Update Microsoft Windows if Windows Update seems to be 'stuck'

Sometimes old laptops/PCs have trouble updating via Windows Update after a new installation. Even after leaving the machine running, you will wake up in dismay knowing that you left the machine running without achieving anything.

Steps to do so:

1. Stop Windows Update service (Run: services.msc)
2. Go to: http://download.wsusoffline.net/
3. Grab the latest download.
4. Unzip, then there are 2 parts:
1. Run UpdateGenerator.exe at folder root. Select appropriate Windows version (64-bit is x64). Then click Start button. Wait till it finishes downloading.
2. Navigate to 'client' folder (e.g. wsusoffline\client). Run UpdateInstaller.exe. Then click Start button.
5. Once done, there will be multiple restarts needed. After the dust is settled, can run Windows Update like normal.

Helpful link: http://superuser.com/questions/951960/windows-7-sp1-windows-update-stuck-checking-for-updates