Troubleshooting Windows Update – Fixing One of the Update Services

Resolving “Windows Update Service Not Running” Error

Having issues getting Windows updates installed due to an error saying "One of the update services is not running properly"? Don’t worry, we’ll walk through several fixes to get Windows Update back up and running.

Windows Update is a crucial component of the Windows operating system, providing security patches, driver updates, and new features. When the service encounters issues, it can prevent your system from getting these important updates.

The good news is, there are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem. Let’s examine some of the most effective solutions.

Run the Built-In Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes an automated troubleshooter that can diagnose and repair common Windows Update problems. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
2. Click on Troubleshoot in the left pane.
3. Under Get up and running, select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

The troubleshooter will analyze your system and attempt to identify and fix any issues with Windows Update. This is always a good first step before trying any manual solutions.

How to hide updates in Windows 10?

1. First, download the Show and Hide Update tool. Once downloaded, double-click on the file. Being a portable application, you don’t have to install it. 2. In the main window, click on the “Next” button to continue. 3. Since we want to hide the updates, click on the “Hide Updates” option. 4.

What is the best way to fix Windows Update problems?

If you get an error code while downloading and installing Windows updates, the Update Troubleshooter can help resolve the problem. Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Next, under Most frequent, select Windows Update > Run. When the troubleshooter is finished running, it’s a good idea to restart your device.

Reset Windows Update Services

The error indicates that the Windows Update service itself is not starting properly. Resetting the service to its default settings may resolve this.

To reset the Windows Update service:

1. Type "services.msc" into the Windows search bar and open the Services app.
2. Locate the Windows Update service and right-click it.
3. Select Properties > General tab.
4. From the Startup Type dropdown, choose Automatic.
5. Click Stop to stop the service, then Start to restart it.
6. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

This resets the service’s startup type and restarts it, which often fixes service errors like the one mentioned.

Check for Malware Interference

Malware infections can sometimes disable or disrupt critical Windows services like Windows Update. Running a full antivirus scan can determine if malware is the culprit.

Use your installed antivirus software or a free scanner like Microsoft Defender to thoroughly scan your entire system. If it finds infections, let the antivirus quarantine and remove them. A clean system helps rule out malware as the cause.

Update Associated Services

Other background services like Windows Installer, Cryptographic Services, and BITS work closely with Windows Update. Ensuring those services are also up-to-date and functioning properly can prevent issues.

How can you troubleshoot Windows 10 update problems?

If you get an error code while downloading and installing Windows updates, the Update Troubleshooter can help resolve the problem. Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Next, under Most frequent, select Windows Update > Run. When the troubleshooter is finished running, it’s a good idea to restart your device.

Does Windows 10 update troubleshooter work?

The Windows Update Troubleshooter finds and fixes most Windows update problems. Running the troubleshooter will resolve most Windows update problems, as it casts a wide net and can detect numerous Windows 10 update bugs or issues. If the aforementioned techniques don’t fix the problem, then there are other tasks that you can perform.

How do you hide updates on Windows 10?

Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter can help you uninstalling a problematic Windows Update and prevent that update from installing until the next Windows Update. Click on wushowhide.diagcab and then click on Next in the lower right corner. After scanning, you can Hide Updates or Show Hidden Updates.

Check that services like Windows Installer, Windows Cryptographic Services, and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) are also set to Automatic startup and are started. If not, apply the same steps above to reset them.

Uninstall Conflicting Applications

Sometimes, certain applications end up disabling Windows Update or interfering with its proper operation. If you recently installed a new application before the issues emerged, try uninstalling it as a test.

Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program provides a full list of installed applications. Sort by install date and try removing anything suspicious or that was added right before the problems started.

Update System BIOS

As a last resort, checking for BIOS firmware updates from your computer or motherboard manufacturer can occasionally resolve stubborn Windows Update problems.

However, exercise caution when updating BIOS firmware. Only attempt this if comfortable with the process and risks involved. An interrupted flash can brick systems.

Why can’t I install Windows Update?

As mentioned earlier, many times, an update may fail to install in the first instance, but for some inexplicable reason, succeeds in the 2nd or 3rd try. So try a couple of times. If you are unable to install Windows Updates, first clear up your Temporary Files and Browser Cache, reboot, and try again. See if this helps resolve the issue.

How does Windows Update troubleshooter work?

The Windows Update troubleshooter will run inside its own pop-up window and report on the various diagnostics it runs. In about one-third to one-half of cases, it will fix what’s wrong with WU on the target PC. You’ll see a final report window that looks something like Figure 5.

Preventing Future Windows Update Issues

Once you’ve resolved the current error, a few simple habits can help avoid similar update problems going forward:

• Maintain an active antivirus to detect malware that may tamper with services. Microsoft Defender is a free, simple option.

• Avoid installing questionable third-party applications that could modify critical system settings. Only use trusted software from reputable developers.

• Periodically check for new Windows updates, which often include fixes for the update mechanisms themselves. Keeping Windows fully patched prevents many issues.

• When installing major Windows versions like feature updates, do so on a clean boot following a disk cleanup. This minimizes potential upgrade conflicts.

Let us know in the comments if you encountered this error and what steps resolved it! Sharing fixes helps other readers as well.

References

1. https://appuals.com/one-of-the-update-services-is-not-running-properly-in-windows-update/
2. https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmanager/one-of-the-update-services-is-not-running-properly.html

What is the show or hide updates tool kb3073930?

Stay in touch with the latest in the world of Windows! The Show or Hide Updates Tool allows Windows users to hide or block unwanted Windows Updates. KB3073930 will stop it downloading of specific updates

What is the Windows Update Troubleshooter?

The Windows Update Troubleshooter will help you find any problems, such as the 0x800f0831 error number, preventing your computer from installing the most recent Windows Updates. This tool may perform a wide range of update-related tasks, such as clearing cached data, restarting Windows Update components, checking for fresh updates, and much more.

How to unhide Windows updates?

Click on the “Close” button, and you are done. In the future, if you want to unhide the hidden update, follow the below steps. 1. Open the Show and Hide updates tool, click on the “Next” button, and click on the “Show Hidden Updates” option. 2. The application will scan the system and shows all the hidden Windows updates.

Why am I getting a Windows 10 update message?

If you see this message, you are currently on the most compatible version of Windows 10 for your device, and the next version of Windows isn’t quite ready for your device. When the next version is ready for you, you’ll see it in the list of available updates on the Windows Update Settings page. There’s nothing further you need to do right now.