Windows Update Cannot Check For Updates Because The Service Is Not Running

Windows Update Cannot Check For Updates, Because The Service Is Not Running

This error occurs when trying to install Windows Updates. As the name suggests the service is not running, hence the machine cannot check for updates.

 There are several reasons why this may be the case, including service corruption, virus's or even the simple case that the service has been shut down manually or disabled. To Fix this issue:

Windows 8:

1.  Type CMD on the start screen, or in Windows Search, or run command ( can be opened by holding Windows Key and R togeather)

2.  at the prompt, type in net start bits . This starts the Background Intelligent Transfer System (BITS) which is responsible for downlaoding and uploading data between a client and server

3. type in net start wuauserv . This will start the Windows update Service itself.

4. Try Windows update and see if this has solved your issues

Windows 7  /  Vista / XP

1.Click Start and Type Run (or press Windows Key and R together)
2.in the text box named open,  type in cmd (alternativley you can type cmd into the seach box in Windows 7).
3.  at the prompt, type in net start bits . This starts the Background Intelligent Transfer System (BITS) which is responsible for downlaoding and uploading data between a client and server
4. type in net start wuauserv . This will start the Windows update Service itself
5.Try Windows update again and see if this has solved your issue.

A Tool is Also Available from Microsoft to accomplish this task:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/C/9/6C970550-32AB-4235-9CDD-7FC9DD848BBB/windowsupdate.diagcab

This Article can also be located on our sister site DizzyIT.com at http://dizzyit.com/2013/04/10/windows-update-check-updates-service-running-2/