You might come across the error message “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running” while attempting to check for Windows updates on Windows 11, 10, or 8. If you find yourself unable to install Windows updates due to this error, follow the step-by-step solution outlined below.
Solution 1: Fix and Optimize Windows issues
If your computer has bugs inside it such as corrupted system files, outdated or incompatible drivers, malware/virus damages, registry file clutter, etc, you need to optimize your computer to fix the Windows update issues. You can use a good PC Optimizer Tool to rectify and fix Windows problems.
Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Components.
Resetting Windows Update Components is the best way to fix any Windows update-related issues. You can Reset Windows Update Components as follows:
Reset Windows Update Components - Step by Step
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
After the restart, try updating Windows again.
Solution 3: Enable Windows Update Service
You must check for the status of Windows Update Service in the Windows service manager. If it shows disabled, then turn it on to Enable.
Enable Windows Update Service - Step by Step
Step 1: Open Windows Service Manager. Click on the Start menu and search for Service. Open the Service Manager.
Step 2: Find Windows Update → Right-click → Start/Resume/Restart.
Solution 4: Perform Windows Update in Clean Boot Mode.
There might be software conflicts or driver conflicts that is causing the problems. Try installing Windows Updates in Clean Boot Mode.
Clean Boot Mode - Step by Step
msconfig
. Select System Configuration from the search results.Solution 5: Install updates manually.
If you observe that the “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running” error specifically arises for certain update files, you have the option to manually download and install them using the following procedure:
https://www.how2fixerror.com/additional-ways-to-install-updates-in-windows-10-11/Summary:
To fix “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running”, reset windows update components, try clean boot mode, etc.