How to Restore a Missing Windows Update Service on Windows
The Windows Update service is responsible for downloading and installing Windows updates over the internet. you’re able to start, stop, and manage this service as necessary from the Windows Services app. But what if the Windows Update service suddenly goes missing from your computer?
If you’re baffled by the sudden disappearance of the Windows Update service, fret not. This guide contains some potential fixes that should help restore the Windows Update service in no time.
1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Both Windows 10 and 11 include a few troubleshooters to help you with common system-level issues. One of them is the Windows Update troubleshooter. While it does not guarantee to bring back the Windows Update service, it’s a troubleshooter worth trying nonetheless.
To run the Windows Update troubleshooter:
Wait for the troubleshooter to scan your computer and do its thing. If any issues are detected, it will try to fix them on its own.
2. Run the SFC and DISM Scans
Corrupt system files can also cause some Windows services or default apps to disappear from your computer. The System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing Management are two command-line tools that can help you detect and restore any damaged system files on Windows. Here’s how to run them:
After the scan is complete, restart your PC. Following that,open the Services appand see if you can find the Windows Update service.
3. Scan for Malware
If the Windows Update service is still missing, you might be dealing with a virus or malware infection. To check for this possibility, you’ll have to run a full system scan using the built-in Windows Security app. Here are the steps for the same.
Wait for Windows to finish scanning the computer and, if threats are found, apply the recommended fixes.
4. Restore the Windows Update Service Manually via the Registry Editor
It’s possible that a recent update or system change has messed up some of the registry files, causing the Windows Update service to go missing. If that’s the case, you could try restoring the Windows Update service manually by editing theWindows Registry. However, you should only do this if you’re comfortable editing registry files.
If you decide to use this method, make sure you back up all the registry files before proceeding. If you need help, check our guide onhow to back up and restore registry files on Windowsand follow the steps outlined there.
After backing up the registry files, employ the following steps to restore the missing Windows Update service on your computer.
Restart your computer after this and see if the Windows Update service appears in the Services app.
5. Factory Reset Windows
Lastly, if none of the above solutions work, you can consider resetting Windows to its default settings. This will revert your computer to factory settings and remove any third-party software packages.
To reset your Windows computer:
From there, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process. After that, the Windows Update service should appear as before.
Using the Settings app isn’t the only way to reset Windows. If you want to take a different approach, check out thesevarious methods to factory reset your Windows computer.
Restoring the Missing Windows Update Service
It is vital to keep your Windows computer updated to the most recent version. However, you might have trouble doing so if the Windows Update service vanishes from your computer. Hopefully, one or more fixes in this guide have helped restore the missing Windows Update service, and you are able to install updates as before.
Clicking the button to dismiss Windows Update may be tempting, but putting it off may do more harm than good in the long run.
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