Solved: Windows update cannot currently check for updates in Windows 8, 7 or Vista
Last updated on February 13th, 2017
Windows Update error "Windows update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer" probably occurs when Windows temporary update folder (SoftwareDistribution folder) is corrupted. To easily fix this error, follow the below steps in this tutorial.
How to resolve Windows (8, 7 or Vista) update error: "Windows update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running" when you check for updates.
Solution 1: Solve Windows Update cannot check for updates" error using Microsoft Fix It utility
Update: Unfortunately Microsoft has removed the FixIt utility. So, ignore this solution and continue to solution 2.
1. Download the Microsoft Fix It utility to your computer from: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2730071.
2. Run Microsoft Fix It tool and press "Accept".
3. Select "Detect problems and apply the fixes for me (Recommended)" option.
4. Let the troubleshooter to fix Windows Update problems and press "Next". *
* If the problem is fixed, close the troubleshooter and check for Windows updates again. Otherwise continue to Solution 2.
Solution 2: Solve Windows Update cannot check for updates" error manually.
Step 1: Stop Windows Update service.
To do this:
a. Simultaneously press Windows key + R to open run command box.
b. Inside run command box, type: services.msc and press Enter.
c. Search for Windows Update service, then right click on it and select Stop.
d. Without closing the services window, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Delete or Rename Windows update temporary storage folder.
To do this:
a. Open "My Computer" and navigate to "C:Windows"folder.
b. Delete (or Rename e.g. to "SoftwareDistributionOLD") the "SoftwareDistribution" folder.
Step 3: Start Windows Update service.
a. Go to Windows services and "Start"the Windows Update service.
b. Try to update Windows again.
Solution 3: Install the KB3102810 Standalone Update.
- Download and install the KB3102810 security update. After installation restart your computer and check for updates. (Applied to: Windows 7 SP1 & Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.)
- Restart your computer.
- Stop Windows Update Service. (See Solution 2: Step 1)
- Delete the Software Distribution Folder. (See Solution 2: Step 2)
- Restart your computer and then check for updates. Leave your computer about an hour to find Updates.
Solution 4: Update the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver.
Install the latest Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver (Intel RST). *
Source: http://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c02219204
* You can download the latest RSTS driver from your computer's manufacturer website or from the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) Download Center
Hope this helps!


Robert
Aug 20, 2019 @ 13:51:17
Solution 2 was a dream! Thank you so much!
John
Aug 12, 2019 @ 12:47:05
Thanks a lot. This has saved me a lot of headache. You are the best. May God bless you with a life full of abundance!!
Brandon A.
Jul 18, 2019 @ 01:34:25
Thank you so much! Honestly I was getting so frustrated with this! The walk through was great, and very easy to follow! Thank you so much!!
Zakirhussain
Jul 28, 2019 @ 18:18:58
Thanks buddy!!
had looked for other solutions but this worked like a piece of cake.
M
Jun 09, 2019 @ 01:48:12
Worked great!! thanks
Kaloyan
Jun 22, 2019 @ 14:52:36
Worked for me. Thank you!
Craig
Mar 20, 2019 @ 13:15:30
Thanks also managed to get update to work.
imoh
Mar 15, 2019 @ 08:56:37
Thanks much
rod
Mar 15, 2019 @ 02:13:13
worked perfectly. thanks for the tip. But makes a good reason to go to macs;-) I can't imagine my mum being able to follow these steps. thanks again
Gimonfu
Feb 22, 2019 @ 15:47:23
Thank you, very much, it seems to have worked.
(just have to wait for my PC to find all updates of the last 2 years to be sure, now)
James
Mar 08, 2019 @ 00:48:00
Brilliant – Solution 2 worked perfectly. Many thanks
Fred
Mar 19, 2019 @ 12:21:22
Just worked for me as well. #2 FTW
Andre
Jan 27, 2019 @ 16:38:34
Thanks! Great work guys!
Omar Ahmed Hosny
Jan 22, 2019 @ 23:54:58
Thank you very much!!! Solution 2 worked for me
Sameer Babu
Jan 08, 2019 @ 10:40:48
Solution 2 Worked.
Thanks
xuan lee
Jan 07, 2019 @ 16:29:00
hello, why i didn't find windows update on my services? (solution no 2) thank you.
lakonst
Jan 08, 2019 @ 10:13:18
@xuan lee: Follow the instructions in this article to solve your issue: https://www.wintips.org/fix-windows-update-service-bits-service-missing/
Thilaka
Dec 30, 2018 @ 12:34:03
Very usefull article. Thanks
Mizshutterbug
Dec 06, 2018 @ 20:59:56
Bob's easy method worked instantly for me! My machine is now installing updates and it hadn't been updating since 2016! Thanks for the great info Bob!
Magnus
Dec 05, 2018 @ 14:15:10
Awsome. Thank you very much. Solution 2 fixed it. Cheers.
Jack
Nov 30, 2018 @ 23:51:05
Thank you!!
Share
Nov 19, 2018 @ 21:58:19
Thank you soooooo much…
Bob V
Nov 16, 2018 @ 01:19:19
For 18 months I had resigned myself to the fact that Windows 7 on my PC would no longer update. I had not tried any of the 'fixes' shown on this web page.
Out of curiosity, I opened Windows update in Control panel and clocked 'Change settings'. I changed them from 'Automatic Updates' to 'Never' & OK. I then clicked 'Check for updates' and Hey Presto! it updated!! I then reset it back to 'Automatic Updates' and it is working fine!!
Worth a shot?
Antani B
Nov 21, 2018 @ 03:25:53
None of the proposed solutions worked for me. However, Bob's trick worked! Thanks Bob!
Joe P
Nov 27, 2018 @ 22:49:30
Bob V ROCKS!
His solution worked perfectly for me after many frustrating attempts using other suggestions.
Thanks Bob………….
zea
Nov 29, 2018 @ 20:42:26
Bob, you are amazing. That worked right away.
Paul G
Dec 20, 2018 @ 02:49:17
solutions 2 and 3 didn't work for me. Bob's did. Thans!
John P
Jan 01, 2019 @ 00:49:14
Bob V, I followed your suggested steps and I am now up-to-date with all Windows updates and the Automatic Updates is functioning properly. No more error pop-ups. I figured I would start with simplified method first, so I didn't try any of the solutions listed above. Thank you for posting your fix!
Andy
Jan 05, 2019 @ 09:54:15
Worked like a charm. Thanks!!
Luc
Jan 12, 2019 @ 21:45:49
You, Sir, you are a life saver
Peter Jupp
May 19, 2019 @ 18:06:13
I'd tried everything on various sites but none worked, but yours did Bob, my computer is now searching for updates for the first time in 3 years! Many thanks,PJ.
scorty
Jun 04, 2019 @ 12:39:04
Bob did it again!! thanx Bob
Peter
Nov 15, 2018 @ 01:29:22
This seems to work. Windows hasn't completed process ye but it looks good. I is is now checking for updates
bazzeeda
Oct 31, 2018 @ 14:26:23
Yes! This worked for me!
messen
Oct 26, 2018 @ 19:50:43
i appreciate that done 100%
Didier Roux
Oct 25, 2018 @ 18:08:36
solution 3 worked for me. Thanks
Peter
Oct 17, 2018 @ 12:41:39
Solution #2 worked for me – THANKS
Ken
Oct 14, 2018 @ 01:52:55
updgrading the Intel drivers solved my problem.
Thanks,
Ken
Cobu Serbia
Oct 10, 2018 @ 08:52:40
1. Click Start > type "services.msc" > press enter.
2. Find "Windows Update" in the list, right-click, choose "Stop". This service must be in the "stopped" state, or the next 2 steps will fail.
3. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution".
4. Delete every file inside the folder. If you receive an error message that some of the files are in use, check to be sure the Windows Update service (step 2.) is stopped.
5. Reboot the computer, and try running Windows Update again.
In a few cases, this procedure didn't work. In that case, it turns out that some of the .dlls involved with Windows Update were not correctly registered. If this happens to you, here are the steps to correct the issue:
a. Complete steps 1-2 to stop the "Windows Update" service again.
b. Click Start > type "cmd" > right-click and choose "Run as Administrator".
c. Type the following commands to register the Windows Update services, pressing the "Enter" key on your keyboard after each one:
regsvr32 wuapi.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wups2.dll
regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
regsvr32 wucltux.dll
d. Reboot the computer immediately and then check for updates once you log back in.
from
Sep 21, 2018 @ 20:27:52
solution #2 worked for me. Thx
John
Sep 26, 2018 @ 21:34:52
#2 worked for me as well. Small donation made.
Paul
Oct 01, 2018 @ 18:32:45
How long did it take when checking for update
aze
Oct 03, 2018 @ 00:23:09
#2 worked for me too
Jamshid
Sep 20, 2018 @ 09:22:04
many thanks S2 worked for me.
Treasure Hunter
Sep 16, 2018 @ 06:55:35
Excelent tips! #2 worked for me. Thanks so much.
Joanne Whitmer
Sep 14, 2018 @ 19:26:03
Solution 2 worked for me
Craig
Sep 14, 2018 @ 06:32:56
Awesome, thanks folks, solution 2 fixed the issue.
Felipe
Sep 11, 2018 @ 23:12:13
Solução 2 para mim foi perfeita. Muito obrigado!
janet edmundson
Sep 11, 2018 @ 09:49:28
Thank you so much. Solution 2 worked for me.
GPS
Sep 08, 2018 @ 23:21:51
Solution 3 was the ticket!
thanks a million
Raúl
Sep 05, 2018 @ 20:44:08
Solution 4 worked for me, I have an 9 yo HP laptop, Windows Update stopped working when installing HP drivers on a fresh Win 7 Ultimate x64 installation at some point (and a new WD 1tb drive). Thanks a lot, because the HP drivers page of my model does not include the patch you suggest.
Regards
Ashwin Kumar
Aug 30, 2018 @ 21:04:00
Solution 2 worked for me too!
it guy
Aug 26, 2018 @ 18:20:47
solution #2 worked for me (win7). thanks!
zubair hassan
Aug 24, 2018 @ 04:06:30
You're angel (Solution 2)
Asimon
Aug 23, 2018 @ 11:39:39
solution 3 worked for me. Thank you
Levin LeBeau
Aug 10, 2018 @ 10:07:18
Solution 2 is just great. Thanks a lot!
