Windows Update Service Not Running? Here’s How To Resolve It

Windows Update is quite a necessary process to keep the device up-to-date with advanced security features. Also, it protects the system from significant web threats and other possible conflicts. Moreover, it enhances the system’s performance.

However, while updating Windows, users often encounter various errors. But, the real issue begins when they find that Windows Update service not running. When you get stuck in such situations, you won’t be able to execute any updating process. 

There can be multiple issues, which can influence this error. However, some of the likely events include outdated OS, corrupted registry entries, malware or virus infection.

If you are facing the same error and want to get rid of it immediately, go through this entire article. The fixes discussed here can eliminate the error in no time.

Effective Ways When Windows Update Service Not Running On Windows 7

Focus on this section of the article and learn the reliable workarounds to overcome the Windows Update error within a flicker of time.

Fix 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

It is one of the most useful methods that we have enlisted. Running this Windows Update Troubleshooter tends to resolve the internal bugs and glitches. So, you can run this troubleshooter and remove all the internal errors to resolve the Windows update issue.

Step 1: 

Press the combination of the Window logo + R key. Once you perform this step, you will find the Run window appearing on the display screen. Now, inside the Run window, write troubleshooter” and hit the Enter key to run the command.

Step 2: 

Click on the top search result to invoke the Troubleshooter window. Under this window, locate and select the “Fix Problems with the Windows Update” option.

Step 3: 

As soon as you perform this step, Windows Troubleshooter will start to detect the internal bugs and glitches. After detecting the internal error, it will repair them automatically. So, if you find any additional instructions, follow them to eliminate the glitch from Windows Update.

This process might take a while to finish. So, be patient and do not interrupt the process. When the process ends, reboot your device and apply the new changes.

After running the Troubleshooter, if the issue persists, go to the next fix that can resolve the Windows Update error.

Fix 2: Disable the Windows Update

A majority of affected users claim that after disabling the Windows update, they find that the error gets removed easily. So, you can give it a try. 

To disable the Windows Update, you have to follow the underlying steps effectively.

  • Go to the Start menu and write “Windows Update” into the search box. Hit the Enter key to invoke the appropriate window. Next, tap on the Change Settings from the appeared menu.
  • You will find a list of important updates under the Update section. Now, you need to select the “Never Check for Updates” option from the same window.
  • Then, launch the Windows Update Settings window once again and choose the “Install Updates Automatically” option. Confirm the recent modifications by clicking on the OK button. 

Once the process completes, reboot your device to check whether the error remains or not.

Fix 3: Reactivate the Windows Update Service

In this process, we recommend you to re-activate the Windows Update service. For this purpose, follow the undermentioned steps.

Step 1: Open the Run window by following the above steps. Once the Run window opens, write “services.msc” in the box and hit the Enter key to execute the command. After executing this command, you will find a service window.

Step 2: Inside the Service window, locate and select the Windows Update. Here, you have to verify the current status of the update. Hence, stop the Windows Update service if it’s running. But, if it fails to run, then skip it.

Step 3: Now, press the combination of the Windows logo + S key. This action will invoke the File explorer. Enter the following path on the address bar and hit the Enter key to heading to the DataStore folder. Follow the path: “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore”.

Step 4: Once the DataStore folder opens, you have to be sure that you remove all the files present in this folder. Now, re-launch the Internet Explorer and proceed to the following path. “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download”.

Step 5: This action will launch the Download folder. Under this folder, delete all the files by tapping on them one by one and choose the Remove button from the pop-up menu. Afterward, go to the Windows Update window and hit the Start button from the queue window to reactivate the service.

Finally, review if you can invoke the Windows Update and the error has been resolved. But, go to the next fix if this fails.

Fix 4: Remove the Windows Update History

You can also face this error if the Windows Update history or files gets corrupted due to malware or virus infection. So, simply remove the Windows update history and files by following the underlying steps.

  • Open the Service windows by running the “services.msc” in the Run window. When the Service window opens, you will find a list of services that are activated on your system.
  • Now, go to the Windows Update service and right-click on it. After that, hit the Stop button that is located on the appeared menu. 
  • After that, navigate to the My Computer folder by tapping on the Desktop icon. Now, go to the Windows folder that is situated in the Local Drive(C:\).
  • Next, write “Software Distribution” in the Find box and hit the Enter key. Once you find it right-click on it and select the Remove button to delete the folder.
  • Once the process is over, close the Service window and right tap on the Windows Update service. Next, hit the start button to enable it.

After performing these steps, reboot your device to let the new changes take effect.

Fix 5: Upgrade the RST Driver

Sometimes, due to the corrupted or outdated RST driver, such kind of Windows Update error arises. On such occasions, you must upgrade the RST driver to resolve the matter. To do so, follow the underlying steps.

Step 1: Open the Run window by following the above steps. Then, write “devmgmt.msc” in the Cortana Search box and hit the Enter key to open the Device Manager. 

Step 2: Once the Device Manager window opens, locate and expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers, which is situated in the device list.

Step 3: Now, you will find a list. From the list, choose the Intel SATA Controller line and hit the “Update Driver” option from the appeared menu.

Step 4: Click on the Yes button and begin to install the RST driver with the newest compatible version.

Restart your device when the update process is completed. After that, attempt to run the Windows Update service and check whether it is running or not.

Fix 6: Perform System Restore

In none of the above methods works, it is recommended to perform the system restore. Many users resolve the Windows Update error by just doing this task. To perform the system restoration process, you can follow the undermentioned steps.

  • To begin the process, tap on the Start icon to invoke the Start menu. Then, write “System Restore” into the search field. Once you perform this action, you will find the System Restore window.
  • Once the System Restore window opens, choose “Restore my computer to an earlier” option from the resultant menu. Hit the Next button to proceed further.

This restoration process might take a while. When the process is over, reboot your device to get the desired result.

Sum It Up

In this way, you can resolve the Windows 7 won’t update service not running error in a hassle-free manner. Simply adhere to the steps that each method holds and apply them in the same order with caution and care.

In case, if you face any kind of difficulty, you can leave your troubles in the comment section below. We will revert as soon as possible.

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