First check and start the Windows Update service to ensure that the startup types of Windows Update, BITS, Cryptographic Services and MSIServer services are set to automatic and start them manually; 2. If the service cannot be started, run the command prompt as an administrator, stop the relevant services, rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders to clear the cache, re-register the key DLL components, and then start the service; 3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix the problems; 4. Execute the sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command to repair the system files; 5. If the service is indeed missing, you can try system restoring or using Media Creation Tools are repaired and installed; finally confirm that they have administrator rights and avoid third-party tools that may disable services. In most cases, the first four steps can resolve issues that the service is not running or seemingly missing.
If you're seeing an error that says "The Windows Update service is not running or missing" , it usually means the Windows Update component (wuauserv) is either stopped, disabled, or corrupted. This can prevent your system from installing updates, leaving it vulnerable or missing important patches. Here's how to fix it:

? 1. Check and Start the Windows Update Service
Press Windows R , type services.msc
, and press Enter .
Look for these services:

- Windows Update
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
- Cryptographic Services
- MSIServer (Windows Installer)
For each:
- Right-click → Properties
- Set Startup type to Automatic
- If the service is not running, click Start
- Click Apply → OK
If you get an error when starting the service (like "Access Denied" or "Service not found"), go to the next steps.
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? 2. Re-register Windows Update Components
Open Command Prompt as Administrator :
- Press Windows X → Choose Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
- Run these commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msserver
Then rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders (to clear corrupted cache):
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Now re-register the update components:
regsvr32.exe atl.dll regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll regsvr32.exe softpub.dll regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll regsvr32.exe initpki.dll regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll regsvr32.exe wups.dll regsvr32.exe wups2.dll regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll
Finally, restart the services:
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msserver
? 3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Go to:
- Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
This built-in tool can detect and fix common service issues automatically.
? 4. Check for System File Corruption
Run System File Checker and DISM :
In Admin Command Prompt:
sfc /scannow
After it finishes, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These commands repair missing or corrupted system files that might be affecting Windows Update.
? 5. Reinstall Windows Update Service (Last Resort)
If the service is truly missing:
- Use System Restore to revert to a point when updateds worked.
- Or perform a repair install of Windows (in-place upgrade) using the Media Creation Tool — this reinstalls Windows without deleting your files.
Final Notes
- Make sure you have admin rights .
- Antivirus or third-party optimization tools may disable services — temporarily disable them to test.
- Some registry cleaners or "PC boosters" can remove critical services — avoid them.
Fixing the Windows Update service usually comes down to resetting components and ensuring services are running. Most cases are resolved with steps 1–4. If nothing works, a repair install is safe and effective.
Basically, it's not usually "missing" — just broken or turned off.
The above is the detailed content of the win update service is not running or missing. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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