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.
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If you are trying to stop Windows Update service using Command Prompt, but you receive a message The Windows Update service could not be stopped, here is what you can do to stop the Service. This message appears only when you use the Command Prompt to stop the Windows Update service – and if CMD doesn’t have the admin privilege. Many people are trying to disable automatic Windows 10 Update, but you cannot stop the service for some reason, then this article will help you.
The usual command to stop the Windows Update service using CMD is:
net stop wuauserv
But this may at times return the error message. If you cannot stop it even via the Windows Services Manager, then read on.
If Windows Update Service won’t stop then this post will show you how to stop this WUAUSERV service on Windows 11/10:
- Stop Windows Update service using PID
- Check Service dependencies.
1] Stop Windows Update service using PID
Every running process or service has a unique ID or PID. You can find it in the Task Manager and then use it to stop the service.
Open the Task Manager and go to the Services tab. Here you should find a service named wuauserv. You need to get the PID of that running service.
After that, open Command Prompt with administrator privilege and enter this command-
taskkill /f /pid <PID>
Do not forget to replace <PID> with original PID that you copied earlier from the Task Manager – which in our case is 6676.
You should be greeted with a message like this-
SUCCESS: The process with PID 6676 has been terminated.
This means you have successfully stopped the Windows Update service.
2] Check Service dependencies
Most Windows services depend on other services. Sometimes those services can cause an issue due to some internal conflict. At such times, you should check the dependencies. In this case, you need to find Dependencies of this Windows Service. If any running service is using the WU service, then you may be required to stop that service first.
Hope this helps!
How do I force Windows Update Service to stop?
You can use Command Prompt to force the Windows Update service to stop in Windows 11/10. For that, you need to take the help of the Task Manager to find the PID, which is assigned with every running task. After that, you can open elevated Command Prompt and enter taskkill /f /pid <PID> command to stop the service from running on your PC.
Why can I not stop Windows Update service?
You must have administrative privilege to stop the Windows Update service. If your account doesn’t belong to the Administrator group, you might not be able to stop this service on your computer. Therefore, log in to your Administrator account and stop the Windows Update service using Services or Command Prompt. On the other hand, it is recommended to check the service dependencies as well.
Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP (2016-2022). Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware.
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Windows is one of the most extensively used operating systems around the globe by both home users and professionals; the system maintains its smooth functioning by relying on key updates from time to time. To assure the same seamless experience for the user’s convenience System has come up with an automated function that downloads and installs all Windows updates, regardless of their nature. Unfortunately, some users are still getting “Update service was shutting down” error.
Automated service does not always work and can become the pivotal reason for witnessing the error, “we could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down”. This can render the system obsolete for an extended period, and users may begin to notice detrimental impacts on Windows computer. However, when such automatic update fails and users have to do it manually, it may be rather unpleasant. There can be several possible causes for this, but the most common is that the Windows update service may have crashed or been deactivated. See – How to Fix Update Error Code 80072EFE in Windows (Solved!).
We could not complete the Install because an update service was shutting down
Here is how to fix Update service was shutting down” in Windows 11 or 10 –
Way-1: Windows Update Service needs to be Restarted
Main possibility behind the error We could not complete the Install because an update service was shutting down is the failure of the associated service. Go with the steps listed below to fix it:
- Press the Windows key and R simultaneously.
- Type services.msc.
- Press OK.
- Scroll down in the window to locate and double-click on Windows Update Service.
- Click the dropdown for Startup type.
- Select – Automatic
- Under Service status click on Start.
- Then, click Apply and OK.
- Once done, Restart your PC, and let the changes take effect.
Way-2: Try Using Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows update troubleshooter can be the go-to tool as this utility scans for any possible obstacles that may be restricting your system functionalities and resolves the error. So try using these steps to run the repair:
Windows 11:
- Click on Search.
- Type troubleshoot.
- Press Enter to launch the associated Settings page.
- Select Other troubleshooters.
- Go to the Windows update section and click on Run.
Windows 10:
- Select Start followed by Settings.
- Then, go to Updates & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot and Additional troubleshooter.
- Navigate to Windows Update and then click on Run the troubleshooter.
Way-3: Temporarily Disabling Third-Party Antivirus
We could not complete the installation because an update service was shutting down, error like this is majorly caused by third-party antivirus programs. Therefore, you can try temporarily disabling the antimalware app to rescue this Windows update installation error through the steps mentioned below:
- Press Windows+S.
