Ever encountered Windows Update Cannot Currently Check for the Updates error message when you want to install updates?
This post is all about fixing the error message. Here we will discuss 8 effective ways to Fix Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates Because The Service Is Not Running.
How to Fix Windows Update Service Not Running (2023)
Follow the listed workarounds in the order stated below to resolve the “Windows Update Service not Running” issue.
- Run Windows Update troubleshooter
- Reset Windows update settings
- Update RST driver
- Clear Windows Update history
- Reset Windows Update Repository
- Register Windows Update Service
- Perform System Restore
- Temporarily disable firewall protection and antivirus.
Why should you update Windows?
Most Windows updates address security issues, patch vulnerabilities, and address bugs. Therefore, updating Windows is highly recommended. But there are times when you might encounter, “Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates because the Service is Not Running.” Even restarting the PC doesn’t help.
If you are also troubled because of the same issue, this article is for you. In this guide, if you read it till the end, you will find the solution to fix Windows Update Service Missing error.
Fix: Windows Update Service is Not Running
So, without any further ado, let’s troubleshoot the error”
1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Using the Windows in-built troubleshooter, you can quickly resolve the problem. To use it, follow the steps below:
1. In the Windows search bar type, Troubleshoot and click Troubleshoot Settings.
2. Click Window Update – Resolve the problem that prevents you from updating Windows > Run the troubleshooter.
3. Let Windows Update detect the problem.
4. Once done, click Next and restart your Windows 10 system.
5. Now try to update Windows, you should no longer face Windows and cannot currently check for updates.
If this doesn’t work, try using other methods.
2. Reset Windows Update Settings
Resetting or disabling and enabling Windows update settings has proven beneficial. To do so, follow the steps below:
1. Press Windows + X keys.
2. Select Settings from the pop-up menu.
3. Here click Update & Security.
4. In the next window, click Windows Update.
5. Click Advanced Options.
6. Under, Pause updates, select the date until which you do not want to download updates.
7. Now restart the PC and then try to update Windows, you should not face any problem.
In a newer version of Windows, steps might differ, but all you need to do is disable updates > restart PC > again try to download and install updates.
3. Update the RST Driver
Often when an RST (Intel Rapid Storage Technology) driver is corrupt and outdated, you face this problem. You can update this driver manually by visiting the Intel site or can use a driver updating tool. We recommend using Smart Driver Care, the best driver updater for Windows. It has a huge database of 27,000,00+ device drivers and gives you an option to create a backup of the drivers before updating them to the latest and most compatible versions.
To know more about this tool, read the detailed review: Smart Driver Care: Best Software to Update Drivers
4. Clear Windows Update History
Temporary Windows Update files are stored in the Software Distribution folder. When these files are too old, they might cause the Windows update service not to run, or Windows Update cannot currently check for updates. To resolve this, follow the steps below:
1. Press Windows + R
2. Next in Run window type services.msc and press enter
3. Now in the Services window, look for Windows Update service.
4. Right-click Windows Update > Stop
5. After this, launch Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows folder.
6. Look for the Software Distribution folder and delete all the files stored in it.
7. Again, go to the Windows services window. Right-click Windows Update > Start.
8. Restart Windows and then try to run Windows Update.
This should surely resolve Windows Update not running problems.
5. Reset Windows Update Repository
If nothing works to resolve the “Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates” error, try resetting Windows Update Repository. To do so, follow the steps below:
1. Type Command Prompt in the Windows search bar
2. Click Run as administrator from the right pane
3. Type the following commands:
Note: Press Enter after each command.
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
4. Press Windows + R keys
5. In Run, windows enter %WINDIR% and press enter
6. Search for the SoftwareDistribution folder and rename it to SoftwareDistribution.old
7. Head back to Command Prompt that we are running as admin and enter the following commands. Make sure you press enter after each command:
net start bits
net start wuauserv
8. Restart Windows.
This should take care of the problem related to Windows Update cannot currently check for updates problems.
6. Register Windows Update Service
If .dll files associated with the Windows Update service are not appropriately registered, then you encounter Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates Because The Service Is Not Running.
To resolve it, follow the steps below:
1. Type Services in the Windows search bar
2. Double click the search result to open the Services window
3. Look for Windows Update > right-click > Stop
4. Next, in the Windows search bar, type Command Prompt > Run as administrator
5. Type the following commands. Make sure you press Enter after each command:
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wups2.dll
regsvr32 wucltux.dll
regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wuapi.dll
6. Click OK when prompted
7. Go to Service and start Windows Update
8. Restart your PC and see if the problem is resolved.
7. Perform System Restore
If you think you have started facing this problem after performing a specific task, you can perform a System Restore. This will not affect your personal files. Learn how to use System Restore in Windows 10.
8. Temporarily Disable Firewall Protection and Antivirus
Sometimes disabling firewalls or installing antivirus also helps troubleshoot Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates. So, before checking for updates, try disabling the security tool you are using and then update Windows.
Irrespective of the fact that the solution has worked or not, re-enable protection software once you have checked for Windows Update.
FAQs | More About Windows Update Cannot Currently Check for Updates (2023)
Q1. Why do you get Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates message?
The error occurs when the Windows Update service is not running, or the Windows temporary update folder is corrupted.
Q2. How to check if the Windows Update service is running or not?
- Press Windows + R
- Types services.msc
- Hereunder Services window, look for Windows Update
- The status should be Running
- If not, right-click > Properties
- Here, under Startup type, select Disabled and then select Manual > Apply OK.
- Windows Update service will now run.
Q3. What should be done to fix Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates Because The Service Is Not Running
To fix the error message, you should perform the following steps:
- Run Windows Update troubleshooter
- Reset Windows update settings
- Update RST driver
- Clear Windows Update history
- Reset Windows Update Repository
- Register Windows Update Service
- Perform System Restore
- Temporarily disable firewall protection and antivirus.
This is all for now. We hope the solutions listed above help solve Windows Update Cannot Currently Check For Updates Because The Service Is Not Running. Do let us know which method worked. If you tried any other method and it worked, do share it in the comments box. We love to hear from you, so share your thoughts.
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