Bro
Aug 16, 2018 @ 06:10:52
eazy as fish
Thanks
Sidwell
Sep 04, 2018 @ 15:03:12
Same here
Steve
Aug 26, 2018 @ 21:53:22
True! Works!
Joe
Jul 28, 2018 @ 20:11:38
Solution 2 worked like a charm!
hany
Jul 27, 2018 @ 16:45:59
4 is ok
thanks
chris
Jul 26, 2018 @ 13:19:34
solution 2 took less than 1 minute and worked, thank you. one note that may help others: i had left the windows update window open while performing solution 2 and found that i had to close the previously open windows update window and then open windows update again for this to work. (i think microsoft has conditioned us all to restart programs when settings are changed but i still forget occasionally)
ruma
Jul 21, 2018 @ 19:39:07
going for solution 2 : but in services on my system there is no option windows update.
what to do?
lakonst
Jul 22, 2018 @ 09:31:37
@ruma: follow the instructions in this article: https://www.wintips.org/fix-windows-update-service-bits-service-missing/
CuteFox
Jul 21, 2018 @ 15:18:56
Solution 2 has done the job. Thanks!
blakesq
Jul 12, 2018 @ 16:52:13
Thanks, solution 2 worked for me. My problem started when windows file explorer would shut down when I clicked on "recent places", and one of the solutions was to make sure my windows was updated, and I discovered my updates was not working. Unfortunately, clicking on "recent places" is still causing windows explorer to quit.
NEERAJ
Jul 10, 2018 @ 19:56:16
2ND SOLUTION WORKED FOR ME THANKS MAN
Ghassan
Jul 09, 2018 @ 00:04:56
Solution 2 is simple and works fine ( win 7 64 bit ).
Thanks.
tathan3x
Jul 06, 2018 @ 18:22:44
Yes, I appreciate this greatly. I can now relax and play some games on my PC without crashing to Blue screen.
milind
Jul 09, 2018 @ 08:34:33
Thanks…
Worried now better
Jun 30, 2018 @ 18:44:31
Solution 2 worked!
Kevin Hill
Jun 29, 2018 @ 19:51:09
Solution #2 worked perfectly. Thank you!
H.C.
Jun 27, 2018 @ 00:50:59
thank you very, very, very much
not only solution 2 worked perfectly, but you also made me feel like a tech savvy (while I am far from being one, I don't even have a "smartphone", because it is too smart for me…)
thanks again
Paresh
Jun 27, 2018 @ 00:30:45
This is still relevant and it worked for me. Many thanks.
Gio
Jun 21, 2018 @ 19:48:06
Worked fine!! Thanks :)))!!!
OLGA
Jun 21, 2018 @ 04:14:55
PERFECT,2 IS WORKED FOR ME THANKS A LOT
Phil Hunter
Jun 15, 2018 @ 13:01:33
Solution 2 worked for me. Thanks.
Vinod Kumar
Jun 15, 2018 @ 09:34:07
worked for mee to.. THANKS
Al
Jun 15, 2018 @ 04:37:43
Solution 2 worked perfectly…nice to see there are still people willing to help …instead of wanting to hack or infect…
Jefferson
Jun 12, 2018 @ 01:32:04
Thanks man. Solution two worked…
David DeRolph
Jun 10, 2018 @ 20:45:35
Solution 2 worked for me.
Wiz
Jun 07, 2018 @ 18:13:21
Helpful thanks a lot
ANDY CARR
Jun 06, 2018 @ 17:00:40
CHEERS MATE ALL SEEMS TO BE WELL. NOW UPDATING.
Linda
Jun 02, 2018 @ 05:22:29
Number two worked great. Thank you.
GURPREET SINGH
Jun 07, 2018 @ 06:53:07
thanks working Step 2: Delete or Rename Windows update temporary storage folder.
jon t
Jun 02, 2018 @ 01:20:56
Option #2 worked for me. Thanks!
Clarisa
May 30, 2018 @ 22:09:39
It worked. Oh man. Excited!
Paul C
May 26, 2018 @ 11:14:08
Many thanks!
andrei
May 22, 2018 @ 17:57:20
Solution 2 worked for me on windows 7 64 bit but only with pc restart.
Chenk
Jul 01, 2018 @ 15:34:04
"Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer."
Solution 2:
Windows Update: STOPPED
I Renamed "Software Distribution" to "Software DistributionOLD"
Right Clicked: Windows Update: Clicked START
Clicked on 'Check for Updates.'
– Didn't work
Went to Solution 3.
– Was about to go for the Download in Setp 1 of Solution 3.
– Decided "Not yet"
– I read the posted comments and T.Y. to:
– andrei – MAY 22, 2018 @ 17:57:20
"Solution 2 worked for me on windows 7 64 bit but only with pc restart.
– Also: wondered… What happens with the Renamed Software Distribution file? "I'll give it a try anyway" AFTER I checked the "Settings" on Windows Update. duh!
– Bingo! I changed the settings from (When I choose) Update, to the "Install automatically (Recommended)" THEN went for the PC Restart.
– I closed down all apps & folders to "Restart"
– Voilà !!! Hol-ee Cow! Finally something EASY! THAT WORKED!!
THANK YOU http://WWW.WINTIPS.ORG!!
Arif
May 22, 2018 @ 08:29:10
Thanks……………….
Bernardo
May 18, 2018 @ 16:38:42
4 worked, but I had to find the right version for my machine. Last version from Intel RST not even install.
IT
May 17, 2018 @ 17:31:15
Thank you it worked
Siraj Ahmed
May 16, 2018 @ 09:29:27
Solution 3 Worked with me.
Thanks a lot .
Paco
May 04, 2018 @ 13:07:34
Solution 2 worked for me. Thanks!
Erik
May 16, 2018 @ 10:17:04
Solution 2 is it.
Zaar
May 03, 2018 @ 14:19:19
yuhuu…. option 2 is Work. Thx.
Zaheer Aslam
May 02, 2018 @ 22:28:12
Thank you, the 2nd step worked perfect for me. I left my computer off for around 8 months then this problem happened.
ciecemm
May 02, 2018 @ 14:08:54
Solution 2 work for me . thank you
Caitlin
Apr 25, 2018 @ 06:07:18
Solution 2 worked for me! Thanks.
Gary
Apr 25, 2018 @ 01:10:27
Solution 3 worked. Thank You!
Julio
Apr 23, 2018 @ 01:52:13
Thanks – your solution 2 worked very well!!!
Son Nguyen
Apr 19, 2018 @ 04:46:49
thanks, the 2nd solution works
Nathan
Apr 19, 2018 @ 00:10:22
thank you so much!!!! I wasted hours trying to fix mine and solution 2 did the trick.
Rover
Apr 17, 2018 @ 20:45:14
You Guys are awesome ! Solution 2 worked for me! THANK YOU !
Joe
Apr 15, 2018 @ 20:45:25
Option 2 worked! 😀 Just updated windows first time since November. Thanks appreciate it..
Shani
Apr 15, 2018 @ 19:09:47
You people rock! Solution 2 worked. Thank you so much.
Ahd
Apr 14, 2018 @ 16:34:24
Many Many thanks (2nd option worked)
Brandie
Apr 13, 2018 @ 17:07:22
Thanks for the help! I tried following the instructions from Microsoft, and kept running into snags. No issues with your way!
Sayan
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:36:20
Thanks for your help with this post. Solution 2 worked for me.
Phil Bond
Apr 11, 2018 @ 18:01:37
Thanks for this advice, solution 2 worked for me perfectly!
Michael Glass
Apr 03, 2018 @ 16:43:41
I want to add my thanks–and a little something more tangible–for this. Solution #2 worked for me. I've had update issues for six months and the only solutions I found before this involved changing Registry among other steps. I was hesitant to do that, and finally found your solutions this morning. Basically as simple as renaming a folder. Sheese, so easy and what a relief! Thanks again!
Koketso
Apr 05, 2018 @ 08:26:55
Thanks!!! Solution two worked for me as well.
Liz
Apr 06, 2018 @ 02:12:02
Me, too. Thanks so much! Update is installing now. I hadn't had updates since November 2017. One site said this would entail reinstalling Win7!
Pedro
Apr 05, 2018 @ 23:17:47
Thanks so much
like many others i was unable to get updates but your solution 2 worked for me
jose
Apr 06, 2018 @ 23:14:49
Thanks guys. This really works.
B.Poulsen
Apr 02, 2018 @ 18:05:59
Solution 2 fixed the issue for me. I am so thankful I found this website. Thank you so much for giving your time and effort to help others that don't have your skillset or knowledge on the subject.
Anssi
Mar 30, 2018 @ 16:07:07
Get-Service "windows update" | Stop-Service
Get-Service "bits" | Stop-Service
Start-sleep 5
Rename-Item C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution -NewName SoftwareDistribution_old -Force
Start-Service "windows update"
Start-Service "bits"
wuapp
bliond1
Mar 26, 2018 @ 20:33:40
thanks solution 2 works for me !!!
L Marriott-Smith
Mar 22, 2018 @ 23:19:08
Solution 3 worked great. Steps were much easier to follow than those provided by Microsoft!
duran
Mar 20, 2018 @ 16:59:43
this worked, thanks a lot i couldnt update for the longest time because of this
Nina
Mar 16, 2018 @ 13:04:55
What worked for me was changing the settings to never check for updates then i clicked check for updates and it worked
Christine
Mar 24, 2018 @ 19:39:12
Thanks, that worked and it was the easiest way yet!
Nathan
Mar 25, 2018 @ 06:34:55
This worked for me as well. I changed the settings to "Never check for updates", then manually checked for updates, and finally selected "Install updates automatically."
Farren
Apr 08, 2018 @ 03:30:37
Nina that's brilliant! And so random how/why that worked! You gotta love when simple solutions like that fix windows quirks with no rhyme or reason. Thank you for the time saver!
