Many Windows users are having an issue with their Windows Update. If they check for updates on their Windows system, they get an error that says “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running“. And they can’t install updates for their system.
This is an annoying issue. And trying to fix it is just as annoying, because you’ll spend a lot of time reading suggestions on the Internet, and most won’t work.
But don’t worry. The following are some methods that have helped many Windows users fix their error.
Try these fixes
You don’t have to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.
- Run Windows Update troubleshooter
- Check for malicious software
- Restart your Windows Update associated services
- Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder
- Update your device drivers
Method 1: Run Windows Update troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can check and fix issues with Windows Update. You should run it when an error occurs on your Windows Update. To do so:
on Windows 10
1) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
2) Select Update & Security.
2) Click Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
3) Find Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
4) Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
5) Run your Windows Update again and see if your error is fixed.
on Windows 11
1) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
2) From the left navigation panel, select System. Click Troubleshoot.
3) Click Other troubleshooters.
4) Click on the Run button next to Windows Update.
5) Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
6) Run your Windows Update again and see if your error is fixed.
Method 2: Check for malicious software
Your error may occur because of interference from malicious software. You should run a scan on your computer for any malicious program.
You can use the Malicious Software Removal Tool released by Microsoft. Download the tool and run it on your computer. Then follow its instructions to complete the scanning process. If this method works for you, you won’t see the error on your Windows Update again.
Method 3: Restart your Windows Update associated services
You may get the service not running error because the services associated with your Windows Update are disabled. You should restart those services and see if this fixes your error. To do so:
1) Press the Windows logo key and R on your keyboard to invoke the Run box.
2) Type “services.msc” and click OK to open the Services snap-in.
3) Double click Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
4) Make sure the startup type is set to Automatic. Then click the Start button (if the Start button is in gray, click the Stop button and then click the Start button). Then click OK to close the window.
5) Double click Cryptographic Services.
6) Make sure the startup type is set to Automatic. Then click the Start button (if the Start button is in gray, click the Stop button and then click the Start button). Then click OK to close the window.
7) Double click Windows Update.
6) Make sure the startup type is set to Automatic. Then click the Start button (if the Start button is in gray, click the Stop button and then click the Start button). Then click OK to close the window.
7) Close the Services snap-in and restart your computer. Then check to see if this resolves your problem.
Method 4: Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder
The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary files for Windows Update. You may get the error due to corruption issues with these files. To see if these files are the cause, you should remove all the content of this folder.
1) Press the Windows logo key and R on your keyboard to invoke the Run box.
2) Type “services.msc” and click OK to open the Services snap-in.
3) Click Windows Update and then click Stop (the service).
4) Open File Explorer (press the Windows logo key and E on your keyboard at the same time), then go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all the files and folders there.
5) Restore the Services snap-in. Then click Windows Update and click Start (the service).
6) Restart your computer. Then run Windows Update see if this helps you get rid of the Windows Update service not running error.
Method 5: Update your device drivers
Your error may occur because you’re using a wrong device driver or it’s out of date. To see if that’s the case for you, you should check your computer and update all those outdated or wrong drivers.
Updating drivers can consume a lot of time. But if you want to do it easily and quickly, you can use Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can download and install your drivers by using either Free or Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes only 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee):
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3) Click the Update button next to your each of your devices to download the latest and correct driver for it. You can also click the Update All button at the bottom right to automatically update all outdated or missing drivers on your computer (this requires the Pro version — you will be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
4) Restart your computer. Then run you Windows Update to see if this resolves your problem.
