Win 7 update doesn't work. Windows Update doesn't work - fixing the situation

Even though Microsoft no longer supports the Windows 7 operating system, it still provides security updates for it. The question of why updates are not installed is very relevant. This article will provide answers to fix common problems.

Automatic update disabled

A common reason that Windows 7 does not find updates is that auto-update is disabled in the settings. Enabling this feature is quite simple:

It happens that checkbox missing on the taskbar. Then you can solve the problem in another way:

  • To do this, go to “Start”, select “ Control Panel»;
  • Further " system and safety»;
  • then select from the list " Turn automatic updates on or off».

Incorrect download of updates

You can fix the error of incorrect downloading of updates for Windows in the following way:

After this, you can restart the installation.

Registry problems

The reason that Windows 7 does not update may be a malfunction of the registry. You can fix it as follows:


The update service is not working correctly

Some problems with installing packages are related to the service responsible for downloading them. The failure can be resolved in several ways:


If the process fails to start again, you will need to perform additional steps:


Lack of hard disk space

The problems can be quite simple, for example, lack of hard drive space. For the installation services to function properly, you need minimum 5 GB free space.

The solution to the problem is quite simple. Requires removal unnecessary files and programs from the system disk. To do this, you can use standard Windows 7 tools, for example, “” located in the Control Panel.

Internet problems

Problems with the Internet connection may be the reason why updates are not installed:


Damage to system component storage

It happens that problems can be caused by damage to system components. There may be reasons a bunch of:

  • 0x800B0101 – the certificate could not be installed;
  • 0x8007371B – transaction distribution error;
  • 0x80070490 – error of a non-existent or deleted update file;
  • 0x8007370B – error identifying object properties;
  • 0x80070057 – parameters error;
  • 0x800736CC – element matching error;
  • 0x8007000D – data initialization error;
  • 0x800F081F – missing required files.

Above are the most common errors that occur when system components are damaged. There are several methods for permission.

One of the most effective is installationWindows 7 in update mode. This option is characterized by the correction of most errors, while it will allow you to save personal files and system settings.

For this required:


When you run this command, the system will check the integrity of the files and will be able to restore them. If the data is recovered, you can run the installation again.

Error 643

This crash is dependent on a Microsoft NET Framework service. To solve a software problem, you will need to do the following:

The second option involves removing this component and reinstalling it.

Other solutions

In addition to the above methods for correcting failures when installing updates using system tools, you can use additional software.

Using Microsoft FixIt

To troubleshoot problems, you will need the Fixit utility, created by the operating system manufacturer. It eliminates problems associated with the operation of the Update Center.

After downloading the software, installation is required. During this, the program will automatically create restore point. The utility will search for data about failures and try to fix the files.

Clearing cache

In some situations, Windows 7 does not search for updates due to loading problems. The essence of the process is that the files are loaded into the cache memory and stored there until the user starts installing them:


Running an update manually

To manually start, you will need to call the “Win ​​+ R” utility and enter the request “ Wuapp" In the window that opens, select "". In the “Important” section, select the first installation option. Thus, the user will install updates manually.

In some cases, a problem with Windows Update may occur even when the service itself is enabled. When this happens, the user receives the following errors: “Windows Update cannot currently search” or “Windows Update cannot currently be started.” What to do?

First and most importantly, check if the update service is enabled. In Control Panel, go to Windows Update, then to Settings. Here, select “Install updates automatically” or “Download updates, but I decide whether to install them.”

Next, go to the official Microsoft website and download a utility called Fix It. It helps to automatically restore operating system settings. Just download the utility, install it on your computer and run it. Then follow the instructions. The good thing about the utility is that it does everything automatically and you don’t have to do anything.

If the utility does not help or for one reason or another you cannot use it, then you can do some steps yourself. (click “Start”, write cmd in the line “Search programs and files”, then right-click on the command prompt icon and select “Run as administrator”.

When the command prompt opens, you need to enter several commands (after each of them, press the Enter key):

net stop cryptsvc

ren c:\windows\system32\catroot2 catroot2old

net start cryptsvc

Try installing updates.

You can also try the netsh winsock reset command (necessarily as an administrator), it may also help.

Surprisingly, the problem can often lie in the hard drive controller driver. The driver itself can be found on the website of your motherboard manufacturer.