- Type – appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
- Select the program you want to remove, then click the Uninstall button.
- Restart your PC and check if the problem is solved.
After uninstalling the third-party antivirus suite, reboot your computer and run Windows Update again to see whether the problem has been resolved or not. If, the error persists follow the next way.
Way-4: Installing Recent Serving Stack Update
Servicing stack updates are an important component of Windows as they increase the dependability of the update process to prevent potential errors while installing the feature updates in the system. However, to fix the concerned error you can try downloading and installing the most current servicing stack update
Before downloading you must be sure of your Windows, whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit.
First, check out, how to determine your Windows version and download the servicing stack update.
- Press Winkey+I.
- When the Settings app appears, choose System.
- Scroll down the right side to look for About (In Windows 10, About is located in the left pane).
- Note down OS build under Windows Specifications on the right panel to determine which version you are running.
- Click here to reach Microsoft Update catalog.
- Type the OS build number in the search bar and hit Enter.
- Find the servicing stack update that corresponds to your Windows version.
- Click on Download to open a separate page.
- Click on the solitary link lying there to download the standalone copy of the SSU.
- Double-click on the .MSU file and confirm the installation process by clicking Yes on the prompt.
- Then, reboot your machine and run a check for updates again to see whether the issue stating we could not complete the installation because an update service was shutting down has been resolved or not.
Way-5: Try Fixing Windows Update Database
Windows update database if corrupted or malfunctioned could hinder the upgrading process in Windows to and force the user to receive the abovementioned error. In such case, you must repair the damaged Windows update database with the following steps:
- In the Windows search field, type Command Prompt.
- Then click on Run as administrator.
- Select Yes on the User account control dialog.
- Put the following commands into the Command Line window and press Enter after each one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old
Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver- Sit tight till it’s done, and then try again.
Way-6: Try Running System File Checker
To repair this error, which reads, “We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down,” consider using the SFC utility program, which has the capability to remediate the installation problem.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type the following command and hit Enter to proceed:
sfc /scannow.
- The tool will quickly begin verification phase of system scan.
- When an error message is displayed after running SFC, enter the following lines of command one at a time:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthWay-7: Use In-place upgrade to fix Update service was shutting down
In-place upgrade is the method which can upgrade the Windows system to the most recent edition which includes the latest release of quality patch. In this scenario where the update issues are portraying the error message Update service was shutting down will come to end through the following steps:
- Search the keyword ‘Windows 11/10 download’ and go to the official page.
- Navigate down to the section displaying “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
- Choose – Select Download.
- Click – Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO).
- Now, select – Download.
- Opt for a Language and Confirm.
- Next, download the ISO file (xx-bit) and right-click on it.
- Select – Mount.
- Once you’re in the next folder, double-click on the executable setup file.
- Select Next.
- Then the license agreement wizard will be upfront; click on – Accept.
- The program will scan the system to confirm that there is required free space on your system.
- On the “Ready to install” window, mark the option – “Keep personal files and apps”.
Select – Install. - The computer will restart multiple times and bring you forward to the lock screen where you’ll need to sign in only to get access to the desktop.
With these 7 ways, we believe that you must be able to fix this error that states we could not complete the Install because an update service was shutting down in windows.
Methods:
Way-1: Windows Update Service needs to be Restarted
Way-2: Try Using Windows Update Troubleshooter
Way-3: Temporarily Disabling Third-Party Antivirus
Way-4: Installing Recent Serving Stack Update
Way-5: Try Fixing Windows Update Database
Way-6: Try Running System File Checker
Way-7: Use In-place upgrade
That’s all!!
Have you ever met the problem “Windows Update service could not be stopped”? This post will introduce you 3 methods to fix this issue and show you a powerful program — MiniTool ShadowMaker. With this program, you can back up your data in advance to keep it safe. Get more information from MiniTool website.
Windows Update Service Could Not Be Stopped
Have you ever met the situation that Windows Update service could not be stopped and do you know what causes this error?
It is often unknown what causes this problem, but there are still some common reasons.
Missing Administrator Privileges
This could prevent Windows Update service from stopping. In order to stop it, you need to use an elevated Command Prompt.
Something is Wrong with Your Computer
This is a more serious problem, so you need to consider upgrading in place or fixing the installation.
