Nowadays, programs need the latest updates, new content, or configurations, and BITS intelligently handles network interruptions even after a reboot by pausing and resuming transfers. The ‘intelligent’ in BITS also increases or decreases the file transfer rate based on the idle network bandwidth available. Its app-specified transfer policies ensure that if a network app is consuming more bandwidth, its transfer rate is reduced to prevent the files from transferring on expensive networks. It also offers an easy way of downloading files to install updates on Windows 10. This way, even after you exit from an application, BITS will still transfer files provided you’re still logged on, and the network connection is maintained. If you log off and log back in, BITS will resume the transfers once the connection is reestablished. But that’s not all. From the May 2019 Update, BITS will now mind power usage and transfer files when the machine is plugged in, and when it’s in Modern Standby mode. In short, it ensures uploads and downloads between your device and the remote server continue without any impact on the network experience. It’s particularly useful for applications that need to upload files to or download from HTTP or REST web server or SMB file servers, mind network costs, resume file transfers automatically after restarts or disconnections, or preserve responsiveness of other network apps. As much as BITS may be an intelligent service, sometimes it may not start or may suddenly stop working altogether. The result of this is that other services like Microsoft Store or Windows Update won’t work properly. We’re going to show you different ways you can troubleshoot and fix BITS when it won’t start.
Fix Background Intelligent Transfer Service Is Not Working
Fix Background Intelligent Transfer Service Is Not Working
Restart the Background Intelligent Transfer ServiceScan your device for malwareUse the BITS TroubleshooterUse the SFC and DISM command line toolTemporarily disable security softwareInstall the latest quality update from Microsoft UpdateEnable the Network Location Awareness and Network List servicesChange Startup selection setting to Normal startupEdit the RegistryReset your computer
Note: The instructions in this guide are focused on the Windows 10 operating system.
Restart The Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Normally, BITS starts automatically with your computer at startup, but if it doesn’t, you can manually check and restart the service.
Scan Your Device For Malware
Viruses and malware often target BITS to prevent it from starting normally. If it won’t start, run a malware or virus scan to ensure nothing is hindering BITS from providing the right communication between your device and other BITS-based networks. If you have good antivirus security software installed, you can use it, otherwise try some of the best antimalware software like Malwarebytes to run the scan, and then restart your computer to see if the BITS issue is gone.
Use The BITS Troubleshooter
The BITS troubleshooter can fix most common problems with the service in Windows 10.
Use The SFC & DISM Command Line Tool
If BITS still won’t start, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM command line tool to resolve the issue.
Temporarily Disable Security Software
This is a temporary measure to help you check whether it’s causing BITS not to start. Your security software protects your device from security threats like viruses and malware, and shouldn’t be disabled. However, in this case, temporarily disable it and see if BITS starts normally. If so, your antivirus may be the cause. Otherwise, re-enable your security software as soon as you’re done.
Install The Latest Quality Update From Microsoft Update
If none of the fixes have worked so far, the problem could be with the operating system, and this can be resolved by downloading the latest Microsoft updates.
Enable The Network Location Awareness & Network List Services
Windows Services depend on each other, but there are two particular services that aren’t listed in Windows Services when you click BITS, yet it’ll only start when these two run properly – the Network Location Awareness and Network List services.
Change Startup Selection Setting To Normal startup
The default startup selection setting should be Normal or Selective startup depending on your computer.
Edit The Registry
The Registry Editor requires that you pay careful attention to each step so as to prevent any further issues with your computer. It involves making changes to the registry, so make sure you backup your registry before taking the steps below.
Reset Your Computer
If nothing else works, reset your computer as a last resort.
