Windows Update is an important service for keeping your computer up-to-date with the latest software, security patches, and feature updates. When the Windows Update service is not running, you may experience the error message “Windows Update can currently not be searched for updates because the service is not running”. This article provides troubleshooting tips to help you resolve this issue.
Windows Update Service Not Running
The error message “Windows Update can currently not be searched for updates because the service is not running” indicates that the Windows Update service is not running on your computer. This service must be running in order for Windows to download and install updates. To ensure this service is running, open the Services window. To do this, press Windows+R to open the Run dialog, type “services.msc” and press Enter.
Scroll down the Services window until you find the “Windows Update” service. If the status of this service is not “Running”, double-click on it to open the Properties window. In the “Startup type” drop-down menu, select “Automatic” and click “Start”. Click “OK” to save your changes and close the window.
Troubleshooting Updates Not Found
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Check your internet connection: Make sure your internet connection is working properly. If you’re connected to a wireless network, try connecting to a wired network or vice versa.
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Check your firewall settings: Firewall settings can sometimes interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disable your firewall and see if the issue is resolved.
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Check for pending updates: If you have pending updates, this can prevent Windows from downloading and installing new updates. Check for pending updates and install them.
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Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: The Windows Update Troubleshooter is designed to detect and fix common issues with Windows Update. To run it, open the Settings app, go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Select Windows Update and click “Run the troubleshooter”.
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Reset Windows Update components: If the issue persists, you may need to reset the Windows Update components. To do this, open an elevated Command Prompt window and type the following commands:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32