Fixing non working win 7 updates. (x64) Fresh installs now seem to work 8/2017
Here is how to fix "The update is not applicable to your computer"when trying to install KB3172605 (which is the real fix).
I too got this error - here is how to fix it. Essentially, you will need to install 4 seperate updates,
in this order:
KB3138612,
KB3145739,
KB3020369,
KB3172605.
That will allow Windows Update to work. Here are detailed instructions:
1. First, change your Microsoft Update setting to "Never Check for Updates" (Control Panel\System and Security\Windows Update). This will help prevent the Windows Update Service from trying to run while we install all these updates. Next, reboot your computer.
2. If you've already installed update KB3135445, you need to un-install it. Go to Windows Update/Installed updates, and right click it and uninstall it. Reboot your computer.
3. Download all 4 of these from Microsoft: KB3138612, KB3145739, KB3020369, and KB3172605.
Do not install them yet.
4. Click Start, and in the search box, search for "Services" - open the one with the little cog/gear. This will open up the "Services Window".
Right click "Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)" and STOP that process.
Next, Right Click "Windows Update" service and STOP that process.
You may need to stop these processes several times - they may try to start back up. You will stop these services right before you install each one of the 4 updates, and you will do it immediately before you install each one, making sure they're stopped.
5. Install KB3138612. Reboot. Reboot again (twice).
6. Stop BITS and Windows Update in Services again. Make sure they stay stopped.
7. Install KB3145739. Reboot. Reboot again (twice).
8. Stop BITS and Windows Update in Services again. Make sure they stay stopped.
9. Install KB3020369. Reboot. Reboot again (twice).
10. Stop BITS and Windows Update in Services again. Make sure they stay stopped.
11. Install KB3172605... this time, it will work and get installed (I promise). Reboot. Reboot again (twice).
12. Change your Windows Update setting to "Download Updates but Let Me Choose to Install them", and then check for updates. It may take 5-10 minutes for it to find updates, but now it WILL WORK, and it will find updates now. Credit goes out to InfoWorld for this solution. Enjoy Windows Update now working on your computer! ~DJ?