Computer stuck at checking for updates

Before you start Windows Update, if your computer has not been up and running for a few days or more, start it and let it run without using it for some hours.  Turn off the sleep functions if they are set.  If yours is a laptop, make sure it is powered with the power cord.  Start Task Manager (right-click on the task bar) and look at the CPU % in use at the bottom of that window.  If it is more than 10%, you have to wait until what ever the computer is doing finishes before starting Windows Update.

Functions like Antivirus update and  scans, scheduled defragmentation, updates to Java, Flash Player, Adobe Reader and others must be completed BEFORE you start Windows Update.

I just did this on a laptop that had not been used for about 70 days.  It took the best part of a day to finally settle down and be ready.

Windows Update is dramatically slower than it was in the Spring of 2015, before Windows 10 began its merciless march.  There may be nothing wrong with your computer!  The problem is a hopelessly inadequate Windows Update service.  Likely it is overwhelmed sending millions of 5 gigabyte malware Win10 files to unwilling Win7 computers, using the same equipment and network that normally services you and I.

From Microsoft’s perspective, the updates you want are an extremely low priority.  They do not want you updating Windows 7.  They want you replacing it with Windows 10.

There is no reason to do this upgrade unless you are a real adventurer.  Windows 7 will be supported through January 2020.

Excellent read  http://www.infoworld.com/article/2953655/microsoft-windows/windows-10-review-hold-off-if-you-use-windows-7.html#tk.ifw-infsb

I have seen cases where the green bar continued overnight and finally found the updates, then spent many more hours downloading those updates.

If yours is a notebook PC, turn off sleep and hibernate functions.  Leave WU running at least overnight, maybe longer

Stop trying to fix your computer.  You are likely to make a mess of it for no benefit.

Trying to fix your computer may be pointless, when the problem is your supplier.  Sort of like taking a part your car’s engine because it does not start, when the problem is the gas tank is empty.

One tip:  Check to see if the four services needed to run Windows Update are running, just after starting Windows Update.

Start, All Programs, Accessories, right-click on Command prompt choose Run as administrator.  In the black box type net start bits, it should be already started.  Now net start wuauserv; net start msiserver, net start cryptsvc  If any one of them responds that it is now starting, then the service was NOT running.  DO NOT RESTART THE COMPUTER OR Windows Update.

Check to make certain the 4 needed services are starting properly.  If any one of the services, were not already started, type services in the text box above the start globe and find each of those services in the list (list below). If they are not set to automatic, double-click the service and set.  You can do this while Windows Update is running.

Background Intelligent Transfer Services, Cryptographic services, Windows Installer, Windows Update.

They should be shown as Automatic or Automatic (delayed). If they are not, double-click on each as necessary, and change setting to Automatic.

Now, your challenge is to be PATIENT.  This may take many hours.  If you have waited at least 6 hours, then you may have a problem.