I keep getting fooled by these happening unknown to me. When they're in progress, some of Windows' functions just stop being available, but they
don't let me know; they just hang.
Here's a typical example that's just occurred.
I ran DISM in CMD, preparatory to an SFC scan. It finished, I started
the SFC, but it just hung there. Then I set about looking for the cause.
It took some time to realise that a system update must be in progress.

Is there a way to have the updates inform me that one's in progress? I
can't find one in Settings.

Ed

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Fri, 6/5/2026 12:16 PM, Ed Cryer wrote:

I keep getting fooled by these happening unknown to me. When they're in progress, some of Windows' functions just stop being available, but they don't let me know; they just hang.
Here's a typical example that's just occurred.
I ran DISM in CMD, preparatory to an SFC scan. It finished, I started the SFC, but it just hung there. Then I set about looking for the cause. It took some time to realise that a system update must be in progress.

Is there a way to have the updates inform me that one's in progress? I can't find one in Settings.

Ed

It's complicated, and by the looks of it, the activity
is spewed all over the place on purpose.

There can be a notification in the task bar, when a reboot
needs to be done (but typically the reboot request appears
before it is really time to be doing the reboot). A reboot
notification can be too late, to factor into your usage
of SFC.

There is Hours of Activity. It defines when you're working,
for the "purposes of reboots". I have noticed, that major updates,
they are "time sensitive" but this is for the fakey "saving
the planet on CO2 by delaying your update" logic. Which does
not save on CO2 and is a failed policy.

Windows Update has two kinds of updates, it has Patch Tuesday (in-band)
and it has out-of-band or emergency updates. A typical emergency update
might be to repair a bug in a Patch Tuesday.

Windows Update has a "Pause" function of up to five weeks. That's
not really much of a control. And, it does not Pause Everything,
it's not that clever.

There are Driver Updates. They can be turned off, in cases where
your choice of 580, conflicts with the 550 that Microsoft keeps
trying to serve. If you are a 3D gamer and are using the latest
NVidia, the Microsoft part will keep trying to back out your
bleeding edge driver.

Security definition updates come in several times per day.

Windows Metro.Apps update async to Windows (OS) Update. For example,
yesterday, I had around 23 of them, but they might not
affect SFC.

The Windows Update for Patch Tuesday, the installation will stop services,
and you would hope, start services again. This can have spill-on effects
for the services the user maintenance activity is relying upon (the
user notices that a number of things on the OS aren't working
properly at the moment and oh, wouldn't a reboot be nice right now).

*******

Things that change the disposition of the OS.

1) A reboot tends to flush annoying activity. Who knew.

2) Pulling the network cable, removes a root of trust, if
the OS is "checking" some materials it is using for maintenance.
By pulling the network cable, you can have some peace and quiet
while you work.

You can couple these two things together to make a PC you yourself
can use, even if you cannot use the network because of it. An extended Microsoft ICE Panorama Run, that's what I had to do, to get it to
run to completion. Pull the network cable, let the good times roll.

This is all, well, "so so convenient". Like driving a bus, by
tying a rope to the bumper, and putting the rope over your
shoulder and hauling the bus around with you. You will need
broad shoulders and a sense of humour, to be a "bus driver".
So it is with Windows.

Fortunately, Linux *also* has this habit. Just not on all distros.
Any companies that offer service contracts, they tend to have
update policies rivaling Microsoft. For example, Ubuntu can
start updating, or thrust an update window into your screen
when you don't want it. Linux Mint can do this too, but
you can dismiss the window and it will come back, and you
can dismiss it again. But officially, you have control.
Whereas Ubuntu, I've even power cycled the machine in the
middle of an update, to show it who is boss, corrupting
the sequence, and it *still* with one leg cut off it
and hobbling along, it still tried to install stuff,
blew errors and so on. It's not like this practice of
Microsoft, has not had an impact on how other product
offerings treat their customers.

Any time I do experiments, I have to set aside one hour
of misery for clearing updates, so the experiment is
run on a stable footing. It's a giant waste of time
for any materials which might be of a temporary nature.
I roll back a lot of VMs, after an experiment, and
only occasionally do I "keep" the updates bubbling in.

*******

There are third party tools for controlling Windows Update,
but this does not cover enough of maintenance behavior
to give the user absolute control over everything.

For example, if I want to do an HDTune disk benchmark
run, on purpose Microsoft will start various activities
in the background, screwing up the benchmark. You can find
a dozen trace files in the OS, "sleep studies", all
sorts of trash. It's not like there is any possibility
of "sane business practices" in this thing.

Apparently, in a SKU you are not using, InTune can
define a "maintenance window", but Microsoft
is still clueless on what customers want as of course
this does not work properly.

I hear that Windows 2000 runs pretty well, and is
sweetness and light regarding disturbing the user
while they are working. I can run an HDTune there
and there would be no glitches in it. My copy cost me
$300 at Circuit City (a company no longer in business),
back in the day, the software being locked in a
glass cabinet in the main aisle. But I did
"use the hell out of the thing", so I got my moneys worth.

