How to Fix "Windows Update Service Not Running Properly" Error

This error occurs when critical Windows Update components malfunction, preventing your system from checking for or installing updates. Follow these detailed steps to resolve the issue systematically.

Step 1: Restart Update Services Manually

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. In the Services window, locate these services:

Windows Update
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Cryptographic Services

3. For each service:

Right-click → Properties → Set Startup type to Automatic.
If status is "Stopped," click Start.
Click Apply → OK.

Why this matters: These services are interdependent. All must run for updates to work.

Step 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Navigate to: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters
Select Windows Update → Run the troubleshooter.
Apply all recommended fixes and restart.

Why this matters: Automatically repairs common issues like service crashes or corrupted settings.

Step 3: Reset Windows Update Components

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin):

Press Windows + X → Select Terminal (Admin).

2. Run these commands sequentially: 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

3. Restart your PC.

Why this matters: Deletes corrupted update caches and resets all update components.

Step 4: Repair System Files

1. In Command Prompt (Admin), run: sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

2. Restart after completion.

Why this matters: Fixes underlying system corruption affecting update services.

Step 5: Check Group Policy Settings (If "Managed by Organization" Appears)

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update

3. Ensure these policies are Not Configured or Disabled:

"Configure Automatic Updates"
"Specify intranet Microsoft update service location"

4. Restart your PC.

Why this matters: Misconfigured policies can override default update behavior.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Under the Services tab: Check Hide all Microsoft services → Click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab → Open Task Manager → Disable all startup items.
Restart and attempt Windows Update again.

Why this matters: Identifies if third-party software is interfering with update services.

Step 7: Manually Install Pending Updates

Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Search for the KB number of the failing update (visible in Update History).
Download and install the standalone package.

Why this matters: Bypasses broken update services for critical patches.

Step 8: Reset Windows Update Components via PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell (Admin) and run: $WUService = Get-Service -Name wuauserv if ($WUService.Status -ne "Running") { Start-Service -Name wuauserv } Set-Service -Name wuauserv -StartupType Automatic

Why this matters: PowerShell provides deeper control over service management.

Preventive Measures

Maintain 20%+ free disk space on your system drive.
Avoid interrupting updates once initiated.
Schedule regular maintenance (monthly reboots, disk cleanups).

If the issue persists after all steps, consider:

Performing an in-place Windows upgrade (keeps files/apps).
Contacting Microsoft Support with error logs from: C:\Windows\Logs\WindowsUpdate

This methodical approach addresses both surface-level and deep-seated Windows Update failures. Let me know if you encounter specific sub-errors during the process!