Many Windows users are having an issue with their Windows Update. If they check for updates on their Windows system, they get an error that says “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running“. And they can’t install updates for their system. This post is all about fixing the error message. Here we will discuss 8 effective ways to Fix Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates Because The Service Is Not Running.
How do you fix Windows Update Cannot currently check for updates?
- Run the “Fix problem with Windows Update” troubleshooter in Control Panel.
- Update your RST Driver.
- Register the Window Update service.
- Remove your Windows Update history and restart the Windows Update service.
- Reset Windows update settings
- Manually Start the service
- Resetting Windows Update Settings
- Temporarily Disable Anti-virus and Firewall Protection
- Rename or Delete SoftwareDistribution folder
- Repair Windows Update Database
- Stop Windows Update Service.
- Delete Windows Update Storage Folder
Reset Windows update settings
Press Windows + X keys.
Select Settings from the pop-up menu.
Here click Update & Security.
In the next window, click Windows Update.
Click Advanced Options.
Under, Pause updates, select the date until which you do not want to download updates.
Now restart PC and then try to update Windows, you should not face any problem.
In a newer version of Windows, steps might differ, but all you need to do is disable updates > restart PC > again try to download and install updates.
Manually Start the service
- Press Win + R to open the Run window. Type the command services.msc and press Enter to open the Service Manager window.
- Locate the Windows update service, right-click on it and select Properties.
- Change the Startup type to manual and click on Start.
- Click on Apply and then OK. Make sure that the Service status says “Running.”
Resetting Windows Update Settings
Turning Windows update off and then on through control panel has fixed this issue for many users as it resets any inconsistent settings of Windows update. To do that, press Windows key and type Windows Update.
- How to reset Windows Update using Troubleshooter tool
- Download the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
- Double-click the WindowsUpdateDiagnostic. …
- Select the Windows Update option.
- Click the Next button. …
- Click the Try troubleshooting as an administrator option (if applicable). …
- Click the Close button.
Temporarily Disable Anti-virus and Firewall Protection
- Open Windows Start menu.
- Type Windows Security.
- Press Enter on keyboard.
- Click on Virus & threat protection on the left action bar.
- Scroll to Virus & threat protection settings and click Manage settings.
- Click the toggle button under Real-time protection to turn off Windows Defender Antivirus temporarily.
Repair Windows Update Database
Fix-1 Rename SoftwareDistribution folder-
Fix-2 Try running Windows Update troubleshooter.
Fix-3 Run SFC and DISM scan on your computer-
Fix-4 Clean Boot your computer-
Rename or Delete SoftwareDistribution folder
It is generally speaking safe to delete the contents of the Software Distribution folder, once all files required by it have been used for installing Windows Update. … However, this data store also contains your Windows Update History files. If you delete them you will lose your Update history.
Stop Windows Update Service.
Open Windows Services control panel: To do that:
Press Windows image_thumb8_thumb + R keys to open the run command box.
In the Search box, type: services.msc & click OK.
(Accept the UAC warning if appears).
In Services control panel locate the Windows Update service.
Right-click on Windows Update service and select “Stop”.
Delete Windows Update Storage Folder
1. Search File Explorer in the search box and then press Enter to get into it.
2. In File Explorer, find C:\ Windows\ SoftwareDistribution.
3. Then right click this SoftwareDistribution folder to Delete it.
It is believed that here you are able to Rename the SoftwareDistribution as well if you feel like to solve Windows update service is not running Windows 7 or 10.