Adam Q
Mar 14, 2018 @ 16:12:21
Renaming "SoftwareDistribution" folder to "SoftwareDistributionOLD" worked great. Downloading updates right now – thank you!
Darren
Mar 08, 2018 @ 06:28:11
That worked excellent. Thank you for your help
David
Mar 14, 2018 @ 17:20:20
Solution 3:
1. Change settings
2. Choose "do not update"
3. close.
4. Change setings
5. Chose "always update"
6. Close
7. Update
Chiblet
Mar 16, 2018 @ 10:40:22
This is how its done. Perfect.
Trad
Mar 29, 2018 @ 19:00:35
Simple solution. Thanks.
Dave
Mar 07, 2018 @ 02:25:07
Solution 3 Worked for me…
Cam McIntyre
Mar 04, 2018 @ 18:33:41
After a frustrating hour of getting no where on the Microsoft site I decided to to a non Ms site. Fortunately yours was the first I tried and 2 minutes later the problem was solved:) Thank you very much, donated $5.
Major
Mar 01, 2018 @ 12:01:34
Solution #2 worked. Thanks.
Mike
Feb 28, 2018 @ 00:19:35
Cheers for this mate
DevilYouMayKnow
Feb 27, 2018 @ 03:54:22
(I didn't have an error code … just "Red wording" as the picture shows.) Step 2 worked for me. Note: restart is required. Be sure to restart you puter… check to make sure the update in services is on. Try to do your windows update and wait…. wait…. it did and will work. I had my doubts…. if you have tons of updates, it might take you a bit longer before you harvest all the updates.
Win7 Pro
Alicia
Feb 25, 2018 @ 14:02:57
Solution 2 worked for me! Thank you so much :)
Michael
Feb 28, 2018 @ 00:56:05
I wish I had found your solution 2 sooner.
Thank you for giving me back my sanity!
Phil
Apr 01, 2018 @ 13:20:13
Solution 2 worked for me as well.
Many thanks
Phil
Phil
Apr 02, 2018 @ 17:29:55
Worked on my desktop too!
Thomas Roper
Feb 23, 2018 @ 21:49:50
Number 2 was brilliant!
phil
Feb 23, 2018 @ 19:55:33
Thanks for this fix! Have an older Dell running Wndows 7, and renaming the "SoftwareDistribution" file worked for me!
Thanks!
Brent
Feb 21, 2018 @ 22:21:53
Solution 2 did the trick for me also. Thanks.
Liz Holder
Feb 21, 2018 @ 17:34:22
Option 2 did it. Thank you!
MFK
Feb 21, 2018 @ 11:29:58
Awesome! Thank you very much! Option 2 worked like a charm :)
George
Feb 19, 2018 @ 07:18:41
seems to be working let you know soon
Your Name
Feb 13, 2018 @ 19:15:51
Tried #2 and it did not work. But telling it to never update and then checking for updates worked like a charm.
L J
Feb 18, 2018 @ 03:57:43
Amazing. It works for me!
Steve K
Feb 21, 2018 @ 01:34:37
Perfect. Same here for Vista Home — tell it to never check for updates, then manually tell it to check for updates. Thanks!
Case
Feb 21, 2018 @ 02:38:44
YASSSS. Thank you so much!
Adib
Feb 28, 2018 @ 13:45:22
Create a .bat file with this code:
cls
@echo off
@echo This Process will repair windows update services:
@echo Remember to run this file as administrator, Press key to continue…
Pause
cls
@echo Repairing Windows Update Services, registering services…
net stop wuauserv
regsvr32 /s wuapi.dll
regsvr32 /s wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 /s wups.dll
regsvr32 /s wups2.dll
regsvr32 /s wuwebv.dll
regsvr32 /s wucltux.dll
net start wuauserv
@echo Process finished, press key to Exit…
Pause
ETIT
Matthew Yates
Feb 10, 2018 @ 22:12:27
Option #2 worked for me. Thank You :-)
SCH
Feb 04, 2018 @ 23:15:28
Thanks for all of the options…#2 is the one that restored my update capability. Worked perfect.
Bob W.
Jan 31, 2018 @ 07:13:10
You are a wizard! Microsoft's fix didn't work but your #2 fixed it. Thank you!!
D0xt0rz3r0
Jan 31, 2018 @ 16:25:32
Just want to mention that "Step 4: Update the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver" actually made my computer not boot at all. I downloaded the updated drivers at the location that was mentioned in this article and got met with Microsoft Windows 7 always booting into the Startup Repair screen. Luckily I had an image of my machine and just reapplied that image, however that step is dangerous and does not apply to every machine.
Also what eventually worked for me (because my problem was on the image) was simply running a "Disk Cleanup" mode and cleaning everything out including the system files.
That allowed the Windows update utility to work just fine… and probably should be the first step everyone tries.
David Noble
Jan 18, 2018 @ 13:07:56
2nd Solution worked a treat. Loveleh.
jay gould
Jan 24, 2018 @ 14:12:51
I'd been trying to fix this for a while now. Solution #2 worked for me also.
Jessica
Jan 17, 2018 @ 19:01:44
There's a new fix. Change the settings to "Never check for updates (not recommended)". Windows Update might magically let you check, then you can change your settings back.
Abimbola Atinuke Adeoye
Jan 18, 2018 @ 12:05:57
Thanks. This worked perfectly well for me after i had unsuccessfully tried some of the earlier suggestions.
Sam
Jan 29, 2018 @ 03:10:09
This worked for me THANKS
Lewis
Jan 18, 2018 @ 13:30:37
Thank you very much. Worked perfectly.
Craig
Jan 18, 2018 @ 22:26:31
Never check updates, then do a check for updates worked. Thanks
mak99
Jan 20, 2018 @ 23:20:58
Well, I'll be a sonofa…this worked!! Thank you VERY much for posting that. My computer just started having this error just a few days ago and was not having any luck in fixing. Who knew it would be something that simple…
joe
Jan 22, 2018 @ 04:38:21
Good job. Holy shit finally!
Terry
Jan 23, 2018 @ 04:02:17
You are absolutelly right Jessica.
You are the Best
Dale
Jan 24, 2018 @ 00:00:53
Freaky! I'm an old Dad, like an hour into this, looked at 20 videos, all advising the same thing, almost ready to go deep into the tricky solutions … then one last search and Jessica's suggestion pops up. Totally worked! Thank you!
Beth
Jan 24, 2018 @ 18:36:58
Thanks this worked. Paid to fix it and it didn't work some service called Regutilities cancelled it and was refunded right away total scam. Yours is working so far will continue to let you know progress. Thx you thx you
Michael Zeleznik
Jan 24, 2018 @ 22:40:50
THANK YOU! Worked perfectly. Glad I saw this and tried before digging deeper.
Sam Me
Jan 29, 2018 @ 04:02:48
Thanks Jessica – worked great. So simple, compared to many of the other lengthy & complicated options from IT experts, which do not work anyway. This fix should be widely distributed to save lots of wasted time researching & reading other possible solutions – that in the end do not even work. Microsoft especially should publicise it. Many thanks.
Nick
Jan 31, 2018 @ 23:06:07
This worked for me as well!
TwinnyAte
Feb 03, 2018 @ 08:58:06
Woooooow!! Yep!! lmbao!! Who woulda known this would work?^^ I saw all the comments and had to try myself, took less than 1 second. Clicked not check for updates(not recommended) and instantly was able to check for updates. Thank you, but now my old problem is probably back. Actually DOWNLOADING the updates successfully, gotta quick fix for that too!^^ But yeah, this worked, perfectly!! Thanks again!
Naomi
Mar 15, 2018 @ 00:03:21
Thank you Jessica, this worked perfectly for me.
Margaret Lennie
Jan 16, 2018 @ 19:45:34
Thank you. Solution 2 worked. Donation made.
Mike H.
Jan 14, 2018 @ 16:05:16
Solution #2 seemed to work for me as well. Easy. Thank you. Made small contribution to the cause, will bookmark this site for sure.
Crispy Chicken
Jan 11, 2018 @ 20:36:51
Thanks – this seems to have worked for me as well. But, the checking for updates has takes "a very long time".
Mr. Encumbrance
Jan 11, 2018 @ 11:59:13
Solution#2 worked flawlessly. It's as easy as flinging my potato. Thanks wintips.
chiara
Jan 10, 2018 @ 04:49:04
Solution 2 worked, for my PC, Win7 64-bit. I tried Microsoft support first, their suggestions were no help. Thank you! Donation already in your tip box :)
Mike S.
Jan 09, 2018 @ 20:04:37
Worked perfectly. It was quick and easy. Donation made as a 'Thank You' for eliminating aggravation and helping to keep my blood pressure down.
DaveThe$lave
Jan 09, 2018 @ 19:11:12
Solution #2 did the trick – Thanks!
Leslie
Jan 09, 2018 @ 08:09:05
Thanks. Solution 2 Worked for me.
MadahmG
Jan 09, 2018 @ 06:42:53
THANK you
Diana V.
Jan 09, 2018 @ 00:38:31
Solution #2 was the Golden Ticket. Without this information, I would not have been able to resolve on my own. (I made a small donation as I appreciate this service). Thank you very much.
AM
Jan 07, 2018 @ 23:14:26
Solution #2 worked on Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits.
Thank you.
The Storm
Jan 06, 2018 @ 22:13:46
Of course the MS fix was useless. Solution #2 worked like a charm.
Alvin G.
Jan 06, 2018 @ 20:41:05
Thank You. I worked through the solutions. Nothing remedied the issue until I got to Solution 4, which did.
I donated (a little).
Mike Dingold
Jan 06, 2018 @ 02:50:58
Thank you kind person! May you live long, and your troubles few!
Mara
Jan 05, 2018 @ 23:42:56
#2 worked for me. Initially made the mistake of stopping the service through the control panel, then I followed the directions exactly and it worked, quick and easy. I'm so thankful that it's the first time I ever donated to a web site like this.
Herbert Anchovy
Jan 05, 2018 @ 20:27:52
Surprise, surprise – The Microsoft 'resolution' (https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/2730071/-windows-update-cannot-check-for-updates-error-message-when-you-try-to) did not work at all.
Thankfully, Solution 2 worked for me.
