Windows Updates are a great way of keeping your system up to date. These updates provide important security and various other fixes for the system. However, some users are experiencing an issue where the Windows Updates are automatically turning off. This will happen automatically and randomly. Users are seeing the notification pop up about the Windows Updates being turned off. Keep in mind that there isn’t an issue with the Update itself. Lots of users turned on the Windows Update and the system updated properly. The only problem is that the Windows Update are turned off on their own.
What causes your Windows Updates to turn off?
The most likely cause for this problem is:
- Antivirus: Antivirus applications are known to cause issues with other programs and Windows Update components are no exception. This can happen because of false positives or weird compatibility issues. There are certain antivirus applications that are well known for causing issues like these and the solution is to simply disable the antivirus application.
- Windows Update: Your Windows Update service can cause this issue as well. This included update service not getting started properly or a corrupted file in the Windows update folder. Any of these causes can easily be resolved by simply restarting the Windows Update components and making some changes in the registry to add a registry key to set updates to auto.
Method 1: Disable Antivirus
Since your antivirus is most likely to cause this issue, disabling the application is a good starting point. Applications like Bitdefender are a common cause for this issue. Ideally, you would want to get rid of a problematic antivirus but first disable the application to see if the problem goes away or not. You can then decide whether to keep the antivirus or uninstall it after looking at the results. We will show the steps for disabling Avast antivirus but the steps should generally be the same for all antivirus applications. Almost every antivirus application comes with a disable option.
- Right click on your antivirus icon from the system tray
- Select Avast Shield control (this option will vary depending on your antivirus)
- Select the appropriate time option for disabling the antivirus. We will advise you to select the Disable Permanently option because Windows Updates usually gets turned off on a reboot. Don’t worry, you can enable the antivirus later on.
- Once done, check for updates and turn on your Windows Update. If everything works fine then perform a reboot of the system and give it some time to see whether the Windows Updates turn off or not.
If everything starts working fine after disabling the antivirus application then the problem is with your antivirus. You can either uninstall the antivirus or add your launcher to its whitelist. Both of these options will work.
Method 2: Registry Changes
Making some changes in the registry of your system has also been useful in fixing this problem. Follow the steps given below to make changes to the registry.
- Press Windows key once
- Type command prompt in the Start Search
- Right-click Command Prompt from the search results and select Run as administrator
- Type the following command in the command prompt and press Enter
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update" /v AUOptions /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
- Now type the command given below and press Enter
sc config wuauserv start= auto
You should be good to go.
Method 3: Reset Windows Components
Sometimes a simple reset fixes the issue. This might be the case for you and simply resetting the Windows Update components might solve the issue. So, follow the steps given below to reset Windows components
- Press Windows key once
- Type command prompt in the Start Search
- Right-click Command Prompt from the search results and select Run as administrator
- Type the following commands in the command prompt and press Enter after each one
net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop appidsvc net stop cryptsvc Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old net start bits net start wuauserv net start appidsvc net start cryptsvc
Now check if the problem is solved or not.
Kevin Arrows
Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
Windows is one of the most extensively used operating systems around the globe by both home users and professionals; the system maintains its smooth functioning by relying on key updates from time to time. To assure the same seamless experience for the user’s convenience System has come up with an automated function that downloads and installs all Windows updates, regardless of their nature. Unfortunately, some users are still getting “Update service was shutting down” error.
Automated service does not always work and can become the pivotal reason for witnessing the error, “we could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down”. This can render the system obsolete for an extended period, and users may begin to notice detrimental impacts on Windows computer. However, when such automatic update fails and users have to do it manually, it may be rather unpleasant. There can be several possible causes for this, but the most common is that the Windows update service may have crashed or been deactivated. See – How to Fix Update Error Code 80072EFE in Windows (Solved!).
We could not complete the Install because an update service was shutting down
Here is how to fix Update service was shutting down” in Windows 11 or 10 –
Way-1: Windows Update Service needs to be Restarted
Main possibility behind the error We could not complete the Install because an update service was shutting down is the failure of the associated service. Go with the steps listed below to fix it:
- Press the Windows key and R simultaneously.
- Type services.msc.
- Press OK.
- Scroll down in the window to locate and double-click on Windows Update Service.
- Click the dropdown for Startup type.
