Is my router stopping Windows Updates?

Operating Systems & Open Source Windows
1

It seems the issues I have with the most mundane projects this week, and now I have yet another one.

I've got two fresh Windows 7 installs here, one is a custom build and another is a reload for a customer of mine. Neither will update, and hang when 'checking.' I know this isn't a disc issue, because one of them is brand new, and a real copy of the OS CD.
Basically, after the update module has its 'install the new windows update' I don't get anymore. I've tried SFC, clearing and resetting the Windows update cache, and doing fresh reloads. Results are the same. Interestingly, however, my win 8.1 machine seems to update without any issues.
My router is using google DNS. Is this my issue? Or have I perhaps overlooked something else? A while back, I saw a topic mentioning the possibility of a router issue, but I since cannot find it. Kudos if you can link it here.

Any input is appreciated.

2

I've had issues updating fresh windows 7 installs before, part of the problem was a change in they way they did updates.

I had to manually install and update their windows defender software to get windows update working. You might want to look up some info on that.

3

a few of the updates require windows defender to be updated then you can install the rest of the updates. ( word to the wise look for a list of upgrades that pertain to windows 10 and hide them)

4

Tried your suggestions, one updated defender, the other hangs and will not update defender.

I can't seem to get the reloaded machine to do anymore updates, It just hangs in 'checking.'

This is strange, and honestly holding up tasks that should otherwise be simple. Any other ideas? I'm still wondering if the Router DNS set to google (while the machine is not) is an issue. Let me know what you think.

5

Try to update it, reboot, try to update windows, reboot, try to update windows defender, reboot, try to update windows.

Honestly.. I had to go through a process somewhat like that to get it finally working. there maybe an easier way im not sure what exactly triggers windows to start allowing updates all i know is it has something to do with windows defender.

6

Interesting, I've never had such issues till this week. It's strange, and I'm curious as to why such changes would be made. I can't seem to get defender to update but will try that. I've already rebooted a lot though, and windows is activated.

7

check the time and date, windows update will not work if it is off.

8

Done and done. Strangely, I cannot get a successful sync. I always get an error, but it appears to work anyway. This still does not solve the windows update issue.

9

What I've come to doing on a fresh install is turning off sleep/hibernation, setting windows update to download but not install, and letting the machine sit for 24 hours.

I've also scheduled windows update to run at a specific time late at night before, but I'm not sure that mattered.

Can you set your router to use DHCP provided DNS servers?

10

I can but I wouldn't trust it. I have a charter router, I don't think I need to say more lol.

Interestingly, I got one of the machines to show updates (its been several days) after I changed the on board settings to match the google DNS on my router. That machine was updating when I left for work, while the other (that still has 'auto-detect' DNS) does not. I will confirm my findings when I get home, but if I'm right, you can no longer set your router to a DNS that differs from the machine's internal settings, for updates. Which would explain some, but not all of my issues.