If the location where Windows 7 saves the update files becomes corrupted, then updates may not load. The temporary update files are stored at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and that folder ...
Won't even need to stop the service, as long as you don't plan on removing those updates, then there is no harm in deleting the SoftwareUpdates folder.
When Microsoft rolls out Windows 11/10 feature updates, they do it in phases. It means that they are not available to everyone right away. While it is possible to force update Windows 11 or Windows 10 ...