David S
Jan 05, 2018 @ 19:37:30
Thank you for this page of help, step 2, so simple why doesnt Microsoft have it available!!. Worked perfectly for me.
I just donated and I never normally do that, thank again. :)
Katie
Jan 05, 2018 @ 10:21:08
Thank you!
Seb
Jan 04, 2018 @ 21:04:04
2nd solution works for me as well. Thx for the support!!
Jinon
Jan 04, 2018 @ 19:54:28
Tried Solution 2 on Windows 7 Pro. Finally! It's searching for updates! THANK YOU.
Jesse
Jan 03, 2018 @ 19:56:53
Works! I just needed to restart the computer between step 3a and 3b.
Judi
Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:53:37
Thank you!
paul
Dec 28, 2017 @ 22:37:23
Good work. . Method 2 worked on Win 7 Home Premium on Dell desktop and note book. Can't buy a thrill ?!! Yes you can. Thanks so much.
Markdale Canada
anoop
Dec 28, 2017 @ 14:31:03
Great its wroking.thank you
Jack
Dec 27, 2017 @ 21:31:44
Thank you. It is updating now after renaming the software update folder.
al
Dec 27, 2017 @ 17:27:03
Found a very simple fix that works for Windows 7.
1- Open the Updates control panel and click Change settings on the left
2- Make a note of the current settings under "Important updates"
3- Change the Important updates setting to "Never check for updates (not recommended)" and click OK at the bottom
4- After the Update control panel reappears, click on Change settings again and return the Important update setting back to whatever it was before.
Verified these steps re-enabled Windows update on 5 different PC's running both 32 & 64 bit Windows 7 without having to do anything else and without losing any of the previous update history.
Phil
Dec 29, 2017 @ 07:40:12
This simple fix worked for me too! Thank you!
Rita
Dec 30, 2017 @ 19:28:19
Worked for me too. Many thanks
Bill
Dec 30, 2017 @ 22:24:17
OMG!!!!!
This fix actually worked on a Dell workstation running Win 7 SP1 after wasting nearly a month reviewing and analyzing numerous questionable, lengthy and complicated fix methods that were either rejected or didn't work.
Thanks a bunch!!!
peter
Dec 30, 2017 @ 23:35:15
fixed it well
attila
Jan 01, 2018 @ 22:49:25
Thanks a lot for that very simple and effective fix! Update history preserved, unlike other earlier method I used three weeks ago on another Windows-7 system.
Rey
Jan 02, 2018 @ 00:23:01
Al's option for Win7 worked for me as well. Great job!!!
Jo
Jan 02, 2018 @ 02:08:03
This simple solution worked for me. Thank you!
Rich
Jan 02, 2018 @ 22:23:23
Worked for me, too. Thanks
Zvi
Jan 05, 2018 @ 00:04:16
Worked like a charm – simple and quick. BUT all the responses in a very few days raise the question of why so many of us ran into the same problem at the same time. Any ideas?
Lisa
Jan 05, 2018 @ 00:56:00
Thanks very much Al, this worked. I'm no computer whizz so very grateful to folk like you who make these things simple for numpties like me!! Happy New Year!
Paul
Jan 05, 2018 @ 12:08:34
Has just worked for me also. Many thanks.
The Hammer
Jan 05, 2018 @ 22:34:03
Good Job Al!
A very simple fix that worked fine.
MAGA with a new president…impeach and lock him up!!!
Bill
Jan 05, 2018 @ 22:39:22
This easy solution worked for me after none of the methods described in the article worked.
Diane
Jan 06, 2018 @ 02:10:56
Bless you for sharing that solution! Simple & it works! thank you so much
SteelyGeoff
Jan 08, 2018 @ 09:20:24
Quite simply thank you guys, particularly al whose solution worked like a charm!
Rose
Jan 12, 2018 @ 05:23:32
Excellent! Brilliant. Works like a charm. Thanks
Terri
Jan 14, 2018 @ 05:40:03
Worked for me too, thank you!
Umberto
Jan 14, 2018 @ 13:39:33
Awesome! that's the best fix as it preserves the history of previous updates, hence simplifies the updating process
Gary
Jan 19, 2018 @ 00:48:34
Worked for me as well Al. I fixed two windows 7 computers in under 5 min. Thank you!
Debbi
Jan 30, 2018 @ 23:15:23
worked for me, thank you so much!!!
abhishek NITTAL
Dec 24, 2017 @ 16:00:25
IT REALLY WORKS!!! THANKS A LOT
Matt
Dec 23, 2017 @ 22:18:24
Worked like a charm!!
Janusz
Dec 22, 2017 @ 22:55:26
I tried running the WindowsUpdateDiagnostic tool which did not work. I then tried the following which did get Windows Update working for Win7
Select "Control Panel"
Select "Administrative tool"
Select "System Configuration"
Select (administrative) "Tools"
Select option "Windows Troubleshooting"
Under System and Security select > "Fix problems with Windows Update"
Will fix problem and after seconds will show "Updates available"
Johan
Jan 09, 2018 @ 17:50:26
This worked for my PC on Win7. Thank you Janusz!
Mohammed
Dec 22, 2017 @ 01:25:10
Solution 2 worked a treat. Thank you
Matt
Dec 21, 2017 @ 01:41:09
I've recently had to use the second (manual) solution on two Windows 7 Pro 32-bit systems.
Forcing it to create a new SoftwareDistribution folder gets it back on track. Many thanks!
jawad
Dec 20, 2017 @ 20:59:57
solution 2 is working but you are going to loose all the window update history. This is good for people who are using window at home. But if you are going to try this method at any professional environment then its mean you have to download all the updates from the first day of your window installation. I don't recommend this method for professional environment.
lakonst
Dec 21, 2017 @ 09:50:25
@jawad: It's not true. You only miss the update history log for the installed updates.
TechBasix
Dec 20, 2017 @ 20:13:03
Solution 2 worked for me. THANX!
Tony Coy
Dec 19, 2017 @ 20:15:14
Microsoft were no help whatsoever, I'm so pleased I stumbled on your site.
Solution 1 worked straight away. A small donation on it's way.
Thank you.
Yash
Dec 19, 2017 @ 13:07:25
Thanks so much for your solution. I especially liked your recommendation for the renaming instead of deleting.
The second solution helped instantly.
Nina
Dec 17, 2017 @ 21:51:01
Second solution worked!! Thanks!!
12/17/17
david
Dec 16, 2017 @ 01:53:35
solution 2 worked, but can i now delete the SoftwareDistributionOLD folder?
lakonst
Dec 16, 2017 @ 09:46:34
@david: Yes, you can.
MikeD
Dec 15, 2017 @ 21:52:22
#2, Fixed, Thanks! Why cant microsoft make this kind of stuff self-healing?
jay
Dec 14, 2017 @ 20:07:32
Solution #2 worked for me. Windows 7. Thank you.
Justin
Dec 14, 2017 @ 18:29:50
The link in Solution 1 actually works, even though the Microsoft Fix It utility is gone. Microsoft walks you through a few simple troubleshooting steps and then lets you download the Windows Update troubleshooter program (http://aka.ms/diag_wu). Further steps continue to troubleshoot the issue if the Windows Update troubleshooter program doesn't fix it.
Alex Mason
Dec 13, 2017 @ 19:49:09
Lord God Windows sucks ass. Too bad I have to use it. The folder deletion worked.
NetSurf
Dec 13, 2017 @ 18:58:25
Solution #4 worked for me. Tried all the others on this site and others and was down to considering a rebuild, but the Intel RTS install (downloaded from site rts site posted in article).
Thanks…Awesome!
john
Dec 13, 2017 @ 18:15:45
Much appreciated. Solution 2 is working for me.
Jan
Dec 13, 2017 @ 06:26:01
Solution 2 worked a treat. Hope the small donation helps. Efcharistó !!
Guy
Dec 12, 2017 @ 19:44:00
Awsome so far, worked! Will see if I get an update ever again though!
Jay V
Dec 11, 2017 @ 01:45:59
Solution 3 worked for me!!! I have been trying to fix this for almost 24 hours. ::golf clap::
Michael
Dec 10, 2017 @ 13:03:10
After struggling for five frustrating hours I found your site and Solution 2 worked first time.
Thank you so much.
David
Dec 09, 2017 @ 16:01:52
Many thanks for this very helpful information.
Solution 2 fixed it for me.
To determine if your 'temporary storage folder' is corrupt select "View update history" and if nothing appears then your 'temporary storage folder' needs to be deleted / renamed.
Janet
Dec 09, 2017 @ 06:37:21
Thanks! Solution 3 worked for me.
D
Dec 09, 2017 @ 03:21:51
Option #2 worked flawlessly. Very well explained and documented steps you have provided. Well done, and thank you.
zeeshan
Dec 08, 2017 @ 11:25:12
thank you step 2 worked for me perfectly. I deleted the folder instead of rename and it worked fine showed new updates and downloading
makarand pandarkar
Dec 08, 2017 @ 10:23:07
thanks..
step 2 worked..
god bless you..
Zdenko
Dec 07, 2017 @ 01:15:04
Second solution works fine , thank you very much sir
Dave
Dec 06, 2017 @ 23:24:57
Thanks Solution 2 was the one that fixed it for me and was the easier of the 4 to do
Harry
Dec 05, 2017 @ 21:39:28
Thank you. Used solution 2. worked in minutes.
Dick Monti
Dec 05, 2017 @ 11:13:41
Solution 2 worked for me – just repaired 7 PCs. Thanks very much.
Stefan
Dec 05, 2017 @ 09:38:39
Thank You very much! Solution 2 WORKS!
Nomeca
Dec 05, 2017 @ 02:31:31
So far, so good. Solved my problem using #2. Utterly grateful for the directions. Have a Happy Holiday!
david lewis
Dec 04, 2017 @ 23:48:04
Thanks, it appears to be working (solution 2).