- Select – Automatic
- Under Service status click on Start.
- Then, click Apply and OK.
- Once done, Restart your PC, and let the changes take effect.
Way-2: Try Using Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows update troubleshooter can be the go-to tool as this utility scans for any possible obstacles that may be restricting your system functionalities and resolves the error. So try using these steps to run the repair:
Windows 11:
- Click on Search.
- Type troubleshoot.
- Press Enter to launch the associated Settings page.
- Select Other troubleshooters.
- Go to the Windows update section and click on Run.
Windows 10:
- Select Start followed by Settings.
- Then, go to Updates & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot and Additional troubleshooter.
- Navigate to Windows Update and then click on Run the troubleshooter.
Way-3: Temporarily Disabling Third-Party Antivirus
We could not complete the installation because an update service was shutting down, error like this is majorly caused by third-party antivirus programs. Therefore, you can try temporarily disabling the antimalware app to rescue this Windows update installation error through the steps mentioned below:
- Press Windows+S.
- Type – appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
- Select the program you want to remove, then click the Uninstall button.
- Restart your PC and check if the problem is solved.
After uninstalling the third-party antivirus suite, reboot your computer and run Windows Update again to see whether the problem has been resolved or not. If, the error persists follow the next way.
Way-4: Installing Recent Serving Stack Update
Servicing stack updates are an important component of Windows as they increase the dependability of the update process to prevent potential errors while installing the feature updates in the system. However, to fix the concerned error you can try downloading and installing the most current servicing stack update
Before downloading you must be sure of your Windows, whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit.
First, check out, how to determine your Windows version and download the servicing stack update.
- Press Winkey+I.
- When the Settings app appears, choose System.
- Scroll down the right side to look for About (In Windows 10, About is located in the left pane).
- Note down OS build under Windows Specifications on the right panel to determine which version you are running.
- Click here to reach Microsoft Update catalog.
- Type the OS build number in the search bar and hit Enter.
- Find the servicing stack update that corresponds to your Windows version.
- Click on Download to open a separate page.
- Click on the solitary link lying there to download the standalone copy of the SSU.
- Double-click on the .MSU file and confirm the installation process by clicking Yes on the prompt.
- Then, reboot your machine and run a check for updates again to see whether the issue stating we could not complete the installation because an update service was shutting down has been resolved or not.
Way-5: Try Fixing Windows Update Database
Windows update database if corrupted or malfunctioned could hinder the upgrading process in Windows to and force the user to receive the abovementioned error. In such case, you must repair the damaged Windows update database with the following steps:
- In the Windows search field, type Command Prompt.
- Then click on Run as administrator.
- Select Yes on the User account control dialog.
- Put the following commands into the Command Line window and press Enter after each one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old
Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver- Sit tight till it’s done, and then try again.
Way-6: Try Running System File Checker
To repair this error, which reads, “We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down,” consider using the SFC utility program, which has the capability to remediate the installation problem.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type the following command and hit Enter to proceed:
sfc /scannow.
- The tool will quickly begin verification phase of system scan.
- When an error message is displayed after running SFC, enter the following lines of command one at a time:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthWay-7: Use In-place upgrade to fix Update service was shutting down
In-place upgrade is the method which can upgrade the Windows system to the most recent edition which includes the latest release of quality patch. In this scenario where the update issues are portraying the error message Update service was shutting down will come to end through the following steps:
- Search the keyword ‘Windows 11/10 download’ and go to the official page.
- Navigate down to the section displaying “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
- Choose – Select Download.
- Click – Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO).
- Now, select – Download.
- Opt for a Language and Confirm.
- Next, download the ISO file (xx-bit) and right-click on it.
- Select – Mount.
- Once you’re in the next folder, double-click on the executable setup file.
- Select Next.
- Then the license agreement wizard will be upfront; click on – Accept.
- The program will scan the system to confirm that there is required free space on your system.
- On the “Ready to install” window, mark the option – “Keep personal files and apps”.
Select – Install. - The computer will restart multiple times and bring you forward to the lock screen where you’ll need to sign in only to get access to the desktop.
With these 7 ways, we believe that you must be able to fix this error that states we could not complete the Install because an update service was shutting down in windows.
