How to Fix “Windows Update Cannot Check for Updates (Service Not Running)” Error

The “Windows Update Cannot Check for Updates (Service Not Running)” error indicates that the Windows Update service is not functioning properly. This service is crucial for keeping your system updated with the latest patches, security updates, and feature enhancements. When this service fails to start or is not running, it can prevent you from receiving important updates, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and system instability. Fortunately, there are several methods to resolve this issue and ensure that the Windows Update service operates smoothly.

1. Restart the Windows Update Service

Restarting the service can resolve temporary issues with the Windows Update process.

• Open Services:

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type services.msc, and press Enter.

• Locate Windows Update Service:

  • In the Services window, scroll down and find “Windows Update.”

• Restart the Service:

  • Right-click on “Windows Update” and select “Restart.” If the service is not running, click “Start” instead.

2. Check and Restart Related Services

Other services are crucial for Windows Update to function properly.

• Open Services:

  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

• Check the Following Services:

  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS):
    • Right-click on “Background Intelligent Transfer Service,” select “Properties,” and ensure the Startup type is set to “Automatic.” Click “Start” if it’s not running.
  • Cryptographic Services:
    • Right-click on “Cryptographic Services,” select “Properties,” and ensure the Startup type is set to “Automatic.” Click “Start” if it’s not running.
  • Windows Installer:
    • Right-click on “Windows Installer,” select “Properties,” and ensure the Startup type is set to “Manual.” Click “Start” if it’s not running.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common Windows Update issues.

• Open Troubleshooter:

  • Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot.”

• Run the Troubleshooter:

  • Select “Additional troubleshooters” and click on “Windows Update.” Follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter and apply any suggested fixes.

4. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting update components can fix issues caused by corrupted update files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

  • Press Windows + S, type “Command Prompt,” right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.”

• Stop Windows Update Services:

  • Enter the following commands and press Enter after each one:

    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
    

• Rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Folders:

  • Enter the following commands:

    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
    

• Restart Services:

  • Enter the following commands:

    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver
    

• Close Command Prompt and Restart:

  • Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.

5. Check for System File Corruption

Corrupted system files can prevent Windows Update from functioning properly.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

  • Press Windows + S, type “Command Prompt,” right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.”

• Run System File Checker:

  • Enter the following command and press Enter:

    sfc /scannow
    

  • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

• Run DISM Tool:

  • If the SFC scan finds issues that it cannot fix, run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) by entering:

    dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
    

6. Check for Group Policy Settings

Group Policy settings can affect Windows Update functionality.

• Open Group Policy Editor:

  • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

• Navigate to Windows Update Settings:

  • Go to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Update.”

• Verify Settings:

  • Ensure that no policies are configured to disable Windows Update. Set policies to “Not Configured” if needed.

7. Verify Internet Connection

An unstable internet connection can prevent Windows Update from working correctly.

• Check Network Connection:

  • Ensure your computer is connected to the internet and that the connection is stable.

• Reset Network Settings:

  • Go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Status” and click “Network reset.” Follow the prompts to reset your network settings.

8. Perform a System Restore

Restoring your system to a previous state can resolve issues caused by recent changes.

• Open System Restore:

  • Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.

• Follow the Prompts:

  • Select a restore point from before the issue began and follow the instructions to restore your system.

9. Update Windows Manually

You can manually download and install updates if the automatic update service is not working.

• Download Updates:

  • Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the updates you need. Download the relevant update files.

• Install Updates:

  • Double-click the downloaded update files to install them manually.

10. Reinstall Windows

As a last resort, reinstalling Windows can fix persistent issues with Windows Update.

• Backup Your Data:

  • Ensure all important data is backed up before proceeding.

• Reinstall Windows:

  • Use Windows installation media to perform a clean installation of Windows. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows and restore your system to its original state.

Conclusion

The “Windows Update Cannot Check for Updates (Service Not Running)” error can be resolved through a series of troubleshooting steps aimed at addressing issues with the Windows Update service and related components. By restarting services, running troubleshooting tools, resetting update components, and verifying system integrity, you can effectively resolve this issue. If necessary, more advanced solutions such as manual updates or a complete reinstallation of Windows may be required. Following these methods should help you restore functionality to the Windows Update service and ensure your system remains up-to-date.