SOLVED: Fast Fix Stuck Update – Searching For Updates On This Computer

Normally when you have a problem with Windows Update there are two processes you should go through:

1. Download and install the Update manually (rather than relying on the Windows Update GUI)
2. Reset your Windows Update:
   1. Launch SERVICES.MSC, and STOP both “WINDOWS UPDATE” and “BACKGROUND INTELLIGENT TRANSFER SERVICE” then set them to DISABLED
   2. Delete all files and folders in C:\windows\softwaredistribution
   3. Launch SERVICES.MSC, and set the following to AUTOMATIC startup “WINDOWS UPDATE” and “BACKGROUND INTELLIGENT TRANSFER SERVICE” then START them

However there are times where those procedures do not solve the Windows Update stuck searching for updates endlessly problem.  In that case there is often a simple fix:

1. Launch the WINDOWS UPDATE GUI 
2. Click CHANGE SETTINGS (on the left)
3. In the IMPORTANT UPDATES drop down select NEVER CHECK FOR UPDATES (NOT RECOMMENDED)
4. If you have not already done so, download the update in question directly from the MICROSOFT CATALOG
   • Enter the KB# in the top right corner search field with no spaces
   • If you have a large number of updates that are stuck, we suggest you look for the that latest “CUMULATIVE UPDATE” for your OS
5. Launch the stand alone update file, let it install, and then reboot your computer
6. Enjoy it should now work without further SEARCHING FOR UPDATES