Windows Update is a Microsoft service for the Windows family of operating systems that automates downloading and installing Windows updates over the internet. The service will check for updates for Windows as well as other critical updates such as antivirus products. On some Windows 8, 7, 10, or Vista computers the Windows Update service may be missing from services (services.msc) due to a virus attack. When this happens the following error appears on your screen when you try to check for updates : “Windows update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer’.
How To Fix Windows Update Service Is Not Running – Quick Guide
This error message appears when users are trying to update their computer using the built-in update functionality or when they are trying to check for updates using either the Settings app on Windows or Control Panel on older versions. The full message actually says: “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running“.
Check for malicious software
Your error may occur because of interference from malicious software. You should run a scan on your computer for any malicious program. You can use the Malicious Software Removal Tool released by Microsoft. Download the tool and run it on your computer. Then follow its instructions to complete the scanning process. If this method works for you, you won’t see the error on your Windows Update again.
Re-Configure the Windows Update Service
Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
Type services.msc and select OK.
Right-click Windows Update and select Properties.
Set the Startup type to Automatic and select Apply. Follow that by setting Service status to Running.
Repeat steps 3–5 for the following services:
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- Cryptographic Services
Run the Windows update troubleshooter
- Type troubleshoot in Windows Search bar and click on Troubleshooting
- Click Fix problems with Windows Update and then Next
- Restart your computer and again try to install the updates
Turn off Windows Update
- Click on Windows Update in the search results and then click on Change Settings
- Under Important updates select Never check for updates and click OK
- Go to the Windows update settings window again and select Install updates automatically and click OK.
- Open an elevated command prompt.
- Type or copy-paste the following command: net stop wuauserv. …
- Type or copy-paste the next command: del “%systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\Logs\edb.log” …
- Now, start the Windows Update service again: net start wuauserv.
Reset Windows Update repository
- 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.
Use a system restore point
Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall
- 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.
Install the KB3102810 Standalone Update.
- Download and install the KB3102810 security update. After installation restart your computer and check for updates. (Applied to: Windows 7 SP1 & Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.)
- Restart your computer.
- Stop Windows Update Service. (See Solution 2: Step 1)
- Delete the Software Distribution Folder. (See Solution 2: Step 2)
- Restart your computer and then check for updates. Leave your computer about an hour to find Updates.
Restart the Windows update service
- Press Win + R to open the Run window. Type the command services. …
- In the list, which is arranged in alphabetical order, locate the Windows update service. Right-click on it and then click on Restart.
- Reboot the system and check if it helps.
