6 Fixes For "We Could Not Complete The Install Because An Update Service Was Shutting Down" Error (2023)

Windows Update is a feature that enables Windows to scan for and install security and privacy updates. There are also Windows versions, as well as a lot more. Allowing Windows to download and install Windows updates automatically is an excellent idea. For the most part, it will keep your system error-free.

We could not complete the installation because an update service was shutting down error message

The error message “We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down” may appear to users. It prevents Windows machines from critical application updates required for safety and performance.

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What Causes Windows Update Error?

I’ve outlined the possible causes of this issue. This issue could happen for one of the following reasons:

Date and time.

Because of the incorrect date and time, Windows cannot keep track of security patch releases, resulting in this error.

Virus/Malware.

Viruses are notorious for corrupting system files, and there’s a good chance they’ve messed with Windows Update Service. It is an issue that arises from time to time and leads to problems such as the one at hand.

Application Records.

Corrupt application records can cause Windows Update errors by altering system files. It has been reported as a recurring issue with this error.

Other issues.

This updated issue could be caused by a recently installed application, setting, or another factor. In general, these types of root issues are challenging to locate.

Methods To Fix Cannot Update Windows Because Service Was Shutting Down

Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software
Fix Corrupted Windows Update Database
Repair Corrupted Windows Files
Restart Windows Update Service
Download The Most Recent Servicing Stack Update
Update Via ISO File

1. Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software

Third-party antivirus software may be at blame for the failure of the Windows 10 update to complete the installation. It may prevent Windows updates from being installed. You might try uninstalling third-party antivirus software.

Check if this fixed the Windows update installation error. Install the Windows 10 update once more after it has been installed the first time.

We’ll now teach you how to remove the third-party antivirus program.

Open the Control Panel.
Under the Programs section, select Uninstall a program.

Programs settings in Windows Control Panel

Select the antivirus software in the pop-up window and right-click it.
Then select Uninstall to get rid of the third-party antivirus program.

Restart your computer after reinstalling the third-party antivirus program. Restart Windows Update.
Check if the error stating we were unable to complete the installation due to an update service shutting down has been resolved.
If Windows Update was installed, you could now reinstall antivirus software on the computer.

2. Fix Corrupted Windows Update Database

The Windows Update Database may have become corrupted or damaged. As a result, no updates will be allowed to be installed on the system. You may need to repair the Windows Update Database here. To solve this issue, follow the steps below in the correct order:

With administrator privileges, open Command Prompt.
Type “Command Prompt” into the search bar.

Stop the Windows Update Services. Execute the below commands and press Enter after each one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Executing the Windows Update service related commands

Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder. Execute the following command and press Enter:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

(enter)

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Finally, to start Windows Update Services. Execute the following command and press Enter after each one:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Windows 10 will create a folder and download the files you’ll need to execute Windows Update services.

3. Repair Corrupted Windows Files

You can try repairing corrupted Windows Files. It will solve the error that Windows could not complete the installation of the Win 10 update. Both the DISM and System File Checker programs are necessary for this.

Now we’ll show you how to fix corrupted Windows files so you can set the Windows 10 update installation error.

As an administrator, open Command Prompt.
To continue, type the below command and press Enter.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

The command process could take several minutes to complete.
After that, type “sfc /scannow” into the command prompt and press Enter to proceed. The scanning procedure may take several minutes to finish.

Exit the command line window once you’ve finished.
After you’ve completed all of the steps, reboot your computer and rerun Windows Update.
Check whether the issue “We couldn’t finish the install because an update service was shutting down” has been resolved.

4. Restart Windows Update Service

Restarting Windows Update Services, according to users, helped them resolve the issue. Any unwanted configuration will be undone by continuing Windows Update Services. The user or an application makes these changes to the system. As a result, complete the steps below to restart Windows Update Services:

To enter the Run dialogue box, press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard together.
To proceed, type services.msc into the Run and click OK. It will launch Windows Services, which are usually started automatically when the computer starts up.
Scroll down in the Services box to find the Windows Update service. This service is in charge of reviewing, downloading, and installing Windows 10 updates.
Select Properties from the context menu by right-clicking on it. The properties window will open as a result of this.
Change the type of startup to Automatic, then click Start, Apply, and OK. It will allow Windows on your PC to automatically begin updating.
Restart your PC and perform Windows Update once again.
Check to see whether the issue has been resolved. If it isn’t, move on to the next option.

5. Install The Latest Servicing Stack Update

Fix the problem that an update service was shutting down, preventing us from finishing the installation. You might try downloading the latest servicing stack update on the machine. You must determine if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

I’ll teach you how to figure out what Windows version you’re running. Also, How to get the servicing stack update?

To launch Settings, press the Windows key and the I key at the same time.
Then select System.
From the left panel, scroll down to learn more about About.
Choose System Type under Device Specifications on the right panel. Check what Windows version you’re running.
Go to the Microsoft Update catalog. Install the latest servicing stack update KB4456655 that corresponds to your Windows version.

Then, on your computer, install it.
Restart your computer and run the Check for Updates utility once more.
Check if the error stating we could not complete the installation due to an update service shutting down has been resolved.

6. Update Via ISO File

This Windows update installation error can be resolved using the techniques listed above. If not, you can use the ISO file to update Windows 10.

Download and install Windows Media Creation Tool.
Then, on your PC, run it.
Continue by following the on-screen wizard.
Choose to Create an installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC on the What do you want to do page.
After that, select the Language, Windows Version, and Architecture options.
Next, select the type of media storage device. You must select the ISO file here.
Then, to continue, follow the wizard’s directions and wait patiently.
You must mount the ISO file when it has been successfully created.
Go to the location wherever you have saved the ISO file. Select Properties from the right-click options of the ISO file.
After that, go to the General option and select Change. To open the ISO file, select Windows Explorer and then click Apply.
Mount the ISO file by right-clicking it.
To see the files included in the ISO file, double-click it.
Then double-click setup.exe to begin the Windows 10 installation process.
You may have upgraded Windows 10 after completing all procedures.

Conclusion

“We could not install because an update service was shutting down” is a standard error. Follow all the methods given above to fix the issue with the windows update.

FAQs

How Do You Fix We Could Not Complete The Install Because An Update Service Was Shutting Down?

Fix the problem that an update service was shutting down. It prevents from finishing the installation. You might try downloading and installing the servicing stack update on your machine. You must determine if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

Why Are There Problems Installing Updates?

On Windows 10, you won’t be able to install an update. Run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool. The DISM program aids in the recovery of corrupted Windows files. Corruption problems, such as a corrupted system file, prevent Windows Updates from installing.

Do Not Install Updates When Shutting Down?

By clicking any vacant desktop area or typing Windows+D on your keyboard, ensure the desktop has focus. Then click Alt+F4 to bring up the Windows Shut Down dialogue box. Select “Shut down” from the drop-down list to shut down without installing updates.

Can You Shut Down Without Updating Windows 10?

Type “cmd,” right-click Command Prompt. Select Run as an administrator in your start menu. To permit it, select Yes. Enter the following command: shutdown /p, then press Enter. Without installing or processing any updates, your computer should now shut down instantly.