Fix “Windows Update Service Could Not Be Stopped”
- Stop WUAUSERV Process
- Clear the Contents of Update Folder
- Perform a Repair Installation
How to Fix “Windows Update Service Could Not Be Stopped” Problem
While automatically downloading and installing updates is great in theory, it’s a problem for most of you in reality. Meanwhile, you may wonder how to stop them.
Automatic updates are usually a good thing, so I recommend not turning them off in general. Therefore, the following methods should primarily be used to prevent automatic reinstallation of a troublesome update or to stop the installation of a potentially troublesome update.
Tip: If you are a Windows 10 Home user, you can’t stop security updates which are not delivered using the Windows Update service. You are not recommended to stop these security updates in any case.
The following part will offer you 3 potential methods to fix “Windows Update service could not be stopped” problem.
Tip: If Windows Update is not working, you can read this post to get methods: Bothered by Windows Update Not Working? Here’s What to Do.
Method 1: Stop WUAUSERV Process
If you can’t stop Windows Update service, you can use Command Prompt with administrative permissions to circumvent this issue. Using the command to end the process which is recognized by its PID. If you want to use the Windows Update functionality in the future, you need to restart the process with the Services tool once you stop it.
Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys at the same time to run the Task Manager utility. Alternatively, you can also press the Ctrl + Alt + Del key at the same time and then choose Task Manager from the pop-up window to open the Task Manager utility.
Step 2: In order to expand Task Manager, click More details. Click the Services tab, and navigate to the wuauserv service under the Name column. Note down the PID number.
Step 3: Type cmd in the search bar, right-click Command Prompt and then choose Run as administrator.
Step 4: Type the command taskkill /f /pid PID and press Enter on your keyboard.
Tip: Make sure you replace PID with the wuauserv service number you noted down before.
If Command Prompt shows that the process with your PID has been terminated, it means you successfully fix “Windows Update service could not be stopped” problem.
Method 2: Clear the Contents of Update Folder
When you are resetting Windows Update components or you are just trying to fix an issue of the automatic updates, you can use this set of commands which will delete the contents of a folder to stop the Windows Update service.
Step 1: Type cmd in the search bar, right-click Command Prompt and then choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type the command net stop wuauserv and net stop bits and press Enter on your keyboard.
Step 3: Open Windows Explorer, click This PC and navigate to the location C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution on your computer.
Step 4: Click SoftwareDistribution to open it and press the Ctrl+ A key at the same time to choose all files, right-click on this window and click Delete from the context menu to delete the contents of SoftwareDistribution folder.
Step 5: If you want to restart the Windows Update service and the BITS, type the commands net start wuauserv and net start bits in Command Prompt and press Enter to run them.
After you finish all the steps above, you can stop the Windows Update service successfully.
Method 3: Perform a Repair Installation
This method needs you to create bootable Windows 10 media and then perform a repair installation. You will not lose your personal files with this method. This method will install the latest version of Windows, so if you want Windows Update to work, you should try this one last time.
Create Bootable Windows 10 Media
Step 1: Click Download tool now to download the media creation tool from Microsoft. Open the file you just downloaded, read Applicable notices and license term carefully and click Accept to continue.
Step 2: Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.
Step 3: Select language, architecture, and edition you want to use. Or just check Use the recommended options for this PC. Click Next to continue.
Step 4: Choose which media you want to use. You can choose USB flash drive or ISO file, which depends on the device you want to use to store this image on. Click Next to continue.
Step 5: The storage media connected to your computer will show up on the list. Select a USB or DVD drive from the list and click Next.
Step 6: The Media Creation Tool will download the necessary files. This process will take you a few time, please wait patiently.
After you complete all the steps above, you will have your recovery media. Now that you can start the recovery drive to solve the booting problem through the steps below.
Perform a Repair Installation
Step 1: Insert the installation drive which you have just created to boot your computer. Depending on the operating system you have installed, the initial screen will be different.
Step 2：Select language to install, time and currency format and keyboard or input method, and then click Next.
Step 3: Click the Repair your computer option to enter the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 4: Select Troubleshoot firstly and then choose Reset this PC.
Step 5: Select Keep my files. Wait while the Reset this PC process prepares to start.
Step 6: Once Reset this PC is loaded, enter the password for your account and then click Continue.
Step 7: Click the Reset button once you’re absolutely sure that this is what you want to do.
After completing the process of Reset this PC, you should again have working access to your Windows. Right now, you can check to see if the BSODs still appear in a loop.