One unusual method was found on the Internet. You need to run a bat file with the text:

net stop wuauserv
rmdir %windir%\softwaredistribution /s /q
regsvr32 /s wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 /s wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32 /s atl.dll
regsvr32 /s wups.dll
regsvr32 /s wups2.dll
regsvr32 /s wuweb.dll
regsvr32 /s wucltui.dll
net start wuauserv

To do this, create a text document (notepad) on your desktop, copy the text and save. Rename the extension from txt to bat. Next, click on the file, right-click and select “Run as administrator.” Restart your computer and then try to install updates.

If all else fails, download the System Update Readiness Tool for Windows utility from the Microsoft website. There are different versions of the utility for different versions of operating systems, all of them are available on the Microsoft website.

ATTENTION! You perform all actions at your own peril and risk; the site administration is not responsible for the published material!

Installing the latest updates is an important condition for the correct functioning and security of your computer. The user can choose how to install them: manually or automatically. But in any case, the service must be running "Windows Update". Let's find out how to enable this system element using various methods in Windows 7.

By default, the update service is always enabled. But there are times when, as a result of failures, intentional or erroneous actions of users, it is deactivated. If you want to be able to install updates on your PC again, you need to enable it. This can be done using various methods.

Method 1: Tray icon

The easiest and fastest way to launch is through the tray icon.


When you select the second option, the options window will open "Windows Update". We will talk in detail about what to do in it when considering the next method.

Method 2: Update Settings

You can solve the problem assigned to us directly by opening in the parameters "Update Center".


Method 3: "Service Manager"

Sometimes none of the above activation algorithms work. The reason is that the activation type is specified in the service properties "Disabled". You can start by exclusively using "Service Manager".

  1. Open in "Control Panels" window "System and safety". The steps to move here were discussed in the previous method. Click on the item "Administration" in the list of sections.
  2. A list of utilities opens. Click "Services".

    You can activate "Dispatcher" and through the window "Run". Click Win+R. Enter:

    Click "OK".

  3. Launch in progress "Dispatcher". Find the name in the list of elements "Windows Update". The search task will be simplified if you arrange the elements alphabetically by clicking on "Name". A sign that the service is disabled is the absence of an inscription "Works" in column "State". If in the column “ Launch type" the inscription is displayed "Disabled", then this communicates that the element can be activated by applying a transition to properties, and in no other way.
  4. To do this, right-click on the name (RMB) and choose "Properties".
  5. In the window that opens, change the value in the list "Startup type" to any other, depending on how you want to enable the service when activating the system: manually or automatically. But it is still recommended to choose the option "Automatically". Click "Apply" And "OK".
  6. If you chose the option "Automatically", then the service can be started simply by restarting the computer or using one of the methods described above or described below. If the option was chosen "Manually", then the launch can be accomplished using the same methods, excluding a reboot. But you can enable it directly from the interface "Dispatcher". Check in the list of items "Windows Update". Left click "Run".
  7. Activation in progress.
  8. The service has started. This is evidenced by a change in status in the column "State" on "Works".

There are situations when all statuses seem to indicate that the service is running, but still, the system is not updated, and a problem icon is displayed in the tray. Then perhaps a restart will help. Select from the list "Windows Update" and click "Restart" on the left side of the shell. After this, check the functionality of the activated item by trying to install the update.

Method 4: "Command Line"

You can also solve the issue discussed in this topic by entering an expression in "Command line". Wherein "Command line" must be activated with administrative rights, otherwise access to perform the operation will not be obtained. Another basic condition is that the startup type should not be in the properties of the service being started "Disabled".


Sometimes it is possible that after entering the specified command, information is displayed that the service cannot be activated because it is disabled. This suggests that the status of its launch type matters "Disabled". Overcoming this problem lies solely in using Method 3.

Method 5: "Task Manager"

The next launch option can be accomplished using "Task Manager". To use this method, the same conditions are required as for the previous one: running the utility with administrative rights and the absence of a value in the properties of the activated element "Disabled".


It also happens that when you try to start using the current method, even with administrative rights, information appears indicating that the procedure cannot be completed. Most often this is due to the fact that in the element properties the status "Disabled". Then activation is possible only according to the algorithm specified in Method 3.

Method 6: “System Configuration”

The following method uses a system tool such as "System configuration". It is also only applicable in the situation where the activation type does not have a status "Disabled".

