Fix Can’t Find Windows Update in Services Issue Fast

Are you facing the Windows Update missing issue? It’s a common challenge. Users often find the Windows Update service missing from the services.msc console. It affects multiple Windows versions, like 7, 8, and 10. Fixing Windows Update issues is key for your computer’s security and performance.

Missing Windows Update service can cause big problems. It can stop your system from working well. Things like viruses, errors in the registry, or corrupted files might be the cause. By learning about these causes, you can fix the issue. Our guide will help you restore the service so your system operates smoothly.

Introduction to the Issue

The Windows Update service is vital for your computer. It downloads and installs updates like security patches, feature upgrades, and drivers. Knowing how this works helps keep your computer efficient and secure.

What is the Windows Update Service?

The Windows Update service keeps your computer up-to-date. It automatically checks for, downloads, and installs updates. This service is key for keeping your computer running well.

Why is the Windows Update Service Important?

Updating your system is crucial. Regular updates defend your computer against threats and boost its performance. If updates are missed, your computer might be at risk. This is why fixing update problems is crucial.

Common Symptoms of the Issue

Problems with the Windows Update service can show in a few ways. Updates might get stuck, or you might not find new ones. Error codes could also appear in your update logs. Spotting these issues early is important for keeping your computer safe and running smoothly.

Common Causes of Missing Windows Update Service

There are many reasons why the Windows Update service might go missing. Knowing these reasons can help fix and get your update services working again.

Virus and Malware Infections

Viruses and malware can attack system services like Windows Update. They can disable or delete important parts, making your system open to more threats.

Registry Problems

Windows registry issues can cause update services to disappear. Problems usually come from missing or damaged registry keys. This affects how well the update service works.

Corrupt System Files

Having intact system files is key for Windows Update to work right. If system files are corrupt, the update service might not work. It may not show up where it should.

Update Service Misconfigurations

Wrong settings or group policies can mess up update services. Errors in update service configurations can stop Windows Update from working as it should.

How to Fix Can’t Find Windows Update in Services

Is your Windows Update service missing? Don’t stress. You can fix it with a few steps. Start by doing a malware scan using Windows Security. This checks for bad software that might block the Windows Update service. It helps fix problems with Windows Update by finding and removing threats.

Then, try the Windows Update troubleshooter. This tool is in Windows 10 and 11. It finds and fixes problems with your updates. The troubleshooter works automatically to solve Update issues.

If you’re experienced, look into the Windows Update logs. You might see error codes like:

• 0x80070002 (ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND): Indicates the system cannot find the specified file.
• 0x800f0831 (CBS_E_STORE_CORRUPTION): Indicates the CBS store is corrupted.
• 0x8007000D (ERROR_INVALID_DATA): Indicates the data is invalid.
• 0x800F081F (CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING): Indicates the source for the package or file is not found.
• 0x80073712 (ERROR_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUOP): Indicates the component store is in an inconsistent state.

Knowing these errors helps pinpoint the solution. If you find corrupt system files, use the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). These scans fix file corruption, helping restore Windows services.

If the problem is with the registry, be careful. You might need to edit the registry manually. Changes to updates or the system might have messed up critical files.

As a last step, consider a factory reset if nothing else works. Doing this resets your system, which might fix persistent issues. Remember, this can erase your data.

With these steps, you can solve the missing Windows Update service issue. It’s all about tackling the problem systematically and using the right fixes.

Using Command Prompt and Registry Editor

Solving the problem of a missing Windows Update service can seem tough. But, with the Command Prompt and Registry Editor, you can find solutions. These tools help fix registry keys and system files. Let’s go through three key steps.

Restoring the Registry Key for Windows Update

Often, the Windows Update service is missing due to registry issues. You can fix this by repairing the Windows registry. Here’s what to do:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to start the Registry Editor.
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServiceswuauserv.
3. If there’s no wuauserv key:
   • Right-click on Services and choose New > Key. Call it wuauserv.
   • Right-click the new wuauserv key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it Start.
   • Double-click on Start, set its value to 2, and click OK.

Using DISM and SFC Commands

Corrupted files can remove the Windows Update service. To fix this, use the DISM tool and SFC command. Follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator by right-clicking the Start button and choosing Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type and run these commands one after the other:
   • Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
   • sfc /scannow
3. DISM and SFC will scan and repair your system. Usually, they find no issues.

After these commands, your system should be healthy with no reboot needed. This fixes the Windows Update service.

Performing a Manual Windows Update Reset

Still no Windows Update service? You might need to reset it manually. This means stopping services and clearing files. Here’s how:

1. In Command Prompt (Admin), run these commands:
   • net stop wuauservice
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
   • ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   • ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver>

This refreshes Windows Update, making updates smoother.

By using the Registry Editor and Command Prompt, you can fix errors like 0x80070006 or 0x80070424. This ensures a good registry repair. Also, a manual Windows Update reset helps keep your system running well.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

When standard fixes don’t work, it’s time for more advanced troubleshooting. These are for specific system and network settings issues.

Using the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The first step is using the Windows Update Troubleshooter guide. It finds and fixes common problems stopping updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Then, choose Windows Update and follow the instructions.

Checking and Configuring Group Policy Settings

In professional environments, Group Policy settings for Windows Updates are crucial. They manage how updates happen on networked computers, especially with WSUS. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Make sure policies match your update strategy.

Using Netsh to Configure Proxy for Updates

Sometimes, network policies need a proxy configuration for updates. Use Netsh for this. As an admin, open Command Prompt and type: netsh winhttp set proxy proxy-server="YourProxyServerName:PortNumber". Replace the placeholders with your real proxy details. This ensures correct communication with Windows Update servers.

Before doing these advanced steps, back up your data and settings. Advanced troubleshooting is detailed but can solve tough Windows update problems.

Conclusion

Fixing the Windows Update service is key to keeping your computer healthy and secure. We’ve shown you how to fix the “can’t find Windows Update in services” problem. You can tackle corruption, adjust settings, or use tools like DISM and SFC to fix the issue.

Applying updates such as kb4103720 and kb4462928 is necessary, sometimes needing a server restart. It’s also vital to fix issues like Dual Scan and use PowerShell to check update sources. Changing settings to use a WSUS server helps keep Windows Update working well. Doing regular checks keeps your system running smoothly.

We mentioned how MiniTool ShadowMaker is great for keeping your data safe. It backs up files, partitions, the OS, and even the whole disk to avoid data loss. Keeping your system updated and secure requires action. Follow our steps to clear update folders and repair installations to fix update problems.

Keeping up with updates and diagnostics tools helps keep Windows running well. In short, system health is about more than fixing problems as they happen. It’s about a preventive and strategic approach to ensure your computer works its best.