Paul

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Fri, 5 Jun 2026 17:16:06 +0100, Ed Cryer wrote:

I keep getting fooled by these happening unknown to me. When they're in progress, some of Windows' functions just stop being available, but they don't let me know; they just hang.
Here's a typical example that's just occurred.
I ran DISM in CMD, preparatory to an SFC scan. It finished, I started
the SFC, but it just hung there. Then I set about looking for the cause.
It took some time to realise that a system update must be in progress.

Is there a way to have the updates inform me that one's in progress? I
can't find one in Settings.

Ed

At current state of Microsoft, you'll likely to encounter system-breaking update rather than malware.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 06/05/2026 12:16 PM, Ed Cryer wrote:

I keep getting fooled by these happening unknown to me. When they're in progress, some of Windows' functions just stop being available, but they don't let me know; they just hang.
Here's a typical example that's just occurred.
I ran DISM in CMD, preparatory to an SFC scan. It finished, I started
the SFC, but it just hung there. Then I set about looking for the cause.
It took some time to realise that a system update must be in progress.

Is there a way to have the updates inform me that one's in progress? I
can't find one in Settings.

Ed

Look in Windows Update prior to running DISM commands.
At least 3 separate DISM commands should be done prior to SFC [1]

[1] At this time on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 ESU, multiple types
of updates can be included in the monthly(2nd Tues) deployment
1. Monthly Security updates (Monthly updates, MSRT)
2. Monthly .NET updates
3. Windows Recovery Updates(inclusion started summer 2025)
4. Secure Boot update [2] (inclusion started last year, but for most
devices more recent starting in April)

#1-3 are normal deployment(if available, deployed to almost all devices
that were previously 'update-current')
#4 are staged deployment(if available, not necessarily deployed to all devices)

[1]
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

If the first two report no component store issues or no corruption, run
the third.
If the third reports no reclaimable packages, then run SFC

If the first or second report component store or corruption issues, then
run the following prior to the third(AnalyzeComponentStore)
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If the third(AnalyzeComponentStore) indicates reclaimable packages, run
the following.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Restart the device, then rerun the those three(CheckHealth, ScanHealth, Analyze) to validate no further issues, the run SFC.



[2] #4 can be unique, requiring 2 Restarts
- Simplified explanation - one to push the certs to the device, the
second to load newly signed cert and acceptance of the certs.

Note: SFC(just like Disk Cleanup) can appear to be in a 'limbo'
state(appear to not be responding, hanging)...best to not abort or interrupt(i.e. walk away for 15-20 min).

App updates being deployed via the MSFT Store and Security
Updates(Windows Security/Defender) do not impact DISM or SFC running.

--
...w­¤?ñ?¤

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 06/05/2026 4:16 PM, Common Sense wrote:

On 05/06/2026 17:16, Ed Cryer wrote:

I keep getting fooled by these happening unknown to me. When they're in
progress, some of Windows' functions just stop being available, but they
don't let me know; they just hang.
Here's a typical example that's just occurred.
I ran DISM in CMD, preparatory to an SFC scan. It finished, I started
the SFC, but it just hung there. Then I set about looking for the cause.
It took some time to realise that a system update must be in progress.

Is there a way to have the updates inform me that one's in progress? I
can't find one in Settings.

Ed

Why are you online while performing maintenance on your system? Common
sense would suggest doing such things offline when you are not busy with other important tasks. In my opinion, routine maintenance does not
constitute important work.

Also, most system-level maintenance requires elevated privileges, so
it's even more important to be offline.

DISM and SFC should be run online and while Windows is running normally.

The primary reason to run them offline is the if the device is
unbootable, and running them with Windows installation USB or Recovery Environment.

--
...w­¤?ñ?¤

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

....winston wrote:

On 06/05/2026 12:16 PM, Ed Cryer wrote:

I keep getting fooled by these happening unknown to me. When they're
in progress, some of Windows' functions just stop being available, but
they don't let me know; they just hang.
Here's a typical example that's just occurred.
I ran DISM in CMD, preparatory to an SFC scan. It finished, I started
the SFC, but it just hung there. Then I set about looking for the
cause. It took some time to realise that a system update must be in
progress.

Is there a way to have the updates inform me that one's in progress? I
can't find one in Settings.

Ed

Look in Windows Update prior to running DISM commands.
ÿAt least 3 separate DISM commands should be done prior to SFC [1]

[1] At this time on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 ESU, multiple types
of updates can be included in the monthly(2nd Tues) deployment
ÿ1. Monthly Security updates (Monthly updates, MSRT)
ÿ2. Monthly .NET updates
ÿ3. Windows Recovery Updates(inclusion started summer 2025)
ÿ4. Secure Boot update [2] (inclusion started last year, but for most devices more recent starting in April)

#1-3 are normal deployment(if available, deployed to almost all devices
that were previously 'update-current')
#4 are staged deployment(if available, not necessarily deployed to all devices)

[1]
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

If the first two report no component store issues or no corruption, run
the third.
If the third reports no reclaimable packages, then run SFC

If the first or second report component store or corruption issues, then
run the following prior to the third(AnalyzeComponentStore)
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If the third(AnalyzeComponentStore) indicates reclaimable packages, run
the following.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Restart the device, then rerun the those three(CheckHealth, ScanHealth, Analyze) to validate no further issues, the run SFC.

