For the Win XP, Vista and 7 users out there, you may have noticed that you are having trouble with Windows Updates. Let me help.
Windows XP and Vista users no longer receive updates from Microsoft, so it's possible that if you are trying to update using one of these platforms, it's not going to work, anyways.
Windows 7
For the rest of us holding on to something good...
There are a few noted reasons why I'm finding Windows 7 not updating as expected. Here are a few possibilities (in no particular order):
1. Your Firewall is blocking the service. Try turning off your firewall (sometimes run by your virus protector) and run the check again. If this fixes the problem, then you'll need to find out how to allow your computer to allow this access. Usually not too hard to search for.
2. Your computer doesn't know what is updated or not (corrupt database). This is (of course) in simple terms to mean your computer is causing the issue.
- Microsoft has an application that fixes your computer (registry, etc.) but it doesn't always work. Try it by running the troubleshooter: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2509997.
- Check to see if you are missing components since doing an upgrade with Windows Upgrade Compatibility Checker: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20
- Check with your computer's manufacturer website to see if they have any tools that you download to help install drivers and other software. These downloads might be needed before allowing Windows Updates to run.
- You can also try to manually updating by using Microsoft's Windows Update Readiness Tool: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/947821