Fix Windows 8.1 Stuck on Checking for Updates

Windows 8.1 is checking for updates continuously, without any error or successful message.

This issue can occur most likely after the KB3173424 update.

It looks as if it is connecting to the internet with rolling balls or a progress symbol.

You might leave the PC for the night, expecting to take time.

I tried to do it for several days, but still the Windows 8.1 update is not working.

Though the issue is not a specific error of Windows Updates, it has something to do with particular KB updates.

The culprits are KB3173424 and KB3172614.

You might have tried different troubleshooting steps.

You can utilize the default Windows Update troubleshooting tool available in the Control Panel.

How to Fix Windows 8.1 Update Stuck on Checking for Updates

In the next step you can stop the “services” related to Windows Update and restart them.

Most of the time this approach will not solve the problem.

You might also have freshly installed Windows 8.1, which again has no result.

It will also eat up your CPU resources, making your computer slow.

The problem lies in the two KB updates mentioned before.

Read common problems and errors you face in Windows 10 and Office 365.

Fix #1

You can do the following to fix “Check for Updates” continuously running and being stuck.
1. First, stop the Windows Update service using Task Manager.
2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open it.
3. Go to the Services tab.
4. Stop the “wuauserv” service.
5. Block or pause or stop your Internet connection.

Fix #2

Now the crucial step for the Windows 8/8.1 updates is continuously checking for errors.
1. Press the Win key and type a few characters like “Control.”
2. Click on the Control Panel from the search results.
3. View by “Small icons.”
4. Click on “Windows Update” > Change Settings
5. Under “Important Updates,” click on “Never check for updates (not recommended).”

This will basically stop your Windows Update service from connecting to the internet.

Fix #3

Now you need to download and install the two KB (Knowledge Base) updates manually from the below links.

1. Download the KB3173424 update for Windows 8.1 (32-bit). 

2. Download KB3173424 Update for Windows 8.1 (64-bit or x64)

3. Download KB3172614 Update for Windows 8.1 (32-bit or x86)

4. Download KB3172614 Update for Windows 8.1 (64-bit or x64)

The Windows8.1-KB3172614-x86 file is of size 51 MB, and Windows8.1-KB3173424-x86 is 5 MB.

Note: PS: You might need to download and install the following 2 prerequisites before installing the “KB3172614” update on your computer:

• April 2014 Update Rollup for Windows 8.1 (KB2919355)
• April 2015 Servicing Stack Update for Windows 8.1 (KB3021910)

After downloading and installing the updates, restart your computer.

Source: askvg.com

Fix #4.

Now restore the Internet connection.

Change the “Windows Update” settings in Control Panel to “Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them” using the option mentioned before.

Fix #5

Now click on “Check for updates.”

Depending upon your ISP speed and CPU RAM, it will take some time.

For my Intel Core 2 Duo PC with 8 GB DDR3 RAM and a 6 Mbps connection, it took roughly 20 minutes to show the update results.

Windows 8 Stuck on Checking for Updates

From the Administrative command prompt (clean up any errors)

Run sfc /scannow
Run dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

• Start services. MSC (or open Task Manager and click on Services), locate the Windows Update service (wuauserv).
• STOP the service

Open %windir%\SoftwareDistribution

• Start the Windows Update Service through the Services Manager.
• Reset Windows Update Settings

1. Open the Windows Update window, and click on Change Settings.
2. Set Windows to NEVER check for updates, and click OK.
3. Open Change Settings again.
4. Select the option you want (check and download, automatically update)
5. Click OK.
6. Now check for updates.