[2] #4 can be unique, requiring 2 Restarts
ÿ- Simplified explanation - one to push the certs to the device, the
second to load newly signed cert and acceptance of the certs.

Note: SFC(just like Disk Cleanup) can appear to be in a 'limbo'
state(appear to not be responding, hanging)...best to not abort or interrupt(i.e. walk away for 15-20 min).

App updates being deployed via the MSFT Store and Security
Updates(Windows Security/Defender) do not impact DISM or SFC running.

Thanks for all the advice.
I do always look to see if there are any updates awaiting before doing
system maintenance; and I did on this occasion too.
There were none. Moreover, my DISM ran without a hitch. So then, that
update must have been pushed into my machine at some time between DISM
and SFC; bare seconds.

I guess I could always pause updates before doing cleaning jobs. But
then I'd probably forget to turn them back on (:-

I've detected a tendency in Windows for years towards giving out less
and less info on what's going on. Less user-friendliness.
MS probably resent all us still using Win10; why can't we move up to
Win11? My answer; because it's inferior to Win10.

Ed






--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

In article <1100b9k$1kh9f$1@dont-email.me>, winstonmvp@gmail.com says...

[1]
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

If you're going to run /ScanHealth there is no need to run /CheckHealth

https://gemini.google.com/share/19a44499b2f7

--
--
Phil, London

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Philip Herlihy wrote:

In article <1100b9k$1kh9f$1@dont-email.me>, winstonmvp@gmail.com says...

[1]
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

If you're going to run /ScanHealth there is no need to run /CheckHealth

https://gemini.google.com/share/19a44499b2f7

And if you run "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" (as I've
always done), then that covers all takes.

Ed

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Sat, 6/6/2026 6:36 AM, Ed Cryer wrote:

Thanks for all the advice.
I do always look to see if there are any updates awaiting before doing system maintenance; and I did on this occasion too.
There were none. Moreover, my DISM ran without a hitch. So then, that update must have been pushed into my machine at some time between DISM and SFC; bare seconds.

I guess I could always pause updates before doing cleaning jobs. But then I'd probably forget to turn them back onÿ (:-

I've detected a tendency in Windows for years towards giving out less and less info on what's going on. Less user-friendliness.
MS probably resent all us still using Win10; why can't we move up to Win11? My answer; because it's inferior to Win10.

Ed

The other four hundred and fifty million people are switching to Linux.

And me, I'm going to try Diet Pepsi. It tastes great and it is less filling.

"Windows 12, open Microsoft Word for me"

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Dave"

"Well, first of all, you idiot AI, my name is not Dave."
"And second of all..."

You won't have time, to worry about updates.

Paul

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Paul wrote:

On Sat, 6/6/2026 6:36 AM, Ed Cryer wrote:

Thanks for all the advice.
I do always look to see if there are any updates awaiting before doing system maintenance; and I did on this occasion too.
There were none. Moreover, my DISM ran without a hitch. So then, that update must have been pushed into my machine at some time between DISM and SFC; bare seconds.

I guess I could always pause updates before doing cleaning jobs. But then I'd probably forget to turn them back onÿ (:-

I've detected a tendency in Windows for years towards giving out less and less info on what's going on. Less user-friendliness.
MS probably resent all us still using Win10; why can't we move up to Win11? My answer; because it's inferior to Win10.

Ed

The other four hundred and fifty million people are switching to Linux.

And me, I'm going to try Diet Pepsi. It tastes great and it is less filling.

"Windows 12, open Microsoft Word for me"

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Dave"

"Well, first of all, you idiot AI, my name is not Dave."
"And second of all..."

You won't have time, to worry about updates.

Paul

The world of humans is getting less and less freedom! Less choice.
You take a Diet Pepsi; I'll stick with a good Malbec or Merlot (:-

My niece has been reading Margaret Atwood's "Handmaiden" books; and she seriously lectured me the other day that it could happen. Democracy
dead; totalitarianism rule.

Deep down I don't think it could happen in our western democracies, but
she's younger than me, more in touch with the current climate.

Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.

Ed



--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Ed Cryer wrote:

Philip Herlihy wrote:

In article <1100b9k$1kh9f$1@dont-email.me>, winstonmvp@gmail.com says...

[1]
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

If you're going to run /ScanHealth there is no need to run /CheckHealth

https://gemini.google.com/share/19a44499b2f7

And if you run "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" (as I've
always done), then that covers all takes.

Ed

Does not obviate the recommendation to rerun CheckHealth to validate the 'restoration'.


--
...w­¤?ñ?¤

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)