How to Fix Windows Update Service Missing: 7 Effective Methods

If you’re experiencing issues with the Windows Update Service missing from your computer, you’re not alone. This problem can prevent you from checking for updates, installing critical security patches, and keeping your system up-to-date. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to resolve this issue and restore the Windows Update Service.

Method 1: Run the Windows Updates Troubleshooter

The Windows Updates Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help identify and fix common update problems. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
2. Select “Update & Security” and then click on “Troubleshoot”.
3. Under “Get up and running”, click on “Windows Update” and then select “Run the troubleshooter”.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
5. Once the troubleshooter is finished, restart your computer and check for updates again.

Method 2: Run an SFC Scan

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Here’s how to run an SFC scan:

1. Open the Start menu, type “Command Prompt” in the search bar, right-click on the result, and select “Run as administrator”.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided.
4. Restart your computer and check for updates again.

Method 3: Use DISM to Fix Windows Update Files

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help repair corrupted Windows Update files. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (see Method 2).
2. Type the following command and press Enter: “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”.
3. Wait for the process to complete, which may take several minutes.
4. Restart your computer and check for updates again.

Method 4: Re-register or Reset Windows Updates Components

Re-registering or resetting Windows Update components can help resolve missing service issues. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (see Method 2).
2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
3. Type the following commands to re-register the components:
   • regsvr32 /s atl.dll
   • regsvr32 /s urlmon.dll
   • regsvr32 /s mshtml.dll
   • regsvr32 /s shdocvw.dll
   • regsvr32 /s browseui.dll
   • regsvr32 /s jscript.dll
   • regsvr32 /s vbscript.dll
   • regsvr32 /s scrrun.dll
   • regsvr32 /s msxml.dll
   • regsvr32 /s msxml3.dll
   • regsvr32 /s msxml6.dll
   • regsvr32 /s actxprxy.dll
   • regsvr32 /s softpub.dll
   • regsvr32 /s wintrust.dll
   • regsvr32 /s dssenh.dll
   • regsvr32 /s rsaenh.dll
   • regsvr32 /s gpkcsp.dll
   • regsvr32 /s sccbase.dll
   • regsvr32 /s slbcsp.dll
   • regsvr32 /s cryptdlg.dll
4. Type the following commands to restart the services:
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver
5. Restart your computer and check for updates again.

Method 5: Use a Registry Fix

Restoring the registry key for the Windows Update Service can sometimes resolve missing service issues. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Registry Editor as an administrator (see Method 1).
2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv.
3. If the “wuauserv” key is missing, create it by right-clicking on the “Services” key, selecting “New”, and then “Key”. Name the new key “wuauserv”.
4. Right-click on the “wuauserv” key and select “New” and then “String Value”. Name the new value “Start” and set its value data to “2”.
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Method 6: Scan for Viruses and Malware

Viruses and malware can sometimes interfere with the Windows Update Service. Scanning your computer with a reliable antivirus or anti-malware tool can help identify and remove any threats that may be causing the issue.

Method 7: Reset Your Computer

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reset your computer. This will reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files intact. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
2. Select “Update & Security” and then click on “Recovery”.
3. Under “Reset this PC”, click on “Get started”.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
5. Once your computer has been reset, check for updates again.

If you’re still experiencing issues with the Windows Update Service after trying these methods, it’s recommended to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.