  1. Go to "Control Panels" to section "Administration". The algorithm for going there is described in 2 ways And 3 this manual. Find the name "System configuration" and click on it.

    You can also call the utility using the window "Run". Click Win+R. Enter:

    Click "OK".

  2. "System configuration" activated. Move to "Services".
  3. Find in the list "Update centre". For a more comfortable search, click on the column name "Service". Thus, the list will be built according to the alphabetical system. If you still do not find the required name, this means that the element has a launch type "Disabled". Then it will be possible to launch only using the algorithm described in Method 3. If the required element is still displayed in the window, then look at its status in the column "State". If it is written there "Stopped", this means that it is deactivated.
  4. To run, check the box next to the name if it is unchecked. If it is installed, then remove it and then install it again. Now click "Apply" And "OK".
  5. A dialog box appears prompting you to reboot the system. The fact is that for changes made in the window to take effect "System configuration", a PC restart is required. If you want to complete this procedure immediately, then save all documents and close the running program, and then click on the button.

    If you want to postpone the restart until later, then click on the button "Exit without reboot". In this case, the computer will restart normally when you do it manually.

  6. After restarting the PC, the required update service will be started again.

Method 7: Restoring the “SoftwareDistribution” folder

The update service may not function correctly and may not fulfill its intended purpose if the folder is damaged for various reasons "Software Distribution". Then you need to replace the damaged directory with a new one. There is an action algorithm to solve this problem.


As you can see, there are quite a few options with which you can start the service "Update centre". This is the execution of operations through "Command line", "System configuration", "Task Manager", as well as through the update settings. But if the element properties contain activation type "Disabled", then it will be possible to complete the task only with the help of "Service Manager". In addition, there is a situation when the folder is damaged "Software Distribution". In this case, you need to perform actions according to a special algorithm, which is described in this article.

Problems with updates can definitely arise at inopportune moments. Moreover, there are a number of reasons for this, so we advise you to study the manual better!


Today this software is a little outdated. However, the popularity of the OS in question is still high. This article will tell you why Windows 7 won't update through Windows Update and how to fix the problem. Below are a number of methods.


Why are updates needed?

But first you need to understand what these updates are for and what role they play for the user:

  • the product ensures the integrity and security of the OS;
  • the update ensures compatibility with improved machine spare parts;
  • software optimizes program code;
  • The fix improves the performance and multitasking of the OS.


What updates are there?

All software components are divided into several types:

  • important;
  • recommended;
  • optional;
  • other updates.

Important updates are related to Windows system security. It is recommended to install such packages from the moment they appear in notifications. Recommended components will improve your PC performance. Optional components include various drivers or updated software from developers. Others include those components that are not included in the above.

The OS distribution will not be reconstructed in the future, since Win 8 and then 10 were released. Developers will only support a special number of tools. Fans of the presented version still have a lot of time left.


Why are OS updates not installed?

Today, this may be due to the following reasons. Before you do anything, you should definitely leave the option of backing up your data with a subsequent system restore point. Otherwise, the system may not start up and the user will lose important data. That's why:

  • we will create a point for rolling back the OS;
  • or we will create an image for backup using native tools - the Win 7 archiver;
  • or we will use third-party software and create a similar copy in it.

Incorrect installation

Often, incorrect installation is hidden in an error in starting the “Update Services”. To enter the settings parameters, just launch the “Start” menu and enter “Services”, after which a dialog box will pop up with the configuration of the parameters.


The dialog box displays a list of local OS tools. In the list, we will find “Windows Update”. The list is displayed in alphabetical order, which means that the required element will be located at the very bottom. Click twice.


In some cases, the service tool is running offline. It also happens that the problem depends on the startup itself. It's worth checking if the service is running. This is most often observed on illegal (pirated copy) builds of the Win 7 distribution. Software makers turn off the service on purpose. So let's make sure that the local tool is enabled. If not, then turn it on.


The enabled OS update application should be turned off.


Without leaving the dialog box with properties, press the Win + R combination on the keyboard, after which the “Run” system window will pop up, where we will enter: SoftwareDistribution and click “OK”.


The OS Explorer will start with the subsystem folder “SoftwareDistribution” from which you will need to delete all existing folders and files.


Now let's go to the window with the Win 7 local tools configuration parameters and restart this element again.


