Solved Windows Update Download Pending

If you get updates that aren't checked because they're pending what do you do if you don't check it manually? Do you close Windows Update and wait for it to cycle and check for updates again?

Thanks as always.

It means they downloaded but never installed.

This fix is courtesy of another forum and Robear Dyer (PA Bear) Microsoft MVP:

1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:

Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Stop
(Stopping the service will take a moment)

2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:

Start > Run > (type in) %windir%\SoftwareDistribution > [OK]
Open the Download folder and delete its contents
Close the window.

3. Go to Windows Update > allow the scan to
complete > Uncheck/deselect the update(s) you don't wish to install and right-click - hide
it ("Don't show me this update again"). If you don't want them.

4. Start the Automatic Updates service:

Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Start
(Starting the service will take a moment)

I think this answers another issue.

Let me say first that I have Windows Update set to only notify me of updates; I manually start the download/install process. I was also able to check the Update that wasn't checked and downloaded/installed it without issue.

It has been my understanding that an update not checked and being described as pending is due to heavy server traffic. As such, checking it manually would be cutting in front of line so to speak. Thus, my question was how to deal with an update that isn't checked if you don't want to cut in line to receive it.

Thanks.

OK, sorry. Not sure then. Hopefully someone will contribute here.

Okay. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Sorry I can't help. The only thought I have regarding your original question is surely those updates will be offered when you next poll for updates? (Unless of courser they've been hidden by you in the meanwhile).

Ex_Brit said:

Sorry I can't help. The only thought I have regarding your original question is surely those updates will be offered when you next poll for updates?

Click to expand...

Yeah, that makes sense.

Thanks.

VFN said:

I think this answers another issue.

Let me say first that I have Windows Update set to only notify me of updates; I manually start the download/install process. I was also able to check the Update that wasn't checked and downloaded/installed it without issue.

It has been my understanding that an update not checked and being described as pending is due to heavy server traffic. As such, checking it manually would be cutting in front of line so to speak. Thus, my question was how to deal with an update that isn't checked if you don't want to cut in line to receive it.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Hmm. Interesting. I thought that they checked items based upon priority such as critical, recommended, etc. I've noticed that critical where the only ones checked by default and the rest weren't. Try looking for that.

Yes, looking at my history the item that wasn't checked and was "pending" was listed as Recommended.

So I guess Windows Update allows the user to decide whether to download and install updates other than important ones when they opt to manage updates manually? I wouldn't think that happens with automatic updates.

Thanks

Yes and it happens in either case as far as I recall. The updates are always segregated into Important, Recommended and Optional no matter what method you use.

Thanks.

VFN said:

Yes, looking at my history the item that wasn't checked and was "pending" was listed as Recommended.

So I guess Windows Update allows the user to decide whether to download and install updates other than important ones when they opt to manage updates manually? I wouldn't think that happens with automatic updates.

Thanks

Click to expand...

I've never used automatic updates so I wouldn't know.