The windows update service entered the running state

Our Windows 2016 servers running Exchange 2016 automatically change the startup type for BITS to manual from auto-start (delayed) every 30 minutes and then back again.

- 07:00:35 The Windows Update service entered the running state.
- 07:05:42 The start type of the Background Intelligent Transfer Service service was changed from demand start to auto start.
- 07:05:42 The Background Intelligent Transfer Service service entered the running state.

2 minutes later:

- 07:07:44 The start type of the Background Intelligent Transfer Service service was changed from auto start to demand start.
- 07:07:44 The Background Intelligent Transfer Service service entered the stopped state.
- 07:24:26 The Windows Update service entered the stopped state.

This seems to be driven by Windows Update being started every 30 minutes, 5 minutes prior to the BITS service change and then stopped some 15 minutes after.

This causes the following warning to appear in the HealthChecker output when it is run on an off cycle:

        Common Services Not Running:
                BITS - Status: Stopped - StartType: Manual

I don’t know what causes this service behavior, could be SCOM, but it seems to be by design. Should this warning be in HealthChecker?

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Keeping your system up to date is important, but some users tend to disable this feature. However, the issue arises when the Windows Update service keeps turning back on.

This can be a problem, especially if you want to disable automatic updates on your PC for any reason.

In today’s guide, we will show you how to fix this issue and keep your updates disabled.

Why does the Windows Update service keep starting?

• Windows Update Assistant software is running on your PC.
• Services are configured to run Windows Update on your account.
• There’s a scheduled event that keeps starting the service.
• The registry is configured to run Windows Update.

How can I fix Windows Update service if it keeps turning back on?

1. Uninstall Windows Update Assistant

1. Simultaneously press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box (ensure you are logged in as an administrator).
2. Now, type appwiz.cpl in the provided Run dialog box then click OK.

3. Locate the Windows Update Assistant and select Uninstall.

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1. Next, you should check whether your PC has a folder named Windows10Upgrade in the local disk C and delete it. For Windows 10 click This PC, then Local Disk (C 🙂
2. The Windows10Upgrade folder is found in the Windows folder, so go there and delete it- if present.

Next, you need to disable Windows Update service. Follow these steps:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box (be logged in as an administrator).
2. Now type services.msc in the provided Run dialog box then click OK.
   
3. Look around for the service named Windows Update, then right-click it and select stop– if marked as running.
   

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4. From there you right-click it again then choose Properties.
5. Now, under Startup type, click on the drop-down arrow and choose Disabled.
   

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6. Proceed to the Recovery option (in the same Window). Locate the First failure tab and click on the dropdown arrow right against it.
7. Click Take no Action.
   

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8. Press Apply and then OK.

This should help if Windows Update service keeps turning back on on your PC.

2. Tweak the user account credentials

1. Simultaneously press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box (be logged in as an administrator).
2. Now type services.msc in the provided Run dialog box then click OK. 
3. Right-click on the Windows Update service then click on properties.
4. Click Stop to first discontinue the service.
   

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5. Now Click on the Log On
6. Under the This account section: type .Guest leaving the password blank.

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1. Click on OK. You will receive this notification.
   

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Now the system will generate an error (to the effect that the account specified is different from the usual account for running the same process) each time your Windows attempts to restart the service and the trial to reenable is halted.

3. Disable the Task Scheduler trigger settings

1. Simultaneously press the Windows key + R on the keyboard. This takes you to the Run dialog box.
2. Now type services.msc in the Run dialog box. Click OK.
3. As we have been seeing, search for the Windows Update service and stop it under its properties tab. Also, disable it (Under Startup type, pick Disabled).
4. Again press the Windows key +R.
5. Now type taskschd.msc in the dialog box.
   

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6. Under Task Scheduler Library, find the Microsoft folder.
7. Then locate the Windows subfolder inside Microsoft. Now identify and first click the UpdateOrchestrator folder.
   

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8. You will note its numerous triggers on the right pane. Right-click each of these and ensure they are set to disable.
   

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9. Similarly, locate the WindowsUpdate folder and again disable all its triggers.
   

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10. Exit the task scheduler window.

Please note that some users might need to additionally disable all the triggers under the Microsoft>Windows>rempl folder for this solution to succeed.

A few users reported that they don’t have the necessary permissions to disable this task. Luckily, we covered this issue in our User account doesn’t have permission to disable the task article.

In most cases, you must use the third-party tool PSTools to grant the necessary permissions.

4. Delete wuauserv from the Registry

1. Press the Windows key + R on the keyboard.
2. Type regedit. The registry editing Windows pops open.
   

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3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
4. Right-click on the wuauserv tab and select Delete.
5. Confirm the erasure by clicking Yes.
   

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6. Close the Registry Editor window and reboot.

These are our four suggested solutions for those struggling to use their PCs seamlessly if the Windows Update service keeps turning back on.

In case you’re having issues with using Windows Update, we have a great guide on Windows Update not working that you can check out.

Try each and let us know what worked in the comments section.

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.

She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies — AI and DNA computing in particular.

Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.

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:

1. Press the Windows key and R simultaneously.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press OK.
4. Scroll down in the window to locate and double-click on Windows Update Service.
5. Click the dropdown for Startup type.
6. Select – Automatic
7. Under Service status click on Start.
8. Then, click Apply and OK.

1. 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:

1. Click on Search.
2. Type troubleshoot.
3. Press Enter to launch the associated Settings page.
4. Select Other troubleshooters.
5. Go to the Windows update section and click on Run.

