updates manually

1. Make Sure You Are Connected To The Internet

Before we get into the complicated methods for you to get your updates downloaded, let’s check this one out from the list of our solutions.

Your PC needs strong wifi or network connection to download all the updates with windows 7.

So to check if you have that kind of a connection, go to any browser, and search for something or anything. If it takes more than 15 seconds to show any results, your network is not strong. This might be a reason your updates aren’t downloading.

Check this out before we move on!

2. Troubleshoot Your Network Security Software

Another reason your PC won’t download the Windows 7 updates is if your Windows Update service fails to write the information from the .log file at C:\WINDOWS\WindowsUpdate.log to the SoftwareDistribution folder.

To sort this out, you need to modify the permissions of the software distribution folder.

This is a failure of data reporting. One way to rectify this is by allowing Full control of the SoftwareDistribution folder to the users. You can do this by the following troubleshooting process through the windows update setting.

1. Open the folder ‘Windows File Explorer, if you are using the newer versions of windows ( double-click its shortcut on your desktop screen or press the Windows key + E). If you have older versions of windows, you should perform this step by opening ‘My PC.’ 
2. Find the address C:\Windows. Within the folder, find the SoftwareDistribution folder.
3. Right-click on the SoftwareDistribution folder. Click on Properties from the menu displayed on the screen. ( alternatively, select the folder and press Alt + Enter)

4. Next, open the Security tab of the SoftwareDistribution Properties window. Choose the Advanced button, which you can find below the box on the right.

5.  In the textbox under the ‘Enter the object name to select’ option, Enter your name or a username.
6. Click on “Check Names.” Your username should take a few seconds to get verified. Next, you will set a password and click ok.
7. Again, right-click on the SoftwareDistribution folded r> select Properties. Click on the Edit option in the Security tab.
8. First, choose the user name by clicking on it and then check the box for Full Control under the Allow column.

3. Restart Your Windows Update Service

Your windows update service is meant to always run in the background of your PC. It also can control all the activities related to your laptop’s software updates. So Installing and downloading the updates also is largely determined by this service.

If your service gets corrupt, there is a high chance that your updates will get stuck and not get downloaded. 

You can check it yourself by the following steps-

1. On your keyboard, Press the R+ Windows key. Or what you can do is press on the start menu (this will get you to the search bar directly)
2. The run command box should be launched on your PC after the previous step. (Use the command prompt option alternatively)
3. Search for ‘services.MSC, and then press ok to get to the services application.
4. You’ll be shown a list of options consisting of different services. Search and click on Windows Update.
5. Open windows update service. You’ll get the option to restart when you right-click on the option.
6. Click on restart & your services will be restarted, fixing any problems that might have existed.

4. Check if your device has Internet Explorer 11 & .NET 4.7

The two applications, Internet Explorer 11 & .NET 4.7, both above are prerequisites for your PC to update. Sometimes, people face problems downloading updates without these apps.

But it is precautionary for you to check these apps on your PC. Follow the following steps-

1. Open Google Chrome. Search on this browser for “Download Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.
2. You’ll see a red button labeled ‘Download’ on your screen. Click on the option to start downloading the latest version available for the Framework.
3. After downloading it, open it where it’s located on your PC. 
4. You’ll be given directions on what to do there. Ensure a strong network connection throughout this process. 
5. The .NET 4.7 Framework has been successfully downloaded on your PC, and you should check its credibility.
6. Open the control panel on your computer.
7. Among all the items mentioned there, click on ‘Programs and features.
8. In the window that will follow after the previous step, click on the Turn Windows on or off option (on the left of the window)

9. Find the option that says .NET 4.7. Enable it if it isn’t already on your device. Click OK and exit.

Well, this was about .NET 4.7. Next, look at the following steps to check internet explorer on your laptop.

1. Visit Internet Explorer in your browser. 
2. Download the version of your choice based on the windows 7 OS installed on your computer.
3. Depending on your divide, you have to download either the 32-bit or 64-bit. 
4. Locate the downloaded file on your laptop.
5. Follow the instructions on the application when you open it. Complete the installation of Internet Explorer 11.

At last, in the given case that the .NET 4.7 is installed but is not working properly, and its integrity cannot be trusted, I give you the following steps to follow-

1. Disable the.NET Framework
2. You’ll do this by removing the tick from the box next to the option.
3. Do a computer restart to mend the tool.

