Windows Update not working (Windows 7) [View all]

I last did a successful Windows Update Dec 3. On Dec 11 I ran it and and it takes maybe 3 minutes for it to start and then a window comes up and when I click the "Check for Updates" button, it says

I've tried running it several times since, including after reboots, with the same results.

There is no error number given anywhere.

There is a thread in this forum:

Getting Windows 7 Update error 80248015? You are not alone
https://www.democraticunderground.com/109520159

But since I don't get that error number, or any error number, I am reluctant to apply it.

When I Googled on the error message I got this

answers.microsoft.com -- Q. "Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running."
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-update-cannot-currently-check-for-updates/907df30e-2b86-4f74-bd53-b4860b86f0cf?auth=1

but it led to such an incredibly long and difficult sequence of steps, including changing the registry directly, that I've been reluctant to try for fear of screwing up the computer, or after hours of shit, it not solving the problem.

There are other solutions "out there", but I haven't explored any of them.

Any ideas?
Thanks