Windows 10:

1. Select Start followed by Settings.
2. Then, go to Updates & Security.
3. Select Troubleshoot and Additional troubleshooter.
4. 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:

1. Press Windows+S.
2. Type – appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
3. Select the program you want to remove, then click the Uninstall button.
4. 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.

1. Press Winkey+I.
2. When the Settings app appears, choose System.
3. Scroll down the right side to look for About (In Windows 10, About is located in the left pane).
4. Note down OS build under Windows Specifications on the right panel to determine which version you are running.
5. Click here to reach Microsoft Update catalog.
6. Type the OS build number in the search bar and hit Enter.
7. Find the servicing stack update that corresponds to your Windows version.
8. Click on Download to open a separate page.
9. Click on the solitary link lying there to download the standalone copy of the SSU.
10. Double-click on the .MSU file and confirm the installation process by clicking Yes on the prompt.
11. 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:

1. In the Windows search field, type Command Prompt.
2. Then click on Run as administrator.
3. Select Yes on the User account control dialog.
4. 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

1. 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.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type the following command and hit Enter to proceed: sfc /scannow.

1. The tool will quickly begin verification phase of system scan.
2. 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 /RestoreHealth

Way-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:

1. Search the keyword ‘Windows 11/10 download’ and go to the official page.
2. Navigate down to the section displaying “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
3. Choose – Select Download.
4. Click – Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO).
5. Now, select – Download.
6. Opt for a Language and Confirm.
7. Next, download the ISO file (xx-bit) and right-click on it.

1. Select – Mount.
2. Once you’re in the next folder, double-click on the executable setup file.
3. Select Next.
4. Then the license agreement wizard will be upfront; click on – Accept.
5. The program will scan the system to confirm that there is required free space on your system.
6. On the “Ready to install” window, mark the option – “Keep personal files and apps”.
   Select – Install.
7. 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!!

Encountering the “Windows Update Service Not Running” error can be a significant inconvenience, preventing your system from receiving critical updates.

We will help you understand the common causes of this error and provide practical solutions to resolve it.

Why Is This Error Showing?

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Several factors can cause the “Windows Update Service Not Running” error:

• Disabled Windows Update Service: The update service might be disabled.
• Corrupted Update Files: Corrupted files in the SoftwareDistribution folder.
• Temporary File Issues: The accumulation of temporary files is causing conflicts.
• Malicious Software: Malware interfering with the update process.
• Outdated Device Drivers: Incompatible or outdated drivers.
• System File Corruption: Damaged system files affecting the update service.
• Network Issues: Problems with network connectivity or configurations.
• Incomplete Previous Updates: Previous updates that needed to be installed properly.

SOLVED: Windows Update Service Not Running

If you’re facing the “Windows Update Service Not Running” error, try these solutions:

Re-configure the Windows Update Service

Sometimes, the Windows Update service may be disabled or set to manual Start, causing the update process to fail. Re-configuring the service ensures it starts automatically and runs properly.

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1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate Windows Update in the list.
3. Right-click on it and select Properties.
4. Set the Startup type to Automatic and click Start if the service is stopped.
5. Click Apply and OK.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to detect and fix common issues with the update process. Running this tool can resolve problems that prevent updates from installing.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary files used by Windows Update. If these files become corrupted, the update process can fail. Clearing this folder forces Windows to re-download the necessary files.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Stop the Windows Update service.
3. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
4. Delete all files and folders within the SoftwareDistribution folder.
5. Restart the Windows Update service.

Delete Temporary Files

Temporary files can accumulate over time and cause conflicts with system processes, including Windows Update. Deleting these files can free up space and resolve potential issues.

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
2. Select all files and folders in the Temp directory.
3. Delete them.

Check for Malicious Software

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Malware can interfere with the Windows Update service by corrupting system files or altering settings. Running a full system scan can identify and remove any malicious software.

1. Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
2. Run a full scan/Quick Scan to check for and remove any malware.

Update Your Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause various issues, including problems with the Windows Update service. Ensuring all drivers are up to date can resolve these conflicts.

1. Go to Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting Device Manager.
2. Right-click on each device and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

I recommend investing in a third-party PC solution with a driver updater like Fortect.

Fortect Premium with driver updater helps keep your computer running smoothly by checking and updating drivers. It finds outdated drivers and fixes them automatically like your device manager, causing the Windows Update Service Not Running issue.

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You can start with the free version of Fortect to see how it works. 

With the free version, you’ll need to update drivers manually. The premium version, however, does everything automatically, checking and updating all your drivers without you having to do anything.

Fortect also has extensive Malware defense that protects your system from malicious threats that is also causing your Windows update service not to run.

Download and install Fortect now.

Run SFC Scan and DISM Tool

Corrupted system files can prevent the Windows Update service from running correctly. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can scan for and repair these files.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. After the scan completes, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.

Update Windows 10 Manually

If the automatic update process is failing, manually downloading and installing updates can bypass the issues with the Windows Update service.

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1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
2. Search for the latest Windows 10 updates.
3. Download and install the updates manually.

Roll Back or Reset Windows

As a last resort, rolling back to a previous version of Windows or resetting the operating system can resolve persistent issues by restoring the system to a known good state.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Choose to roll back to a previous version if available.
3. Select Reset this PC to restore your system to factory settings if necessary.

Conclusion

Following these steps, you can resolve the “Windows Update Service Not Running” error and ensure your system stays updated with the latest patches and features. Regular maintenance and timely updates are essential for keeping your Windows operating system secure and running smoothly.