Too bad Microsoft can't write decent software
Martin
Dec 04, 2017 @ 23:01:05
It worked! Huge thanks.
mrdrums
Dec 04, 2017 @ 09:13:58
wow thanks man numder 2 worked perfectly for me montreal canada
Skyrider
Nov 29, 2017 @ 11:22:09
2nd solution works like charm
puneet
Nov 18, 2017 @ 07:06:58
Thnakyou so much
puneet
Nov 18, 2017 @ 07:07:44
second solution is good
Jason_PL
Nov 15, 2017 @ 19:59:13
Hi – I tried all solutions listed… TWICE. None of them worked… step 4 results in a message stating that my device doesn't meet compatibility requirements, yet I'm running an HP with Windows 7 Pro as the administrator…. Any other suggestions?
lakonst
Nov 16, 2017 @ 13:36:32
@Jason_PL: Try the methods mentioned in this guide: https://www.wintips.org/how-to-fix-windows-update-problems-in-windows-10-8-7/
Anshuman
Oct 17, 2017 @ 20:31:19
Really thank u the second solution worked for me and please also provide solution on how to install Microsoft net framework 4.5
Jimmy D
Oct 10, 2017 @ 16:28:00
Thing after thing i tried before this and all were a waste of time,,, but this did it . This fixed update problems like a champ and easily. thanks
aydin
Oct 01, 2017 @ 18:21:24
hi i am from iran
thamk you …second way help me
Tuan To
Aug 20, 2017 @ 08:08:37
The 2nd solution works for me too
Thanks alot.
Moty
Aug 05, 2017 @ 01:46:38
1st solution dosnt have the FixIt but
the 2nd on WORKS like charm.
10x & cu
sunildsharma71@gmail.com
Aug 04, 2017 @ 16:26:37
first. u should stop "services" from msconfig in start menu and then try to rename "SoftwareDistributionOld"
otherwise ur file will not allow u to rename or delete "SoftwareDistribution" folder file
Andy Louis
Jul 26, 2017 @ 03:12:07
2nd solution it works for me, many thanks
abhijeet avhad
Jul 20, 2017 @ 19:09:17
i cannot find windows update in services.msc , please help me
lakonst
Jul 21, 2017 @ 09:43:45
@abhijeet avhad: Follow the instructions on this tutorial: https://www.wintips.org/fix-windows-update-service-bits-service-missing/
Andrew
Jul 10, 2017 @ 10:18:29
Thanks. Worked for me.
Tea
Jun 18, 2017 @ 05:18:54
I want to try solution 2, but when I go to services the windows update is not there. its ordered alphabetically, and goes from windows time to winHTTP Web Proxy Auto
I have a windows Vista 64 bit, any suggestions?
I'm unable to turn on network discovery also or turn off the windows firewall. I get the service is not installed error. I have already went to enabled started automatic all of the recommended services. I'm almost lost all hope.
lakonst
Jun 18, 2017 @ 08:51:01
@Tea: Download and import to your registry this reg file: wuauserv.reg
O'na
Jun 16, 2017 @ 09:43:21
Solution 2 did the trick for me!
Many thanks.
John
Jun 14, 2017 @ 04:59:49
SOLUTION 4 WORKED!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
Ganesh
Jun 13, 2017 @ 17:45:48
thanks, Solution 4 worked for me
Mario
Jun 06, 2017 @ 01:25:05
Solution 2 fixed it first try, many thanks
Halim
Jun 01, 2017 @ 22:25:04
thanks it works !!!!
skt_singh
May 15, 2017 @ 10:17:12
Hey, following Step 2, i couldnot find "WIndows Update" in services.msc
lakonst
May 15, 2017 @ 13:55:50
@skt_singh: Follow the steps in this tutorial: https://www.wintips.org/fix-windows-update-service-bits-service-missing/
James
Apr 26, 2017 @ 20:58:15
Thank you! Easy to follow and it works!
nmplayer1
Apr 21, 2017 @ 03:31:03
THanks a lot
Solution 2 Worked with no problem
Pura Moca
Apr 20, 2017 @ 12:19:41
Thank You, succeeded with solution 2!
Best Regards
Peaceandlove
Apr 15, 2017 @ 06:15:21
My error is
"Windows cannot update important files and services while the system is using them. Save any Open files and restart computer, and then try to check for new updates"
lakonst
Apr 15, 2017 @ 09:31:28
@Peaceandlove: 1. Ensure that Year/Date/Time settings are current 2. Install Internet Explorer 11 3. Install the KB3102810 security update 4. Try to update your computer.
If the update fails again, then see if the Windows Update Troubleshooter can fix the problem >
Peaceandlove
Apr 15, 2017 @ 06:11:49
When i try to use solution 2, after stopiing and renaming the folder once i start the windows update it creates a new folder SofwareDistribution and again gave me same errror? even i do restart or what ever i got the same errror again
Knut
Apr 13, 2017 @ 17:43:37
Well, my problem was the clock, bad time/date… it seem windows update has a problem when your pc's clock is off. Used solution #2 before I realized the problem so did it again after setting time/date, now it works. Would advise check clock first.
Vinod
Apr 01, 2017 @ 19:52:22
Thanks Solution 2 worked for me
fuckerfapper
Mar 10, 2017 @ 13:34:24
Thanks! Nailed it!
Sereue
Mar 09, 2017 @ 18:06:03
Solution #2 is a lifesaver. It helped me revive my old tower!
George Michael
Mar 03, 2017 @ 17:49:06
Best Solution ever!
Click Start
Type: cmd
Right click on cmd in start menu and select 'Run as Administrator'
Type: net stop wuauserv
Hit Enter
Type: ren c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old
Hit Enter
Type: net start wuauserv
Hit Enter
Type: exit
Hit Enter
Attempt to download updates
Medhansh
Mar 01, 2017 @ 07:20:36
ThankYou For Helping Me Out
Anne
Feb 28, 2017 @ 21:00:21
Thank you. Solution 2 worked for me.
ns
Feb 24, 2017 @ 23:03:29
thanx alot….so much thank u
method 2 works good
Tim Durian
Feb 18, 2017 @ 09:07:27
Thanks! Solution 2 worked for me.
stevieWONDER
Feb 12, 2017 @ 14:17:57
FIX IT DOES NOT EXIST AT LINK GIVIN' IN SOLUTION 1….sry for caps
lakonst
Feb 13, 2017 @ 11:01:14
@stevieWONDER: Microsoft has removed the FIxIt utility. Please continue to solution 2
mike
Jan 31, 2017 @ 01:25:28
Hello,
Long story cut short, but my updates were not working at all.
Solution 4, intel IRRT Driver, worked fine after everything else would not.
It is possible that my updates were not working since I shoe horned a larger HDD in the PC.
Thanks.
gino
Jan 30, 2017 @ 23:42:07
Needed to do Option #3, but that worked perfectly!
Iyke
Jan 24, 2017 @ 11:56:05
Step 2 worked just fine. Thanks. Thumps up!
AP
Jan 18, 2017 @ 22:43:48
I used solution 2 and it worked like a charm. Thanks so much.
tious
Jan 16, 2017 @ 11:46:00
woow..solution 2 real worked!!
much thanx
Lekan Bamigbade
Jan 12, 2017 @ 14:40:11
Thanks a lot solution 2 worked
Patrick
Jan 11, 2017 @ 20:38:04
Thanks a lot guy! On first solution cannot resolve, but the second fix the error fast!
Thankss!
Beko
Jan 09, 2017 @ 20:40:40
many thanx i tried solution 2 and it's worked
thanx again
jerry
Dec 27, 2016 @ 08:56:27
@lakonst: I have tried all the solutions in the tutorials but none worked on my PC. Any further help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
jerry
Dec 17, 2016 @ 19:13:36
I tried all the three solutions but none worked for my HP pavilion g6 notebook. I noticed that there is no "windows update" listed when i carried out the step 1 of solution 2 by opening the services(local) window. 'windows time' is listed followed by 'WinHTTP web proxy auto-discovery service'.
Someone should please help out.
lakonst
Dec 18, 2016 @ 10:00:19
@jerry: Try the steps in this tutorial: Fix: Windows Update Service or BITS Service is Missing from Windows Services.
redesh
Dec 17, 2016 @ 17:44:04
thank you. Solved
Nabeel
Dec 16, 2016 @ 08:50:44
Solution 5 works properly
Rajsekhar chukka
Dec 15, 2016 @ 07:30:10
thank u bubs…second solution worked for me…..Great work dude…..
j
Dec 10, 2016 @ 23:39:56
I went through them in order and tried them all twice. Solution 4 was the one that worked for me!
Thanks very much,
j.
Gwati
Dec 07, 2016 @ 07:45:03
That worked like a charm Go for solution 2
Jerry
Dec 05, 2016 @ 01:54:01
Solution 2 worked like a charm thanks so much
Faisal Nawaz
Dec 03, 2016 @ 08:29:51
Thanks man.2nd solution work for me
thanks for help
Alok
Nov 30, 2016 @ 11:59:44
Very Very Thanks.
solution 2 helped me.
Really very good solution.
ayomide
Nov 11, 2016 @ 17:59:47
this article was very useful……it did the trick
Lou_B
Nov 08, 2016 @ 22:42:17
I kept getting WINDOWS CAN'T CHECK FOR UPDATES when my Vista started or resumed. I noticed the "Most recent check" date (9/12/16) was behind the "Updates were installed on" date (11/2/16) in the Windows Update Control Panel window. I must have shut down Vista before the updates had a chance to fully complete the process. My bad. I have used Step 2 above. Both dates reset to NEVER. It is now going through a very l-o-n-g process of checking the updates already installed on my Vista against the Windows download site. It is also rebuilding the "SoftwareDistribution" folder.
If you noticed #5 in Step 3, it said to check for updates then "Leave your computer about an hour to find Updates." I will check back in a couple of hours. If it seems stuck on "Checking for updates" — I will do a System Restore to go back to before my last update (11/2/16). Hopefully that will do the trick. But for now I'm waiting to give Step 2 a chance to finish. LOL, in an age of instant everything, patience is truly a virtue.
B
Nov 01, 2016 @ 19:15:12
SOLUTION 4
DID IT FOR ME TNXXXXXX
subbarao piduri
Nov 01, 2016 @ 05:30:24
its worked effectively thank you very much for your solution 2nd solution
Amy
Oct 21, 2016 @ 17:23:19
Thank you so much solution 2 worked perfectly.