5. Run The Windows Update Troubleshooter

This troubleshooter is available for all versions of Windows and hence Windows 7 as well.

This method has proved to be less cumbersome method than the others. The method will likely resolve any issues you might have with the updating process.

The troubleshooter performs ample functions, like restarting the windows update service, clearing the download cache, etc.

You can run the method using the following steps-

1. Click on the start or windows button on your pcs. You can also click on the windows key present on your keyboard. 
2. Search for ‘Troubleshoot.’ The program will be launched. 

6. Disable Anti Virus / Firewall Software

On various occasions, the windows firewall prevents your PC from getting the new files updated and downloaded. Many users have shared that their issue is solved when they temporarily disable their firewall.

You can also check if this method works out for you if you change the settings as follows-

1. Open the control panel on your PC or laptop. Click on the Windows Defender Firewall.

2. In the window shown next to you, click on the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left panel on your screen. 

3. At last, you ought to press the radio buttons. You will find it next to the Turn Window Defender Firewall (not recommended) option. 

4. Ensure you do this under private and public network settings. Click ok and then Save and exit.

Check the presence of any other antivirus software that might be on your system as well.

7. Update after a clean boot

Windows update services are the root of any problems related to updates. At least, more often than not. 

Sometimes, third-party applications hinder any further updates. If this is your case, there’s an easy fix for this. You shall try to install the update after performing a clean boot on your device. You can do this as follows-

1. In the search bar of your PC, type MSconfig. This will open a system configuration tool.
2. On the window that will be shown to you next, hop over to the services tab. 
3. Tick the box that says, “Hide all Microsoft services.”
4. Next, disable all third-party applications by clicking on the Disable all option.
5. Now you have to click on the disable option again, on the startup tab.
6. Apply this by clicking on ok. Restart your PC now and try to download the updates again.

Move on to the other steps if you still haven’t been able to download your latest updates. 

8. Use the FixIt tool

For the problem you are facing, Microsoft has its solution for it. The solution is in the form of a tool called the FixIt tool. You can use this to kick-start the update downloading process, especially if it is stuck at 0%.

1. Download the file from the web browser of your choice. 
2. Don’t attempt downloading the file from Microsoft’s website, as it has been removed.
3. After you have downloaded the file for this, locate it on your computer.
4. You’ll be given a list of instructions to follow. Go on and follow those instructions on your computer.
5. The instructions will help you and guide you through the process.

Check if your problem is solved. If not, go on to the last option.

Download the app from the following link-

https://ccm.net/downloads/security-and-maintenance/6189-microsoft-fix-it/

9. Install updates manually

Finally, if push has come to shove, and none of the mentioned methods did the trick for you, you will have to take matters into your hand. You’ll do this by downloading the updates on your Windows 7 manually.

Remember to leave this question for the end, as using this method might slow down your computer and your normal functionalities.

First, you need to check out the latest update available for the software you are using online. You ought to find this out on the Microsoft help site. Search for  “Windows 7 update history”. The result at the top should be it.

The update history page will pop up and show you the list of all the updates issued for your windows version. 

When you click on any of the options, you will be provided with detailed information about what the update will do for you. You’ll also be shown the date of the issue and any other requirements you might need to install it.

Locate and find the updates you want to download on your PC. Scroll down to find where you’ll find the option called “Install this update” You’ll also find a section that contains a link. This link contains the Windows update catalog. Click on it to find which update you want to download-

 Have a look at this list and conclude on which update you want. 

If you use a desktop computer, the update you need is likely “for x64-based systems”.

If you’re using a laptop or PC, check what CPU you have. Because as of March 2022, there aren’t any ARM, Intel, or ARM-based CPUs. Check if they manufacture the updates, I can assure you to download the x64 update.

Click “Download” on the right side for your update.

Your file will begin to download. It is a large file so it might take longer than your usual downloads. 

Open downloads on your computer or PC. Click on the file you just downloaded. You’ll be shown an installation pop-up. Go ahead with the installation by clicking on ‘Yes.

Once the installation is completed, restart your PC. Take if this method takes into effect.

Conclusion

Windows 7 might be an old operating system, but that doesn’t mean its users are 0. This guide will help out any user of windows 7 who might be having difficulty downloading their updates.

Some Windows 7 users can never seem to download their Windows 7 updates successfully. This easy-to-follow blog hence showed you exactly how to fix this problem.