Windows 8 Update not working (80072EE2)

I have purchased a new Windows 8 laptop and I'm looking to get the latest Windows updates in order to be able to upgrade to Windows 8.1. Every time I attempt to access windows update, either via the computer information or the start menu, it freezes. After a while it will eventually get to the actual update screen where I can choose to check for updates. Upon pressing this it freezes again, and will eventually resume checking. After a while I get the error code 80072EE2. I have tried using the Windows Update Troubleshooting tool and it does notify me that there are problems and corrupted files, but says it hasn't fixed them! Screenshot below:


If the Troubleshooter can't fix this, what should I do to be able to update? I have previously performed a system refresh to attempt to fix this but it has not worked.

Many thanks!

according to the Microsoft website that error results from two things, either there server is busy or you need to add updater exception to your firewall. I am not sure why the exception wouldn't be there by default but I guess people have been having problems with the firewall blocking the update.