After this operation, you will need to restart your PC and go to the Update Center.


When the working window opens, download the updates and install them. To quickly enter the configuration settings, you will need to call the Start menu and enter the desired service name in the search. In the dialog box, select the “Check for updates” option.


Install the required update package by clicking on the option of the same name.


When you need to install only special updates, you need to click on the “Important updates” option.


Among the expanded list, let's tick off what we need.


Upon completion, return to the initial window of the service and enable the installation option.


Errors while downloading updates

One of the most common problems with the Win 7 update is a failure during downloading to the PC. This happens because the files are located and loaded into the OS cache. If the download is unsuccessful, the installation process will not be possible. It is worth considering that at the stage of downloading files, the update package will not be overwritten. Initially, you will need to uninstall the disk space containing the cache contents in which erroneous updates are stored and only then download the components.

To clear the cache, open the command line. In the Start menu search dialog box, enter the corresponding query - “Command Prompt”. Then, call the context menu and run it with administrator rights.


In the Windows command line you must enter the following combinations:

net stop wuauserv
ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.OLD
net start wuauserv



Click "Ok". After the cache is cleared, we will proceed to updating the system, after restarting the PC.


Errors in the system registry

Most often, errors when installing OS updates occur due to a failure - 80070308. This happens due to the fault of the system registry. To return the system to its original appearance in the registry, a number of changes must be made. Press Win + R. The Run dialog box will pop up. In the field, enter: regedit and click “OK”.


Go to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE section and select the COMPONENTS subfolder in which we will delete the PendingRequired. To delete a system file, open the context menu by right-clicking.


After the operation, we will restart the PC and manually install updates.


Fix It - automatic solution to OS problems

To make it easier for users to troubleshoot such problems, Microsoft has developed special Fix It software. It will automatically eliminate all possible errors with the OS. The utility can be downloaded from the link below.


Let's run the program installation file. The software will automatically create an OS restore point. After the above operations, detection and elimination of system errors will begin. After the program is running, close the utility and try to install the updates again.


What to do if there is no access to the Internet and the connection to the Microsoft site is blocked by an antivirus or firewall?

If there is no connection to the Internet, and this is usually a problem with proxy servers or the lack of the Internet itself, the download of updates will not start. If the problem is with the antivirus or firewall, then during installation you should disable them and manually install the appropriate updates.


Impossibility to update due to lack of memory

It is regularly impossible to install updates for the Windows 7 operating system due to the lack of free disk space on the hard drive of a personal computer or laptop. Please note that most often the average volume of updates takes up to 5 gigabytes. Before downloading and installing, you will need to free up the occupied disk space on drive C and repeat the entire process again.


Long search for updates

Recently, when installing a clean image of Win 7 OS, it takes a long time to search for updates. In this case, no errors are observed. The problem is solved as follows:

  • install Microsoft Fix It and reboot;
  • restart the PC and install KB3102810 (links are given below!);
  • We reboot again - everything should be fine.

This may be the reason why Windows 7 is not updated through the OS Update Center. This completes the entire troubleshooting phase. We will be glad if the information helped you. You can rate the article and write a comment! Share this tip with your friends. Thank you!

Some users may encounter a situation where their operating system, for some reason, does not download system updates (both for the Windows OS itself and for its system components). This problem can have many reasons, ranging from failures of the update service to lack of free space on the system disk. In this article I will tell you why Windows Update 7 does not download updates, what the problem is and how to fix it.

The essence of the problem “Windows Update 7 does not download updates”

So why doesn't Windows 7 Update download updates? The Update Center functionality may fail for the following reasons:


Having identified the reasons that cause problems with updating Windows 7, let's move on to options for solving them.

How to fix Windows Update 7 dysfunction

So, what should you do if Windows 7 Update does not download updates? I suggest following the following series of tips:

net stop wuauserv

ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.OLD

net start wuauserv

After executing the commands, go to the Update Center and try to update the system yourself, perhaps this will help fix the problem “Windows 7 Update does not download updates.”


What to do if Windows 7 updates are not installed

Above I described the situation in which Windows 7 Update does not download updates, the reasons for this problem and how to solve it. In this situation, first of all, you should make sure that the corresponding update service is working, and also delete the update files in the cache. If these tools do not work, you should follow the entire set of tips I described; usually one of them will effectively fix the problem with the Update Center on your PC.

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