The full error message states: Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer. This can prevent you from installing important updates and make your PC vulnerable. Fortunately, it is an issue with known solutions, and we will show you what to do when the Windows Update service is not running in this guide.

How can I fix the Windows Update service not running issue?

Before exploring the sophisticated fixes in this section to make the Windows Update service run, below are some general troubleshooting steps you should try:

Restart your PC. Read our guide to learn what you can do if Windows won’t restart. Disable or remove the third-party antivirus software.

1. Run the Windows update troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is one of the best tools for fixing update issues, including the service not running error. After running the troubleshooter, try checking and installing updates again.

2. Disable or remove problematic services

2.1. Enable Clean boot

The first step to disabling any problematic app or process that could be causing the Windows update service not running issue is to clean boot your PC. If the issue is fixed after restarting your PC, you need to find the service or app that could be causing the problem. You can do this by enabling the disabled services in batches. One service that users have found to cause this issue is the StopUpdates10Guard service. Below are the steps to follow to disable or remove it. SPONSORED

2.2. Disable or remove faulty service

With this, you should be able to fix the Windows update service not running issue.

3. Clear the update cache

Restart your PC after applying the steps above. You can now check if you are still getting the Windows service not running error.

Why is the Windows Update service stopped?

Below are some of the factors that can cause the Windows update service not running error:

Faulty apps and services: One of the main causes of Windows could not start the Windows Update service on the Local Computer prompt is problematic apps. In some cases, it might be your third-party antivirus or service that is running in the background. The solution is to disable or remove the program using one of the best uninstaller software. Corrupt update cache: If you get the Access denied prompt while trying to install a Windows update or restart the service, it might be down to a corrupt cache. You need to clear the update cache and restart the needed services again to fix this.

With this, we have come to the end of this guide. You now have everything to fix the Windows update service not running error on your PC. All you need to do is follow the detailed instructions, and everything should be back to normal. If you are facing other issues like Windows update not showing, check our detailed guide to restore it. Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you solve the problem in the comments below.

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