How To Fix Windows Update Service Is Not Running

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Windows 10 is the latest operating system of Microsoft which was first released in 2015. It has several outstanding features, one of which is the ability to download updates automatically. This allows you to have the latest version of the software which helps improve the overall performance and security of the computer. Sometimes though an error can occur while trying to check for an update. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to fix Windows update service not running issue.

Windows update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running

Unlike the previous versions of Windows, it is now very easy to get the latest updates on your computer. This is because the update process works in the background while you continue doing important tasks. Sometimes, you won’t even know that your PC is already running on the latest update version. There are however times when an error will occur when checking for the update. Here’s what to do when this happens.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter tool

Windows has a built-in tool that makes it easy to diagnose and fix certain windows 10 related issues. You should use this tool first and see if it can fix the problem.

Time needed: 4 minutes.

Windows update troubleshooter tool

  1. Click on the Start button.

    This is located on the lower left side of the screen.Windows update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running

  2. Click on Settings.

    This will open the Settings window.Windows Update Service Is Not Running

  3. Click on Update & security.

    This is usually the last choice on the lower right side of the Settings window.update and security

  4. Click on Troubleshoot.

    This is located on the left pane.troubleshoot

  5. Click on Windows Update.

    This is located on the right pane under the “Get up and running” section.windows update not running

  6. Click on Run the troubleshooter.

    This will find the cause of the problem and fix it. You might have to perform some tasks as suggested by the troubleshooter tool.run the troubleshooter

Once the troubleshooting tool has finished its task you should check if the Windows update service is not running issue still occurs.

Clear the Windows update history

Windows 10 stores the downloaded updates in the Software Distribution folder of your computer. If the files in this folder are corrupted then this might be what’s causing the problem. To fix this you will need to delete the contents of this folder.

  • Type services.msc in the search box and click OK
  • Find the Windows Update service then right click on it and click Stop.
  • Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C: Windows folder.
  • Find and delete the Software Distribution folder
  • Go back to the services window then start the Windows Update service.
  • Restart the computer then check if the issue still occurs.

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