Windows Update stuck checking for updates indefinitely

The problem: Windows Update search hangs and never completes, showing 'Checking for updates' endlessly.

Symptoms: Update settings show 'Checking for updates...' for hours; no progress; Update service appears frozen; cannot cancel update check.

Likely cause: Network connectivity issues; Windows Update service corrupted; antivirus/firewall blocking Update servers; Update metadata cache corrupted.

Category: Windows Update · Difficulty: Moderate · Windows: Both

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