2. Download the latest update for the windows update client

This should be the first step in the troubleshooting process, especially if your windows 7 operating system is a fresh or new installation and this is the first time you are checking for windows updates.

The Windows update catalog for windows 7 is now very extensive, the increased size of the catalog has introduced some problems for the windows update client which have been addressed in updates for the client. In normal behavior the Windows Update Client will usually download updates for itself before it begins to download other updates, however, with this problem this update does not always occur.

You should always download and install the latest update to the Windows Update Client for best results.

The latest available update (June 2016) is included in the following Rollup Pack:

• July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1
  July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

I have included below the direct links to Microsoft’s download centre for the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the update.

• July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1 (32-bit)
  Note: For best results use Microsoft Internet Explorer to download from the Microsoft download centre
  Update for Windows 7 (KB3172605)
• July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit)
  Note: For best results use Microsoft Internet Explorer to download from the Microsoft download centre
  Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3172605)