Mike
Oct 09, 2016 @ 04:49:27
I tried Step 2, but there was no Windows update in that folder. It just was not on the list. Help!!
lakonst
Oct 09, 2016 @ 09:29:47
@Mike: Please read more carefully before comment…The name of the folder is "SoftwareDistribution"
Herman
Oct 06, 2016 @ 20:00:26
You are tha man !! Many thanks
Max
Oct 02, 2016 @ 01:50:12
Solution 3 worked like a champ. THANKS a million!
Yuran
Sep 28, 2016 @ 10:22:43
Thanks, solution 2 worked perfectly
Pinoy
Sep 23, 2016 @ 11:16:44
Solution 2 was a great solution.
Peter
Sep 21, 2016 @ 21:52:59
Solution 2 was really perfect for me.
Sahil Jagotra
Sep 21, 2016 @ 19:38:31
Solution 2 worked fine. It showed error again but after about 1 minute, it started updating automatically. Thank you very much.
Carter
Sep 09, 2016 @ 09:47:13
Tried Solution 2 but Windows update is not listed in my list of services. Any ideas?
lakonst
Sep 09, 2016 @ 17:14:59
@Carter: Try the solutions from here: https://www.wintips.org/fix-windows-update-service-bits-service-missing/
TONY
Sep 06, 2016 @ 03:13:34
WOOOOW THANKS SO MUCH SOLUTION 2 WORKED FOR ME PERFECTLY,
YOU ARE AWESOME
F. Barbour
Aug 30, 2016 @ 01:17:50
I have been searching for days for a solution after Windows Fixit didn't work. Your solution 2 worked like magic! !l Thank you so very much!
Steve
Aug 21, 2016 @ 12:00:08
Awesome fix and directions! Option #2 solved my intransigent problem with Windows Update!!
Many thanks.
XavDeb
Jul 27, 2016 @ 17:30:48
Whaou !
Thank you so much
XavDeb
Jul 27, 2016 @ 17:31:09
Solution 2 was the good one
BJ
Jul 08, 2016 @ 01:30:35
Solution 2 Thumbs Up!
shobhit
Jul 05, 2016 @ 12:52:32
Thank You,
Thank you so much for this post. Solution 2 worked for me.
rexwhyte
Jul 02, 2016 @ 11:43:06
solution 2 just fixed it correctly thanks alot
martin Cueto
Jun 29, 2016 @ 10:14:37
Gracias amigoooo!!!
Andrejs Soboļevs
Jun 25, 2016 @ 14:21:36
Solution 2 helped me. Thanks a lot for a very cool post.
Greg
Jun 24, 2016 @ 02:58:10
After Step 3 my PC started picking up the updates.
Should I still follow Step 4 – install Intel RSTS Driver? My PC manufacturer (DELL) does not have the driver available for my PC (Dimension E510). Should I just install version available from Intel?
lakonst
Jun 24, 2016 @ 07:51:59
@Greg: If your problem was solved, you 're ok.
Sweepkins
Jun 22, 2016 @ 00:29:13
1st & 2nd Didn't work for me :-( not tried the 3rd.
shravan
Jun 18, 2016 @ 18:11:55
Worked, Thanks very use full
David
Jun 18, 2016 @ 01:53:04
You're a life saver!
I have been installing Windows for friends and own PC/Notebook for years and didn't encounter such problem until my latest notebook. Tried MS's FixIt, WindowsUpdateDiagnostic, etc. but nothing worked until I read this posting.
Step#2 worked!
Thank You.
Hotshot
May 27, 2016 @ 15:45:58
Great ! Solution #3 worked for me. Thanks a lot.
math
May 23, 2016 @ 21:18:18
second fix worked for me, much appreciated
Jeremy
May 20, 2016 @ 13:43:12
Windows fix was useless. Your Solution 2 did the job. Why don't Microsoft know this?
Thanks a lot.
Tracey Gould
May 15, 2016 @ 04:24:34
I tried every single one of these, and have been trying to fix this problem for too many hours. Then I googled the error code instead of the error message and 2 minutes later my windows were updating. Check out this link http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/287435-re-installed-windows-7-windows-update-will-not-work-properly.html
I have to go restart now, after the update. Hope this saves others some time.
minaz
May 13, 2016 @ 03:58:27
thx worked like a charm #2
Rylene
May 06, 2016 @ 09:00:50
Thank you. I'm glad I bumped into your website. The steps you provided fixed the Windows update error which I have been trying to fix for several months in a matter of minutes. Kudos
Dan
May 01, 2016 @ 04:53:51
Had to reinstall Win7U from a system image dated three years ago, got to the point of checking Windows Update, got the dreaded "service is not running", tried several fixes offered by Microsoft itself to no avail, and then learned to delete the Software Distribution Folder here, and after hours of frustration, success. Sad Microsoft is so useless, but glad google found your site!
Carlos
Apr 29, 2016 @ 19:14:01
Gracias!!!!!
Con la Solution 3 me han salido las actualizaciones.
agus
Apr 27, 2016 @ 13:50:31
It work , Thanks so much
Mufid
Apr 20, 2016 @ 16:35:10
Dear admin,
many thanks.
Problem solved after using your advice.
J
Apr 17, 2016 @ 22:31:37
I tried solution 2 and it didn't work, but then tried solution 3 and that one did. Thanks!
Dilshad
Apr 17, 2016 @ 16:11:34
Thanks sir. It Worked. I appreciate your effort
Miled Rizk
Apr 11, 2016 @ 17:06:52
thanks! the second solution worked!
Ayman Alansary
Apr 08, 2016 @ 18:03:28
Thanks, solution 3 worked well. You really helped me a lot.
mohamed
Apr 05, 2016 @ 22:54:32
thanks for your help
shamzi
Mar 29, 2016 @ 07:20:25
Hello gent,
i have tried second solution its worked for me. :) thank you so much.
eisa pk
Mar 20, 2016 @ 05:05:06
i can't install intel turbo boost technology on my hp laptop it has processor core i 7 720qm quad core 1.6 mhz the laptop version is dv7-3085dx please help me
lakonst
Mar 20, 2016 @ 10:32:32
@eisa pk: Your CPU doesn't have an integrated video adapter, so you don't need the driver. (source: http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/the-device-quot-Intel-R-turbo-boost-technology-driver-quot/td-p/1341705)
eisa pk
Mar 20, 2016 @ 15:03:14
you mean that the turbo boost feature works without driver in my cpu
S Ramachandran
Mar 04, 2016 @ 05:23:10
Dear Sirs,
Thanks a lot. Solution 2 worked for me. I am not an expert in computer and was afraid of dealing with program files. But your instructions were precise and I could execute the steps without any problem.
Thank you once again.
Best regards / SR
demangparfa
Mar 01, 2016 @ 02:15:03
Hello, I tried Solution 2, after I typed: services.msc and press Enter. I could not find "Windows Update service". What should I do ?
Thank you
lakonst
Mar 01, 2016 @ 10:11:35
@demangparfa: Try the solutions provided at this tutorial.
sushil zingare
Feb 26, 2016 @ 23:08:30
Solution 2 works for me…I am very happy now. THANKS
Carl
Feb 16, 2016 @ 02:01:46
Thank you so much dofor your help
Jishnu
Feb 05, 2016 @ 18:10:39
Thanks a lot.. solution 2 worked
Alceu
Feb 03, 2016 @ 03:12:50
Solution#2 has fixed my problem.
Thanks a lot!
Bruce Wayne
Feb 03, 2016 @ 01:13:50
Step 2 was AWESOME :)
Have been searching for the CORRECT and WORKING SOLUTION on how to get my Windows Update working for 1 straight week…
Problem was solved today (February 03, 2016 3:12AM GMT)using Step No. 2
A perfect gift for my Birthday :)
Thank You so Much =D
PS: Please create a Facebook page so we can connect to you faster :)
Victor Meyer
Jan 21, 2016 @ 02:46:32
Solution 2 works for Vista but follow the steps carefully and in order ;)
Carol
Jan 19, 2016 @ 21:08:36
Thank you!!!
Carol
Jan 19, 2016 @ 21:07:53
Step 2 worked like a charm. It also fixed other issues with certain programs that weren't opening.
Rina
Jan 04, 2016 @ 12:48:28
Thanks so much! It worked like a magic!
Heather
Jan 03, 2016 @ 00:02:29
Thank you! #2 did it after trying many other fixes.
Tony
Dec 27, 2015 @ 00:21:45
Hey men your amazing. Step 3 worked for me. I thought I'm done for. Thanks.
gerald
Dec 20, 2015 @ 13:55:51
Hi
thanks aolt…sln 2 worked perfect
Majika
Dec 18, 2015 @ 17:44:41
Thanks a lot! Solution # 2 works like a charm!
Ben McCarthy
Dec 04, 2015 @ 20:50:04
Other forums where saying to reload windows, solution 2 nailed it in seconds, THANKS!
Dan
Dec 04, 2015 @ 10:23:31
For those who have tried everything and failed, try downloading .Net Framework 4.5, worked for me finally…
Aadil
Oct 27, 2015 @ 20:43:52
Thanks a lot. solution 2 worked for me
Ndosi
Oct 19, 2015 @ 16:39:04
Waooo…..It's really working. I'm unspeakably happy for I have been looking for solution for days without getting help. If offering you my girlfriend would make you happier and smarter, I would have done so!!!
Thanks.
Ralnavman
Oct 18, 2015 @ 13:40:12
Solution 2 worked for me on a quite old unused netbook running Windows 7. Just a suggestion though, if it hasn't been updated for sometime such as mine, doublle click the working network adapter so that you can observe the data being sent/received as being an indication that it is working. I did it on mine as I didn't have any other indication……ended up with 178 updates!!!
Dave
Oct 16, 2015 @ 11:34:44
Thank you very much for the information.
I started with step 2, It took around 4 minutes for windows update to be working.
Currently downloading, "18 important updates".
Win 7 64bit
Andrius
Oct 14, 2015 @ 14:08:00
Thanks a lot. this worked for me
Utkarsh
Sep 18, 2015 @ 21:09:31
Thank you.
Step 2 worked for me on my Win 7 64 bit.
