Windows Update Issue - Windows 8.1

[steven_layton_sl]

We have about 15 Windows 8.1 laptops that were bought a couple of years ago to solely support Exam concessions. They were cheap HP Stream laptops.

 

For various reasons they were never kept up to date with Windows Updates, and I'm trying to rectify this situation.

 

However, I just can't get them to update, and they sit forever with the "Checking for Updates" message at the Windows Update screen. Its not a firewall issue, as I'm trying through our unfiltered BT connection.

 

I have tried the Windows Updater Troubleshooting tool from Microsoft, and while that claims to have found and fixed a number of issues, it has not resolved the issue.

 

Anyone have any ideas before I go done the route of nuking them and slapping Windows 10 Enterprise on them.

Edited September 12, 2017 by steven_layton_sl

[3s-gtech]

Are they hitting the firewall or proxy settings? Both of those can cause this behaviour. Otherwise it may be worth jump-starting their update states using a CU: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/3185279/september-2016-update-rollup-for-windows-8-1-and-windows-server-2012-r

[cpjitservices]

Check the above... Proxy settings etc

 

Also try WSUS Offline Updater too:

 

WSUS Offline Update - Update Microsoft Windows and Office without an Internet connection

[steven_layton_sl]

In the end, I decided to use the Windows 8 Refresh option, restore to the factory default, (remove the crapware!) and then brought them up to date with Windows updates, which worked.

 

It was slow going, but I have now rebuilt all of the laptops and they're happily updating normally.