When I plugged in my laptop a few days ago, I noticed the fan was running at full power. Normally, one would assume that the issue is with the fan. However, after digging more into the problem, it was discovered that windows checking for updates stuck. It got stuck every time it tried.
Even if you manually checked for updates, it would be stuck on the ‘Checking for updates’ page. Further issue revealed that the svchost.exe process in Task Manager was consuming a lot of memory, causing the fan to malfunction.
You may have noticed the same issue with Windows Update but in a different way. It’s critical to fix the problem because it affects other programmes as well.
You’ll find answers to the ‘ windows checking for updates stuck in this page. Let’s get this party started right immediately.
1. restart Down Your Computer
Simply reset your computer once before you begin tampering with anything else on it. This will prevent your computer from checking for updates and, in turn, will resolve the problem.
2. Verify the date and time.
Next, double-check that your PC’s data and time settings are right. The incorrect time can potentially cause updates to fail.
Right click on the clock on your taskbar and choose Adjust date/time from the menu to confirm.
Enable Set time automatically in the Settings window that pops up, and then click Sync now under Synchronize your clock.
If the option to set time automatically is already activated, disable it and then enable it again.
3. Try an attempt on a different network
Occasionally, the problem is with your network. Try connecting your PC to an alternative Wi-Fi connection if you have one. You can also link your PC to your phone via hotspot.
Restart your computer after connecting to a new network. You should be able to get the updates now, hopefully.
4. Antivirus Update or Disable
Antivirus software frequently blocks Windows from updating. To fix it, either turn it off for a while or see if an antivirus update is available. Open your antivirus programme and you will be prompted to update it. After your PC has been updated, restart it and try downloading updates again. If no updates are available, disable it off for a while and then try to download the windows checking for updates stuck again.
5. Disable Microsoft Product Updates
Disable updates for other Microsoft products is another option to try. The option is found in Updates itself. This is how you do it:
Step 1: Go to your PC’s Settings. To open Settings, press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
Step 2: Select Update & Security from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: click Advanced from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Uncheck the box that says “Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows.”
Step 5: Restart your computer and check for software updates. Hopefully, you’ll be able to do so without difficulty.
6. Restart the Windows Update Service if it hasn’t already.
A process and an service are two different things in Windows. Many issues can be resolved by restarting a service. Follow these steps to do so:
Step 1: Type Run into the search box on your computer. Open the Run application. You can also use the Window’s key + R shortcut to open it.
Step 2: In the Run dialogue box, type services.msc and hit Enter.
Step 3: Scroll down in the Services box and look for windows checking for updates stuck. Stop it by right-clicking on it. Allow some time to pass. Then right-click once more and hit Start.
7. Run the Update Troubleshooter programme.
If none of the preceding approaches worked, try using Windows’ own built-in troubleshooter.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Using the Windows key + I shortcut, open Settings on your computer.
Step 2: Select Update & Security from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: On the left side, click on Troubleshoot.
Step 4: Go to Windows Update and select Run the troubleshooter from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Watch for the troubleshooter to finish its process.
8. Use Disk Cleanup to clean up your hard drive.
It’s also an good idea to clean up the C drive. This aids in the removal of any faulty or corrupt files that may cause problems with new downloads.
To do so, follow the following steps:
Step 1: Go to your computer’s This PC folder and open it.
Step 2: Select Properties from the right-click menu on the C drive.
Step 3: Go to the General tab and click Disk Cleanup.
Step 4: In the Disk Cleanup box, choose Delivery Optimization Files from the list of pre-selected items and click OK.
Step 5: restart your computer.
In my situation, the issues was caused by the antivirus software. It had an update ready, but it was causing problems. Fortunately, updating it resolved the issue with the windows checking for updates stuck. What worked for me, however, may not work for you. So, don’t be afraid to try with various options.