Rebecca
Sep 17, 2015 @ 17:37:01
Thanks a lot. this worked for me
johnny
Sep 17, 2015 @ 03:39:19
thanks solution 2 works
Invisitr0n
Sep 15, 2015 @ 10:36:51
I had this same issue, but my services were running, and restarting services did not help. My issue was windows firewall was disabled, enabling it let me search for updates. Win 7 ultimate x64.
sukey
Sep 11, 2015 @ 02:50:32
Solution 2 worked like a charm. Thanks!!!
mohamad
Sep 05, 2015 @ 15:59:21
thanxs, it worked.. :)
Admin
Sep 03, 2015 @ 23:05:28
Solution 2 fixed it….Thank you.
Paul
Aug 30, 2015 @ 04:38:04
Solution 2 was the winner. Thanks, the help was much appreciated.
kesiena
Aug 29, 2015 @ 14:30:46
worked….really appreciate
Alex
Aug 24, 2015 @ 17:29:24
Excellent, the second manual version worked for me! Thank you!
Anna
Aug 22, 2015 @ 09:17:27
Thanks! Solution 2 worked for me!
Bill
Aug 19, 2015 @ 03:31:00
Solution#1 failed but solution#2 fixed it and was very easy.
Thanks!
Norris
Aug 14, 2015 @ 12:16:15
Thanks a mil, solution 2 really helped.
rna
Aug 09, 2015 @ 23:59:46
solution 2 worked thanks
Alhan
Aug 01, 2015 @ 09:02:06
I dont have windows update on my services
lakonst
Aug 01, 2015 @ 09:07:20
@Alhan: Follow the instruction on this guide: Windows Update Service or BITS Service is Missing from Windows Services
Paul
Jul 31, 2015 @ 12:34:48
Well, Hallelujah!!!! Having struggled with this for months I followed your steps. Had to go all the way to step 3 but it worked!! Thank you so much.
varun advani
Jul 31, 2015 @ 08:21:33
thanks alot really = ) done in like a minute people like you are really respected in our hearts
Mr Eyesopen
Jul 29, 2015 @ 12:11:53
Step 2 was causing the issue. Many thanks for your help.
Rob
Jul 29, 2015 @ 09:50:13
Thanks a lot!!! Microsoft Fix-it didn't help, but your solution 2 did resolve the problem : )
Christopher Assun
Jul 27, 2015 @ 17:16:11
Worked!… thanks.., You Gud!
bina
Jul 24, 2015 @ 11:16:53
thanks a lot it worked !!
Mike
Jul 24, 2015 @ 06:46:00
Updates working now, don't know if it was just the Intel Rapid Storage Technology that was disabled which was stopping the Windows update from not working. Followed all the steps.
Champak lal
Jul 23, 2015 @ 15:35:46
Thanks Beedu……….!
doug
Jul 23, 2015 @ 02:29:07
Thanks!!! That finally did it :-)
mick_600
Jul 16, 2015 @ 12:10:10
I found method 1 on microsoft which typically didn't work.
Your method 2 sorted things out a dream. Very helpful thankyou!
Blake
Jul 10, 2015 @ 05:44:20
hi lakonst2012,
your tips worked, I'm back in business! I even got Defender to run as well.
Thanks so much!
souvik
Jul 04, 2015 @ 06:32:53
thanks a lot bro
Val
Jul 01, 2015 @ 14:49:15
Solution 2 worked as magic for me. Thanks!
Nick
Jun 28, 2015 @ 19:05:34
Worked, manual instructions worked like a treat, i suppose this has something to do with the file windows update uses being corrupt or it cant find it, fixed now, thanks very much!
Nguyen Huu Phi
Jun 28, 2015 @ 03:28:33
Thank you.
Gary
Jun 17, 2015 @ 09:04:18
Solution #2 worked for me. It prompted the updater to update itself (or whatever). Thanks!
Danny
Jun 14, 2015 @ 11:28:14
None of them worked… 0 of 3…
Rita
Jun 04, 2015 @ 14:50:27
Thank you very much! Solution 2 worked for me!
Andy
May 29, 2015 @ 15:35:15
Solution#2 has fixed my problem.
Thanks a lot!
wing
May 27, 2015 @ 01:31:21
i tried the first solution -failed
i tried 2nd solution – failed
and this computer is a server. any other methods i can try? many thanks
lakonst
May 27, 2015 @ 11:24:14
@wing: Can you give me the error number displayed?
Huni
May 14, 2015 @ 12:09:18
I had this problem this problem for a very long time. Stumbling upon your post is a miracle. Solution 2 worked for me. Thank you so much for this!
Stephen
May 14, 2015 @ 00:46:36
Windows Update does not appear in the Services. Now what??
lakonst
May 14, 2015 @ 09:18:14
@Stephen: Run this FixIt tools from MS.
1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/gp/windows-update-issues/en-us
2. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/971058
Pingu
May 13, 2015 @ 13:12:52
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I tried the first solution but it didnt work for me, tried the second and it worked perfectly…Thanks again
Bhavya
May 12, 2015 @ 16:44:58
Solution 2 worked for me. Thanks!
Mak
May 11, 2015 @ 11:29:28
Hi wintips,
Solution 1 does not work. Solution 2 works for me. I am happy and I had donated small token to you. Thanks for the help :)
jeca
May 04, 2015 @ 10:17:08
thank you so much!!!
KOPEC
Apr 29, 2015 @ 22:49:30
Thanks a lot..it worked perfectly.
senthil
Apr 21, 2015 @ 08:24:03
Thank you somuch.
working well :)
Noor
Apr 10, 2015 @ 20:32:17
Worked perfectly fine with the second solution,,, thank you very much bro,,
Lee
Apr 09, 2015 @ 11:13:01
by the gods it worked! thank you from the tropical island of the Philippines!
Inge
Mar 28, 2015 @ 22:12:20
Thank you very much, windows own fix couldnt fix this but your help did, thank you! (Solution 2)
Tried to fix this many times without luck but now its working! yihaa!! :D
Uzair
Mar 27, 2015 @ 13:53:44
Solution 2 Works For me Thanks :)
Dave
Mar 25, 2015 @ 20:05:12
Works! Thanks!
JMA
Mar 25, 2015 @ 03:03:35
Thank you so much!!
its work perfectly..
:)
Jon
Mar 23, 2015 @ 19:36:03
Thankyou so much! I have no idea why Intel Rapid Storage management has anything to do with windows file systems, but updated it and it worked. Thanks again!
Rahab
Mar 14, 2015 @ 19:41:51
Yes SoftwareDistribution is a folder and i guess it was not there for me to delete.
I finally made it work after I used the troupeshooter to identify my error number which was 0x80070005. Its using the SubInACL tool to create and use a reset cmd. Here is the link:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/968003
Thank you so much for your prompt responses, lakonst and that your post pointed out the folder that I was missing and after I deleted it worked just fine. I could not find it though because I updated my ssd HD from 500GB to 1TB. I installed windows 7 on it from my back up DVDs and intell rapid storage drive. Still that was not enough to make widows update work.
Thank you again
Rahab
Mar 14, 2015 @ 03:25:21
Oh yes, I did. I also had ran all the diagnoses and fixes that windows caries and still looking for a solution. Great if you have a solution for this. Please let me know if I can provide any detail about the hard SSD HD and or my system.
Rahab
Mar 14, 2015 @ 06:15:44
And no existence of SoftwareDistribution file.
lakonst
Mar 14, 2015 @ 11:04:14
@Rahab: SoftwareDistribution is a folder (not a file). And is created when Windows Update checks for Updates…
Please try the steps described here.
If the problems persists, provide me details about your hardware (notebook model & ssd model).
Rahab
Mar 13, 2015 @ 09:14:28
I have used all the above steps, did not work and still giving me the same answer of:
"windows update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. you may need to restart your computer."
I have updated my HD to double the storage and higher speed for windows 7 (64 bit) and performed a windows 7 installation from my back up DVDs. the computer is working just fine and the system of my notebook wont install or download any update so far.
Thanks in advance.
lakonst
Mar 13, 2015 @ 18:21:27
@Rahab: You have installed the latest driver of Intel Rapid Storage?
Jodie
Mar 12, 2015 @ 10:42:34
That is crazy! Solutions 2 – easy peasy. Amazing how this stuff works sometimes!! Thank you so much!
Caleb
Mar 11, 2015 @ 22:18:23
Thank you!!!! I have been searching forever and method 2 did the trick!!! Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder worked like magic.
Thank you thank you!
tuan dung
Mar 07, 2015 @ 13:20:56
it work perfectly
Tomas
Mar 03, 2015 @ 12:33:05
Hallo, I have Win Vista Pro SP2. I was try to both solution, but the updates doesn´t work and there are the same error. The service wuauserv is runing, the directory SoftwareDistribution is clean (only initial files and directories). Have you any idea?
lakonst
Mar 03, 2015 @ 17:06:17
@Tomas: Unfortunately no…any specific error?
Tomas
Mar 04, 2015 @ 10:25:28
Hallo, this is the answer. It is litle bit strange, but it does work!
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_update/error-code-0xc8000247-cant-install-updates/198166df-9549-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5
aldave gonzales
Feb 24, 2015 @ 04:15:30
Very helpful a golden thank you….
Ed in Canada
Feb 22, 2015 @ 16:36:24
Thank you! Worked like a charm. So simple too. I used the manual method and did a reboot before trying again.
nelson kassena
Feb 19, 2015 @ 19:57:44
thanks allot it works for me god blessing u so much for help us
Tim
Feb 18, 2015 @ 19:52:41
This method just worked for my Windows Vista! Thank you very much!
Wessley
Feb 18, 2015 @ 07:46:20
Cheers for the info, solution two worked for me, i had to click the blue words check for updates option rather than the big check for updates button in the box afterwards to check for updates as the big button displayed the same message for me, of not being able to check for updates…if that made any sense, thanks.
Sunny
Feb 14, 2015 @ 21:22:07
Thanks a lot.It worked :)
Garrycas
Feb 14, 2015 @ 09:07:52
Thank you VERY MUCH!