Make a Backup with MiniTool ShadowMaker to Protect Your Windows
- Choose the Source File
- Choose a Destination Path to Save Backup Files
- Perform Backup Operation
Further Reading: An Useful Method to Protect Your Windows
Sometimes, an automatic Windows update can cause data loss. Thus, in order to keep your data safe, you need to back up your data in advance. You are highly recommended to use great backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker.
Tip: It’s best to back up your system before Windows updates automatically so that you can restore the operating system to its previous state.
MiniTool ShadowMaker is a data protection and disaster recovery solution for your PC. With it, you can back up files, partitions, OS and even the whole disk and you are allowed to restore data if you encounter system crash, hard drive failure, and more.
Tip: If your hard drive is corrupted all of a sudden, read this post to find the way to recover data: This Tells How To Recover Data After Hard Drive Crash On Windows.
In addition, when your computer fails to boot, you can also restore the system to a normal state with created bootable media. It is also a powerful piece of file sync software that allows you to sync files and folders.
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The following part will show you how to make a file backup with the Backup function of MiniTool ShadowMaker.
Step 1: Choose the Source File
1.Run MiniTool ShadowMaker to enter its interface.
2.After entering the main interface of MiniTool ShadowMaker, click the Backup tab to continue.
Tip: In general, the system reserved partition and C drive are selected by default. You can choose another backup source – file/folder/disk/partition which you want to back up.
3.Click the SOURCE module firstly and then select the source type you want to back up. Here, you should choose files as backup source to avoid losing data.
Step 2: Choose a Destination Path to Save Backup Files
1.Click the DESTINATION module.
2.Then click a destination where you want to save backup files. There are 5 types of destination paths for you to choose – User, Libraries, Computer, Shared. Click OK to continue.
Step 3: Perform Backup Operation
1.Click Back Up Now to execute the backup operation immediately.
Tip: You can also choose Back Up Later to carry out the operation later, and you need to click Back Up Now in the Manage page to execute the pending operation.
2.Read the confirmation and click OK to continue. You can also check Shut down the computer when all the running backup tasks are finished.
Tip: If you want to make some advanced settings for backup files, you can click Schedule Settings, Backup Options, and Backup Scheme in Options, but you need to change the settings before you click Back up Now. If you are interested in the Scheme function, read this post – 3 Types of Backup: Full, Incremental, Differential – MiniTool
In addition to Backup, Sync is also a powerful tool of MiniTool ShadowMaker to protect your data. With this function, you can sync files and folders. The following part will show you how to sync files with this tool briefly.
Step 1: Run MiniTool ShadowMaker to enter its interface.
Step 2: Select the files you want to sync from the SOURCE tab and then select a destination where you want to save the synced files from the DESTINATION tab.
Step 3: Click Sync Now to perform this operation immediately.
Tip: You can also choose Sync Later to carry out the operation later, and you need to click Sync Now in the Manage page to execute the pending operation.
After you complete all the steps above, you can successfully sync files with MiniTool ShadowMaker.
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After reading this post, I successfully solve “Windows Update service could not be stopped” issue. Meanwhile, with MiniTool ShadowMaker, I create a backup in advance.Click to Tweet
Conclusion
This post has shown you 3 useful methods to solve “Windows Update service could not be stopped” issue. It also introduces you a useful tool to back up your data when you encounter this issue. If you cannot disable Windows Update service either, you can try methods above.
If you have any problems when you are using our program, feel free to contact us with the email [email protected].
Windows Update Service Could Not Be Stopped FAQ
How do I force Windows Update Service to stop?
- Press Win + R to open the Run command. Next, type services.msc and press Enter to open Services.
- From the Services list, find the Windows Update service and open it.
- Under the General tab, change Startup type to Disabled. Click Apply > OK.
- Restart you PC.
How do I manually kill a service in Windows?
- Right-click the Start menu and select Run.
- Look for the service, check the Properties and identify its service name.
- Once found, open a command prompt. Type sc queryex [servicename] and press Enter.
- Identify the PID.
- In the same command prompt type taskkill /pid [pid number] /f and press Enter.
What service is Windows Update?
It is a free service offered by Microsoft. It provides updates such as service packs and patches for the Windows operating system and other Microsoft software. It can also be used to update drivers for popular hardware devices.
What service is Wuauserv?
By default, the Windows update service is set to trigger manually. Recommended setting is Windows 10. One loads automatically at startup. Manually load when the process requires it (which can cause errors for services that require automatic services).