Methods:
Way-1: Windows Update Service needs to be Restarted
Way-2: Try Using Windows Update Troubleshooter
Way-3: Temporarily Disabling Third-Party Antivirus
Way-4: Installing Recent Serving Stack Update
Way-5: Try Fixing Windows Update Database
Way-6: Try Running System File Checker
Way-7: Use In-place upgrade
That’s all!!
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Keeping your system up to date is important, but some users tend to disable this feature. However, the issue arises when the Windows Update service keeps turning back on.
This can be a problem, especially if you want to disable automatic updates on your PC for any reason.
In today’s guide, we will show you how to fix this issue and keep your updates disabled.
Why does the Windows Update service keep starting?
- Windows Update Assistant software is running on your PC.
- Services are configured to run Windows Update on your account.
- There’s a scheduled event that keeps starting the service.
- The registry is configured to run Windows Update.
How can I fix Windows Update service if it keeps turning back on?
1. Uninstall Windows Update Assistant
- Simultaneously press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box (ensure you are logged in as an administrator).
- Now, type appwiz.cpl in the provided Run dialog box then click OK.
- Locate the Windows Update Assistant and select Uninstall.
- Next, you should check whether your PC has a folder named Windows10Upgrade in the local disk C and delete it. For Windows 10 click This PC, then Local Disk (C 🙂
- The Windows10Upgrade folder is found in the Windows folder, so go there and delete it- if present.
Next, you need to disable Windows Update service. Follow these steps:
- Simultaneously press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box (be logged in as an administrator).
- Now type services.msc in the provided Run dialog box then click OK.
- Look around for the service named Windows Update, then right-click it and select stop– if marked as running.
- From there you right-click it again then choose Properties.
- Now, under Startup type, click on the drop-down arrow and choose Disabled.
- Proceed to the Recovery option (in the same Window). Locate the First failure tab and click on the dropdown arrow right against it.
- Click Take no Action.
- Press Apply and then OK.
This should help if Windows Update service keeps turning back on on your PC.
2. Tweak the user account credentials
- Simultaneously press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box (be logged in as an administrator).
- Now type services.msc in the provided Run dialog box then click OK.
- Right-click on the Windows Update service then click on properties.
- Click Stop to first discontinue the service.
- Now Click on the Log On
- Under the This account section: type .Guest leaving the password blank.
- Click on OK. You will receive this notification.
Now the system will generate an error (to the effect that the account specified is different from the usual account for running the same process) each time your Windows attempts to restart the service and the trial to reenable is halted.
- Recent Windows 11 update lets you disable profanity filter in voice typing
- Microsoft wants Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 or Copilot + PCs
3. Disable the Task Scheduler trigger settings
- Simultaneously press the Windows key + R on the keyboard. This takes you to the Run dialog box.
- Now type services.msc in the Run dialog box. Click OK.
- As we have been seeing, search for the Windows Update service and stop it under its properties tab. Also, disable it (Under Startup type, pick Disabled).
- Again press the Windows key +R.
- Now type taskschd.msc in the dialog box.
- Under Task Scheduler Library, find the Microsoft folder.
- Then locate the Windows subfolder inside Microsoft. Now identify and first click the UpdateOrchestrator folder.
- You will note its numerous triggers on the right pane. Right-click each of these and ensure they are set to disable.
- Similarly, locate the WindowsUpdate folder and again disable all its triggers.
- Exit the task scheduler window.
Please note that some users might need to additionally disable all the triggers under the Microsoft>Windows>rempl folder for this solution to succeed.
A few users reported that they don’t have the necessary permissions to disable this task. Luckily, we covered this issue in our User account doesn’t have permission to disable the task article.
In most cases, you must use the third-party tool PSTools to grant the necessary permissions.
4. Delete wuauserv from the Registry
- Press the Windows key + R on the keyboard.
- Type regedit. The registry editing Windows pops open.
- Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services - Right-click on the wuauserv tab and select Delete.
- Confirm the erasure by clicking Yes.
- Close the Registry Editor window and reboot.
These are our four suggested solutions for those struggling to use their PCs seamlessly if the Windows Update service keeps turning back on.
In case you’re having issues with using Windows Update, we have a great guide on Windows Update not working that you can check out.
Try each and let us know what worked in the comments section.
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies — AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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