EntryLevelNinja
Feb 10, 2015 @ 13:25:05
Hey man! Thanks for the hack. Solution 2 worked! I'm so grateful to you :)
Nezz
Feb 08, 2015 @ 21:20:57
Solution 2 worked perfectly! Thank you :-)
dheemanthank
Feb 08, 2015 @ 17:10:43
Thank you so much. Looking at the comments i tried the 2nd solution. flawless !!!
Vijayendra
Feb 02, 2015 @ 07:14:47
Solution 2 Works
Thanks a ton !
Susan
Feb 02, 2015 @ 15:16:31
I have followed solution 2. I am now getting an error when selecting Check Updates 'Windows could not search for new updates' Code 80072F78 Windows encountered an unknown error. I am on Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 1. Any ideas?
Nate
Feb 02, 2015 @ 04:05:17
Excellent! perfect fix! Thanks
Dave
Jan 31, 2015 @ 09:45:02
Thank you for this fix. I was able to use windows update again. :)
kubikle
Jan 31, 2015 @ 09:10:32
Thank you very much! Step two worked perfectly.
clive
Jan 31, 2015 @ 01:13:35
Solution 2 works better if you stop the service, rename the folder and reboot.
If the service is not set to automatic, start it again after the reboot.
Daniel
Jan 29, 2015 @ 22:13:39
Thanks, solution2 worked fine.
sheik mohideen
Jan 28, 2015 @ 13:19:49
Thanks its working fine.
katie
Jan 27, 2015 @ 10:16:40
I had seen and tried what you have listed as solution 1 and other suggestions from various websites with no success. Then I found your site. Solution 2 was golden! The fail was on a laptop that had been powered off for months. After the folder rename, it is downloading 103 updates! Thanks a million!!!!!
Vivek Chakravarty
Jan 24, 2015 @ 12:07:02
Thanks A Lot……It works!
ash
Jan 21, 2015 @ 16:10:07
THANKS BUD. LUCK FOREVER TO YOU. WORKED BEAUTIFULLY. OMG:-) HAPPY:-)
Vin
Jan 18, 2015 @ 01:19:12
Manual solution is Perfect.
My problem got solved.
TwoSisters
Jan 17, 2015 @ 01:31:29
Solution 2 worked for us too! Thanks for such easy to follow directions to rid us of this this Windows Vista nightmare!
dheeraj goud
Jan 14, 2015 @ 11:26:17
thanx buddy…i have been tryng long time even ms website not given detail description like you
Chris
Jan 13, 2015 @ 19:10:46
Bravo! Thank you very much!!
jarda
Jan 10, 2015 @ 11:02:30
Many thank, it works now! Much appreciated Jarda
skyjumpr
Jan 10, 2015 @ 08:32:37
Awesome!!!! Solution 2 for me as well. Worked like a charm. Thanks, much appreciated.
G_lola
Jan 09, 2015 @ 23:56:37
Thanks for your support. This information was very important to repair the error. Worth mentioning that I had to combine and repeat solutions.
Best regards.
Lorraine
Jan 08, 2015 @ 23:25:42
Solution 2 worked for me too!!! I restarted as well, 147 updates downloading now! Thank you!!!
Rabinatrix^_
Jan 08, 2015 @ 01:30:44
Solution 2 works if you restart the PC once you have started the WU service.
Chris
Jan 03, 2015 @ 09:50:50
On solution 2, when right clicking the windows update, the option to "stop" is not accessible. Only the "start" is available, HELP!
lakonst
Jan 03, 2015 @ 12:26:02
So, this is your problem: Windows Update service is not started on your system. Windows Update must be started in order to download Windows Updates.
Marc
Jan 02, 2015 @ 23:38:22
Solution 2 works fine, thanks !
Marty
Jan 01, 2015 @ 10:45:31
Solution #2 worked perfectly. Thank-you so much!
veerabathiran
Dec 31, 2014 @ 09:15:03
It is working fine,Thanks
Dex
Dec 22, 2014 @ 17:10:48
I tried all of these "fixes" none of them worked.
Dennis
Dec 05, 2014 @ 15:29:43
Wow!!! This is the first fix I found that did the job. Solution 2 worked perfectly. Thanks so much for the help!!
gerrard
Dec 05, 2014 @ 13:42:00
Thanks. Dont know why the official micosoft answers that appear at the top of the search list cannot provide such simple fixes. Thank you so much
ChrisB
Dec 04, 2014 @ 20:00:34
Ran 'Fix It' "Problems installing recent updates" 'Not Fixed'. "Service registration is missing or corrupt" 'Fixed'. "Windows Update Error 0x80080005 (2014-12-04-T-12_23_33P) 'Fixed'.
Followed Solution 2 and received the following:
!Windows could not start the Windows Update service on Local Computer. Error 0x8007277a: The requested service provider could not be loaded or initialized.
lakonst
Dec 05, 2014 @ 18:17:35
@ChrisB: You have another problem that the described one. Try the following: Run Command Prompt as Administrator & execute the following commands:
1. Type "netsh winsock reset" (without quotes) & press Enter.
2. Type "netsh int ipv4 reset" (without quotes) & press Enter.
William
Dec 18, 2015 @ 03:33:16
This is the one that fixed it for me. There is also apparently an ipv6 that some computers use and need to be rest (but not mine).
Daz
Dec 23, 2015 @ 11:40:36
Tried allsorts of other solutions and got nowhere. This is what fixed it. Thanks mate :)
Tim
Jan 12, 2016 @ 08:31:56
This did the trick – I'm glad I scrolled down, thanks!
Lina
Mar 24, 2016 @ 11:28:12
I've tried all solution and the problems still remain. This one is fixed it. Thank you very much!! :D
lakonst
Mar 24, 2016 @ 19:53:48
@Lina: Glad to hear that. But which solution is fixed your problem?
Anu
May 18, 2016 @ 16:13:09
tried all sorts of fixing and problem still remains… But this one worked like a magic.. tq so much….
Dennis
May 29, 2016 @ 01:38:10
I cannot overstate how much I am grateful for this advice. After 4 days of me trying everything but in vain… It worked now!
Thank you man.
Yaser
Aug 30, 2016 @ 07:39:53
this one is the perfect solution… thanks
Lee
Oct 24, 2016 @ 17:49:26
Have tried all the above including the command prompt to no avail.
Method 2 didn't work even though I was logged on as admin, I still couldn't get around deleting or renaming the folder.
Anything else I could try as pulling my hair out now?
lakonst
Oct 25, 2016 @ 09:55:11
@Lee: 1. You have to stop the Windows Update service in order to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder. 2. Try to Enter Windows in Safe Mode and then then delete the folder.
Ann
Oct 13, 2017 @ 20:14:18
Hey same problem here. Even in safe mode, I couldn't stop widows update service. I was just never given that option. Did everything listed above & deleted the folder in safe mode but nothing has changed..
lakonst
Oct 16, 2017 @ 11:41:39
@Ann: Set the startup type to disabled and restart. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder, set the startup type to Automatic and restart. Check for updates.
Happy Camper
Dec 04, 2014 @ 08:31:51
Worked like a charm! Much appreciated!
Service Desk
Dec 03, 2014 @ 05:01:16
Thanks, it works.
moataz mahmoud
Nov 28, 2014 @ 06:18:39
dear mr, awesome, many thanks to you first one didnt work but second one was like magic :D .. thank you so much I wish I could donate but unfortunately I cant :(.. anyways keep it up and thanks again..
Mike
Nov 26, 2014 @ 19:37:27
The Microsoft Fix It process didn't resolve the issue, but the manual directions did. Thank you.
Sri
Nov 25, 2014 @ 21:02:23
Thank you verymuch. Solution 2 worked perfectly. After the folder rename it works perfectly.
Dickson
Nov 20, 2014 @ 11:15:18
thank you very much. that was very helpful
Tony
Nov 13, 2014 @ 15:57:35
Tried solution 2 but it still does not update.
Thanks anyway
Sybille Schaufler
Dec 10, 2014 @ 23:09:22
Reading yours and several other comments I started with solution 2. Step 1, c showed my Windows Update service as being disabled. All other options were grayed out. Note: This laptop runs Windows 7 Home Premium.
Next I tried Solution 1. This took some patience, as each step seemed to go on forever. I finally walked away to perform some tasks outside the office in between steps. After everything seemed complete it still wouldn't work.
I then powered down, waited a bit and restarted. Clicked on all programs, Windows update. It worked and found 150 important updates plus 5 optional ones. Downloading again took forever. With 0% completion. When I clicked on 'View update history' it showed a very long list of updates, but all had 'failed'.
The trouble shooter showed 1 step as not completed, with a new error message. When I followed up on this I found that my Internet Connection had gone down due to a hydro outage in the whole area.
I went away and did some shopping. Now here I am several hours later. After restarting the system I also found I needed to disable my firewall (Comodo). After that: I'm watching as 15 of 150 updates have completed. Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 7 is being installed right now.
The morale of it all: Have patience. Each step evidently may take a very long time. Go have a nice coffee break or whatever. Don't give up easily.
Hey it finished IE 11 and is installing update 16. Hurray and thanks a million.
Moncef Amdouni
Nov 13, 2014 @ 15:57:16
Dear madam sir,
Many thanks for your precious help
Best regards
RobHop
May 28, 2015 @ 15:38:06
Solution 2 fixed it first try. Thank you so much!!! Finally resolved after a few hours of head banging.
tiffy
Aug 04, 2016 @ 12:22:12
thank you!!!
exxerion35
Jul 18, 2017 @ 17:01:11
solution 2 works for me
Baya
Nov 12, 2017 @ 09:19:08
Thanks so much, solution 2 worked for me at first try. So glad
Claire
Dec 12, 2017 @ 22:06:24
Solution 2 worked for me too
Žarko-Serbia
Sep 08, 2016 @ 14:12:17
2nd solution it works for me! Thanks!!!
killer
Jan 14, 2017 @ 18:11:52
also for me
alnas
Jan 16, 2017 @ 17:13:38
me too
jeh!
Feb 22, 2017 @ 04:10:30
For me as well.
Connor DeGonda
Sep 17, 2017 @ 20:50:14
2nd worked thanks a ton
guy
Dec 04, 2017 @ 17:54:16
indeed thank you