If you keep receiving an error claiming that the Windows Update service (or a related service) is not running on your computer, the list of fixes that follow should help you get it functioning normally again.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and resolve issues with Windows Update. You must run it first before digging into the rest of the fixes.
Restart Computer
Restart Computer
Restarting your PC helps flush the system memory and works as a quick fix for random service-related issues that crop up in Windows 10. So if you haven’t already, try doing that now and follow by running Windows Update manually (open the Start menu and go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates).
Re-Configure the Windows Update Service
Re-Configure the Windows Update Service
If Windows Update still fails to run, you must check if it’s set up to run automatically in Windows 10. You must also double-check the settings for other related services.
Background Intelligent Transfer ServiceCryptographic Services
Check for Computer Viruses
Check for Computer Viruses
Harmful software is another reason that prevents the Windows Update service from running in Windows 10. Using the built-in Windows Security applet should help you to detect and remove malware. But since Windows Update isn’t running, it may not have the most up-to-date antimalware definitions to perform a comprehensive scan of your computer. So the best way to deal with that is to use a dedicated third-party malware remover such as Malwarebytes. Try running a quick scan, and follow that with a system-wide check for computer viruses.
Disable Third-Party Antimalware Service
Disable Third-Party Antimalware Service
Conversely, a third-party firewall or anti-malware utility can end up blocking Windows Update. To rule that out, try pausing any antivirus software via the Windows 10 system tray. Then, run Windows Update manually.
Reset Windows Update
Reset Windows Update
Windows Update stores downloaded data temporarily in a specifically designated folder labeled SoftwareDistribution. Deleting it might help rule out a corrupt or obsolete update cache from causing issues. But before you do that, you must stop the Windows Update service (assuming that it’s running and hasn’t crashed).
Delete Temporary Files
Delete Temporary Files
Deleting files from previous operating system updates may also help get the Windows Update service up and running again on your PC.
Run SFC Scan and DISM Tool
Run SFC Scan and DISM Tool
If Windows Update fails to run due to general file corruption or other stability-related issues in Windows 10, you can attempt to fix them using the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools.
Run SFC Scan
Run DISM Scan
Update Windows 10 Manually
Update Windows 10 Manually
Rather than using Windows Update, you can download and install the latest updates for Windows 10 manually via the Microsoft Update Catalog website. That might help fix the service for subsequent updates.
Use the Windows Update Assistant
Use the Windows Update Assistant
If the Windows Update service still fails, you can use the Windows Update Assistant to force-install the latest feature update for Windows 10. After downloading the applet to your PC, simply run it and select Update Now.
Roll Back or Reset Windows
Roll Back or Reset Windows
If you continue to experience problems, you might want to perform a system restore. That helps roll back any recent changes to the operating system that prompted the issue to occur. You can also try uninstalling the previous Windows update. Finally, resetting Windows 10 to factory defaults should work as a last-ditch measure to fix the Windows Update service for good.
