Windows Update / "Solve PC issue" taking up RAM and won't update

I came from the Malware section after finding out my laptop has been running slow. See this thread for the details.

To sum up, the laptop has been running slow about a week ago. Certain programs won't run (like ExamSoft). I did an initial full scan with MSE and a trojan was found, and was deleted. I then tried to apply "New Updates" to windows but it won't update (despite windows/softwaredistribution is updating) even when selecting a single small file. I then tried to update my virus definition on MSE (hasn't updated for four days up to that point), and it won't update. That's why I came to the Malware section. Long story short, no malware was detected.

We uninstalled several programs, including Examsoft, outdated JAVA. New Java was installed but problem persisted. At the end, I deleted MSE to see if the situation would go away, but it still persists.

The trigger point for this "malicious looking" SVCHost to hog up all my RAM is when "SOLVE PC ISSUES" and "NEW UPDATES AVAILABLE" pop up in my tray. I am unable to apply any new updates; now it says Windows Defender needs to be updated, and I can't apply any updates.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

other things i noticed:

I turn off automatic updates, and this issue goes away. if i try to manually check for updates, it stalls. if i try to manually update windows defender, it stalls.

as long as i don't try to update windows, things seemed OK.

i reinstalled my examsoft and now it works.

i reinstalled MSE and now i am able to update virus definition.

somehow windows updater/defender just can't seem to work

 

What is the error code(s) you receive when an update fails?
Open the Event Viewer and look for any errors related to windows update.

Try downloading one of the update installers to your laptop and then run the installer.
e.g KB3093513 - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49221

 

Malware like Trojans will alter Windows to suit it's needs. Try running this program in "Safe Mode". You can go straight to the repairs step, as your machine is already clean.

Tweaking Windows Repair:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_windows_repair.html